Based in York, with clinics in Acomb and Selby, York Podiatry provides lower limb care to residents across the city and wider area, offering a wide range of services from diabetic foot checks to biomechanics assessments.
We caught up with Rebecca Hargreaves, founder of York Podiatry, to explore how signing up to the Good Business Charter (GBC) is helping this healthcare business put its best foot forward.
1 of the 10 components required for GBC membership is a commitment to environmental responsibility and continually improving their sustainable practices – Rebecca highlights this as "one of the biggest things for us as a business."
As well as taking steps towards becoming as paper-free as possible, one of the ways in which York Podiatry has demonstrated this commitment is by investing in 3D printing technology to produce orthotic insoles, a step which helps reduce waste.
Rebecca believes that being part of the GBC has helped her business win new clients as membership helps customers identify York Podiatry as a business with an ethical outlook.
Rebecca Hargreaves, founder of York Podiatry, says:
Having that [GBC] logo on our webpage helps people make decisions around businesses that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint…
“It shows potential new patients coming into your business that you are a mindful employer and a mindful business more generally.”
The biggest benefit of GBC membership for Rebecca’s business, though, has been its impact on workplace culture.
Fair pay and employee wellbeing are two of the Charter’s ten components and are also key cornerstones of York Podiatry’s business ethos.
Rebecca credits the GBC with providing a useful framework to help the business create a positive and transparent workplace culture. Rebecca says:
Our staff know that if they have any problems they will get addressed really quickly. They’re aware that they’re working in a place that’s a safe place to speak out.
Rebecca says:
We pay salaries that are proportionate to the jobs that we do – we try and pay what people deserve to be paid. The Good Business Charter shows your team your commitment to them’, resulting in increased staff loyalty and lower turnover.
This is particularly vital in the podiatry sector, as the industry is experiencing low numbers of new graduates and trainees entering the profession, while many experienced podiatrists are approaching retirement, making it more important than ever to create friendly, positive workplaces which reduce staff turnover.