Two dental practitioners who studied together at university have been reunited in a new healthcare business venture in Bradford.

John Sinclair and Matt Parrot were dentistry students together at Leeds University 20 years ago before going their separate ways in the profession. They have now become business partners at a Bradford dental practice in which they are looking to expand through further investment.

Backed by a £130,000 loan from Lloyds TSB Commercial’s healthcare banking team, the duo have taken over the Leeds Road Dental Practice. Their plans include adding a third surgery and eventually introducing cosmetic surgery treatment.

The reunion came about after John left the Leeds practice where he had been working and joined Matt, who had worked at Leeds Road Dental for 15 years, through buying out a previous partner who retired.

The partners are now setting plans in motion to invest further in the practice, which serves nearly 2,000 NHS and private patients.

John said: “Qualifying only two years apart and both having worked in the Yorkshire area, Matt and I have similar experience in the sector and so are extremely well-matched to go into business together.

“In addition to our experience, we have very similar views on how the practice should be run. We both have young families and are both very keen to keep the practice family-orientated and child-friendly, and fought hard to keep our contract for NHS treatment for children.

“The funding and support from Lloyds TSB Commercial was absolutely vital, without which I wouldn’t have been able to buy into the practice.”

Steve Midgley, Lloyds TSB healthcare banking consultant in Yorkshire, said: “After beginning their careers studying together, it’s great to see two friends furthering their development by taking on the dental practice as business partners.

“Their future plans will not only benefit Leeds Road Dental, but also the general Bradford community as a service to the surrounding area. By taking on new patients, more of the local community will have access to the dental care that they need.

“At Lloyds TSB Commercial, our healthcare banking team has in-depth experience of the dental sector and works closely with our customers to provide the funding and guidance to allow them to achieve their expansion goals.”