For someone who started her business more by default than design Laurel Knight has surprised herself by landing a number of highly prestigious contracts to provide first aid cover for major events – including The Ryder Cup.
Laurel, who lives in Llangefni on Anglesey, set up Medic1 – a private ambulance company that provides medical cover for events and first aid training – less than a year ago.
In that short time she has beaten off stiff competition from established companies to win the high profile contract to provide first aid cover for spectators attending this year’s Ryder Cup in Newport and just completed a contract for the UK tour of Holiday on Ice. Other clients include The Celtic Manor Wales Open golf tournament.
Laurel is delighted by this success but explained her new business started by chance.
“I have experience of event management and previously worked at major golf tournaments for other companies so when asked if I could provide first aid cover for an event in three weeks time my husband confidently told them I could.
“I didn’t have a business and didn’t even have a sticking plaster! He persuaded me I could do it and I had just three weeks to set up Medic 1, buy an ambulance, get all the necessary equipment, uniforms, insurance cover and staff.
“I don’t know how I did it, but I did and certainly would not have had the courage to start the business without this push – but I love the work and being so busy.”
Laurel admits the business side of the venture has involved a steep learning curve but had invaluable help from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Flexible Support for Business programme, which contracts Menter Mon to provide business start-up support on Anglesey.
“I had absolutely amazing support with help and advice on a wide range of areas about starting a business and what to do and what not to do. I wouldn’t have known where to start without their help.”
That rapid start has been replicated in the rapid growth of the business. Medic 1 now has a fleet of ambulances and a stand by crew of up to 100 local people.
Medic 1 now provides ambulance services, patient transfers, first aid and Health and Safety training, and offers an emergency delivery for organ transplants across the country.
Although Medic 1 is working in an extremely competitive market, Laurel puts her success down to meticulous planning and delivery.
