A family-run dental group that has transformed seven practices across Cambridgeshire and the Home Counties has secured a seven-figure refinance package from Unity Trust Bank to support its continued growth.

Chartered accountant Dipen Shah and his wife Bindi Shah, a dentist, bought their first practice in Hertfordshire in 2004. The surgery was run down, but through significant investment and expansion into a neighbouring building, the couple doubled its footprint and installed state-of-the-art equipment.

Dipen said: “We like buying practices to turn them around — practices that have suffered from missed opportunities. Back in 2004, most dentists were still paper based. We were among the first to invest in digital technology, which really set us apart. We knew dentistry had to change from being a cottage industry. It needed to modernise and offer better services and facilities for patients. We’ve continued to invest heavily in all our practices, both in refurbishment and the latest equipment. We’ve built a loyal patient base by focusing on prevention, efficiency and attention to detail. Our philosophy is simple: prevention is better than intervention. We aim to give our patients the best possible care, and our satisfaction rates reflect that.”

Dental Surgery Group cares for more than 70,000 active patients, the majority of whom are NHS patients. All seven practices are still accepting new NHS patients through the NHS waiting list, due to overwhelming demand.

The group employs 45 staff and a similar number of self-employed clinicians. It has expanded its team of specialists to deliver a wider range of services, and every practice has a hygienist providing preventative care and oral health advice for adults and children.

With plans to add further locations to the portfolio, the couple decided to refinance with Unity, a UK business bank that provides bank accounts and loans to organisations that deliver positive social impact.

Dipen said: “At our previous bank, we were a small fish in a big pond. Unity’s rates were just as competitive, but what really made the difference was the relationship. Our relationship manager, Martin Leake, was the big pull. We’d worked with him at a previous bank. He’s seen our business grow and understands it inside out. We’re a family-run business and we like the way Unity looks after customers like us. We have an open-door policy, and so does Unity. Being able to pick up the phone and speak to Martin whenever we need to is incredibly refreshing.”

Martin Leake, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “As a business bank with a mission to build a better society, we are committed to supporting organisations that make a positive impact. Frontline healthcare providers like dentists play a crucial role in local communities and help to improve people’s overall health and wellbeing. Dipen and Bindi have a wealth of experience in the dental sector and a proven track record of delivering first-class service and facilities to patients. We are delighted to support their continued growth.”

Find out more about how Unity supports dental practices here.