Warwickshire start-up set for a gallop with Chamber support
Warwickshire horse physiotherapy start-up EquiBetter is breaking into a gallop, thanks to free business support from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Established in 2023 by Gemma Howell, the company has received help from the Chamber, via the Start-up programme which offers one to one bespoke business advice and also online and face-to-face workshops that is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Warwickshire County Council and the five district and borough councils.
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It also resulted in a £10,000 Government-backed loan and grant funding through Stratford-on-Avon district council that helped the company make the investments needed.
"I always knew I wanted to work with horses, when an opportunity arose after the birth of my son, I gave it my all and followed the path to where I am today," said Howell.
"It’s been a long road, but I am really pleased with where we are now and the services we offer.
"We’re already attracting lots of clients – the livery service is proving to be very popular. We provide regular physiotherapy services for our equine inpatients and outpatients. We also have a human clinic on site, which enables us to work riders and people in the local area to help them recover from musculoskeletal injuries.
"The support from the Chamber has been invaluable. Sarah Humphreys was assigned to me as a mentor and she was a huge help and was someone in my corner telling me I could do it, which is what I needed to hear," she added.
"I also completed social media and marketing workshops which have been beneficial too. When you are in the position of starting a business, the more help and information you can get, the better.
"And, of course, having help in accessing funding was massive. It was at a point where I needed to be able to invest in the property and equipment so that has made a huge difference to where we are today."
Equibetter is also partnering with the local College, Moreton Morrell, to offer student placements for those studying equine management and veterinary physiotherapy. It is currently supporting its first student on placement.
Councillor Martin Watson, portfolio holder for economy at Warwickshire county council, said: "It’s great to see the range of support provided to Equibetter, supporting Gemma to build her business.
"The tailored support and help to access funding allowed Gemma to invest in the property and equipment and expand her business offering."
