Our Town Interview with Angela Buillard-Meaden
Why did you decide to start your own business in South Woodham?
As I drove into South Woodham on a sunny but cold afternoon in February 1986, I had no idea that nearly forty years later I would still be here, proud clinic owner, mum, grandmother and fiction author.
My first impression was raw. A long high brick wall, unbroken by plants or trees on either side of the road and the new gardens barely established. But look at what the community here has made—a garden town vibrant with colour.
How did you market your business initially?
My early years as a physio had been spent in London, Geneva and Sydney, so I came here with no contacts and build Essex Physio Clinic from the ground up on a shoestring budget with a large bank loan. My first welcome came from John Cormack and from Mrs Govani as we shared premises in the town square—both convinced me I had done the right thing and was joining a dedicated team of healthcare providers in the town. No social media or mobile phones back then, so to become known I made appointments to visit the local GP’s, Orthopaedic Consultants and any speaking venue that would have me—sports clubs, the WI, Coffee Pot, Rotary to name but a few. Gradually patients began to trickle in and to make ends meet I covered lunchtime shifts in the local hospital and taught post-graduate courses on most weekends.
What is the hardest part of being a business owner?
Long weeks and tight finances, not helped by the shock of a sudden interest rate hike (sounds familiar!) had me teetering on the brink of disaster—and I think the hardest thing about being in business is the unexpected things, outside your control, which can impact all your carefully laid plans and hard work. But if you love your career, care deeply about your clients, and have a vision for the future, you dust yourself off and keep going. There aren’t many overnight success stories—building trust and connections takes time and hard work, but it is so worthwhile. I have treated three generations of some families, seen kids become professional dancers, elite athletes, and international gymnasts, watched our work experience students become physios, doctors, lawyers and parents themselves and shared in the everyday joys and sorrows of so many lives. We have gone through some boxes of tissues in our time!
Are you a hands on boss?
I have always loved integrating traditional and holistic therapies and so added acupuncture, reiki and coaching to my physiotherapy skills over the years. I’m a hands-on boss and love bringing into the clinic therapists from different backgrounds so that we can offer the widest possible skillset, ranging from sports massage to muscle and joint problems, respiratory care to Pilates or work-related issues. I’ve always believed in wellness as well as health and have seen over the years how much stress leads to emotional and physical issues, this made coaching a natural progression for me to help people thrive.
At what point do you look at your business and consider it a success?
A health business doesn’t run with clinicians alone and I have been blessed with an amazing admin team some of whom have been with me from the early days. Apart from keeping us in order and the bills paid, they are so kind and helpful to all our clients, dispensing tea, sympathy and a warm welcome. We’ve had patients pop in just for ten minutes peace, to share a grief or to exchange a recipe. I like that we are part of the community in that way.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
South Woodham is blessed with so much countryside nearby which I enjoy walking with my dogs, and I like that it is also close to facilities such as theatre, cinema and shops. In fact as I close this piece, I’m off to watch a dance show in Southend as a long time Strictly fan. Has Essex Physio Clinic changed over the years, yes, it’s grown, modernised, and diversified. Would I change anything about my business journey—probably not, there have been tough times, but sometimes we learn and grow more from them, than when things are easy. In five years’ time I’m hoping to have taken a back seat and am proud to see my son, Jamie ready to take up the reins.
Angela Buillard-Meaden
www.essexphysio.co.uk
Instagram: @essexphysio
Facebook: @essexphysio