Last week, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, Cllr Paulette Lappin and Bootle MP Peter Dowd visited two local businesses that have been supported by InvestSefton-the council’s business growth and investment team.

At Pro-Med Health & Derma Centre on Bootle’s Stanley Road, they met Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jo McIntyre and her team.

Community Support

Pro-Med Health & Derma Centre provides healthcare consultations, prescription services and diagnostics and health screening services for over 18s. Jo has established links to offer services free through with local charities and community centres to offer services.

InvestSefton supported Jo in completing her business plan and projections and with a successful funding application for the refurbishment of her premises in a former wedding shop. The team continues to support the business in its development.

After her visit, Cllr Lappin said: “It was great to see this exciting new business and the work they have done to create this health hub in Bootle, I am delighted InvestSefton and River Capital have combined to help bring Jo’s vision to life”.

Peter Dowd MP said: “I was so impressed by this new facility and Jo and her team’s desire to set up in Bootle; what they offer complements and supports our NHS services”.

Expertise and guidance

Jo said: “Pro-Med Health & Derma was created to support patients in accessing healthcare when they need it the most and offers an alternative to a booking an NHS GP appointment.

“Invest Sefton have supported Pro-Med from the outset. Colin Hickey guided us through the whole process from the initial business planning stage to financial forecasts and projections. Eventually they helped us to also secure financial support to carry out the refurbishment of the premises.

“Invest Sefton have continued with the support beyond planning phase and are always happy to guide us in our future planning. We look forward to maintaining our business relationship in the future and are extremely grateful for their expertise and guidance.”

Support to grow

Second visit of the day was to Customise Your Wheels Ltd on Bootle’s Bridge Street, where they met owner and manager Leon Moffet.

Customise Your Wheels employs six staff and specialises in alloy wheels refurbishment and customised designs. The company working as an approved supplier to main car dealerships including Jaguar Land Rover and BMW.

Leon believes in investing in training, and upskilling young local people.

InvestSefton initially helped Customise Your Wheels relocate 10 years ago and has maintained the relationship including with a move to larger premises and investment in new equipment. They have also helped the company secure a grant to help grow the business and reduce emissions.

Cllr Lappin said: “Firstly, I was impressed at the cleanliness of the facility and how smooth the entire process was from start to finish.

“It is great to see such a highly trained and skilled business in Bootle, again I am pleased InvestSefton has continued to support their growth.”

Peter Dowd MP said: “The fact that the business has been in operation for over 10 years, working through some extremely tough economic challenges along the way, is remarkable and testimony to Leon and his team’s commitment to excellence in skills and training.”

Leon said: “It was a challenge investing in new premises during Covid and expanding our business, but we had confidence in our customer base and demand for our products.

“Julie Swarbrick and InvestSefton have been invaluable in supporting our growth and helping us with our business expansion plan.”