Health firm to double staff after service expansion

A fast-growing health services business has unveiled plans to double its headcount by 2026. 

UK Independent Medical (UKIM) - based at Sunderland's Rainton Bridge Business Park - is set to grow its staff base by 180, taking its total number of employees to 360 in two years' time. 

The business, which was founded in 2003, initially offered independent medical assessments before diversifying into occupational health services, something it now delivers for clients operating in an array of sectors from sport to manufacturing.  

The rapid expansion of the occupational health services offered by UKIM, alongside continued growth in its original business area, is driving the company's ambitious plans for development, which has been bolstered by the acquisition of two occupational health practices - one based in Carlisle and the other in Northamptonshire.  

The business intends to grow its base in Sunderland to support its growth, as well as expand its footprint across the UK, with plans to acquire more firms in different parts of the country.  UKIM is also expanding its services, looking to support SMEs in embedding occupational health services. 

Ian Scanlan, managing director of UKIM, said: "Occupational health is about enablement, about supporting employers to work with their team and ensure they're well enough to remain in the workplace.  While it is commonplace to have this service in larger firms, it's tended to be out of reach for SMEs.  We can see an opportunity to create services and support which changes that - and with that, we are looking to grow our own business."

UKIM has launched an on-demand occupational health solution that aims to help SMEs to access occupational health support as and when they need it.  The company - which currently offers medical services to the legal, insurance, education, local authority, blue light, and automotive manufacturing sectors - wants to remove barriers for small businesses, in turn supporting the economy. 

Alan Ballard, UKIM Partnership Director, said: "It's an exciting time for the business, as we continue to bring ground-breaking mental health and workplace wellness products to the market.

"We have just taken a further step in our aim to support the UK economy by keeping people in work or facilitating a return to work after absence with the launch of UKIM Occupational Health On-Demand. We have designed this solution to remove the barriers to accessing occupational health assistance and provide the SME sector with OH and mental health support for their employees as and when they need it.  It's a great opportunity for businesses to tap into our support, and for us to grow our own business in the process."

The firm has been supported from its very early stages through to  its expansion plans by Sunderland City Council's Business Investment Team, which works to secure the growth of the city's economy by attracting, retaining and supporting businesses that call Sunderland home. 

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "We are an ambitious city, and our role as a local authority is to create conditions in which businesses can thrive. 

"UKIM is a brilliant, entrepreneurial business, that started in the North East, but is growing its presence nationally.  We're proud to support them with this exciting new chapter."