Alison Harvey has started an Independent Speech and Language Therapy clinic in Garrett Street, Attleborough, thanks to help from the Coventry-based Regional Women’s Enterprise Unit (RWEU).

She works with those aged between two and 16 who have a wide range of communication difficulties. It includes those who have a hearing or visual impairment or a physical condition such as Cerebral Palsy, which affects their communication skills.

“The RWEU has been great,” Alison said. “They gave me the confidence I needed when setting up my own business. I would definitely recommend their services to others who are thinking about setting up in business.

“My business advisor helped me put together a business plan and consider a wide range of areas that I hadn’t previously considered.

“The help and support I have received from RWEU has been invaluable and I know I am doing the right thing.”

The graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University, with a BSc in Speech Pathology and Therapy, has over 11 years of experience. She has worked for the NHS in Bedfordshire, a Government funded organisation that serviced local schools in New Zealand and a school run by the Royal National Institute For The Blind in Warwickshire.

“I now work independently which means I can offer more flexible hours and attend after-school or Saturday appointments either at my clinic in Attleborough or at my client’s home or school,” Alison said.

“It is a great deal more flexible and that helps my clients. Sometimes children work better in different environments and if we can work in a way that suits the parents and their child, there is better progress all round.

“As an independent therapist I have a smaller caseload which means I can offer more time and services to my clients on an on-going basis or short term. This is very rewarding.

“I have absolutely no regrets about starting my own business. I love it.”

Jane Hill, from the RWEU, said women considering starting a new business should get in touch.

“Our free business advice service is ideal for women who need help to get their business idea off the ground or those who are running an existing business and maybe need help with expansion, recruiting staff or developing new products and services,” she said.

“We offer a range of training and business advice services ranging from writing business plans to networking.

“Alison found our regular meetings helped to keep her focused on her aims and the structure of her company and she now has a solid foundation in place to continue taking her business forward.”

The RWEU can be contacted on 024 7623 6111 or by email at admin@wbda.co.uk