Complementary therapies business launched by graduates

 

Jenny Vann, 21, of Walsall, Yadwinder Padda, 27, of Wednesfield, and Michelle McAuley, 28, of Finchfield, were flooded with inquiries when they launched a clinic for staff during their third year at the University.

 

Now the trio, who all graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Complementary Therapies from the School of Health in September, are setting up their business, Natural Therapeutic Touch, after receiving help from a University initiative.

 

SPEED (Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in EDucation) offers students from any course the opportunity to start their own business alongside their studies. Students have access to experienced mentoring support, tailored training and networking opportunities, plus full control of their own budgeting decisions.

 

Yadwinder said: “Setting up our own business is a dream come true. It has given us the opportunity to put our skills forward in a growing area. Society is changing and people are looking for alternatives and not just using the traditional treatments. We offer aromatherapy treatments, which can help with stress, insomnia, respiratory problems, aches and pain and other common ailments.

 

“The University course really helped us to gain an insight into our subject, and we were also able to study a module about setting up and maintaining your own business. Setting up the clinic at the University last year was a big confidence boost and it has been nice to be able to set the business up with friends.”

 

Steve Moore, SPEED Project Manager, said: “Wolverhampton has just appointed its 90th student to the SPEED programme, completing its target for the two-year programme. I’m delighted that we have attracted students so successfully from across our Schools and campuses and it is great to see three of our graduates establishing their own business.”

 

The new business will be based at Beechwood House Medical Centre in Summerfield Road, Wolverhampton, on Friday, February 1. It will be open on Monday and Friday evenings and all day on Saturdays. For further information, contact 07958 291 112 or email naturaltherapeutictouch@hotmail.co.uk

Picture: Jenny Vann receiving a massage from Michelle McAuley, with colleague Yadwinder Padda.

 

For more information, contact Vickie Woodward in the Press Office on 01902 322736 or 07973 335112.

 

Ref: 4115/28/1/08/VW

Date Issued: Monday, 28 January 2008