Chairman’s Statement
"We remain focused on executing our strategy to be the largest vertically integrated dental services business in Europe."
A year of great change
I am pleased to report that this year has again been another strong year for the group.
It now has two distinct divisions with patient services comprising the mydentist practices which now number over 650 and practice services with the Dental Directory and Dental Buying Group (DBG) businesses.
A key part of our strategy was implemented with the successful launch in late-2014 of the mydentist brand. We are aiming to have all of our practices branded mydentist by mid-2016. To date, the re-branding has progressed with extremely positive feedback from our patients, customers, clinicians and staff. At the same time the mydentist estate has continued to deliver NHS services, complimented by strong growth in private dentistry.
In practice services, Mark Stephenson joined as the new COO and is now progressing with the integration of the two businesses whilst at the same time invigorating and promoting the Dental Directory and DBG brands and developing new product ranges and services. We will continue to build our indirect business through practice services and in due course look to diversify into other service sector channels.
Outlook
We are Europe’s largest vertically integrated dental business, and we will remain focused on delivering the best possible patient care, highest clinical standards and a comprehensive choice of treatment through our growing UK practice network. This will be underpinned by investment in continuing our practice growth as well as in those areas that support scalable and efficient delivery of excellent service to both patients and our customers in both divisions.
Finally, on behalf of the board, I would like to thank everyone across the group for their continued commitment and passion during a year that marks a further successful step in the overall transformation and development of the group.
PAUL PINDAR
NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Annual Walker Report 2015