Support group takes strain of sports therapist
A £1,000 Covid-19 business recovery grant awarded will help take the strain off sports therapist, Stuart Houston.
Stuart, who owns Chester-le-Street based, Therapy4U, received the cash from the Open North Foundation.
Stuart, 58, specialises in tendon, joint and muscles conditions and is only allowed to open for emergency appointments.
He aims to use the grant to purchase a laser machine.
Private sector-led, not-for profit company, Open North Foundation was established last summer to help small firms in the North East looking to recover from the pandemic.
The cash for the grants are donated by North East companies and individuals in the region and it also provides inkind support such as marketing, HR and finance.
Stuart, said: “The past year has had a devastating impact on the business, as I have been forced to close on three occasions now.
"Even when lockdowns have been eased and I have been allowed to resume work fully, the business has significantly under-performed as the majority of my clients are over 55 and shielding.”
“The laser machine will treat numerous ailments and I will be ready to treat clients with state of the art technology when my door finally opens.”
Richard Swart, Open North Foundation chair, said:
“We exist to support North East businesses that have a strong future post-covid.
“Any businesses or organisations that is in a position to pledge financial and/or service support, can join us in our fight to secure the future of local firms.”
Further information at www.opennorthfoundation. co.uk