David Stevens - Managing Director, Peacocks Medical Group
Tell us about your role at Peacocks Medical Group?
My role is to develop strategic direction for our 140 strong team, operating nationally. I am responsible for overseeing the delivery of our business objectives and to continue the legacy and culture the Peacocks family created, which is to offer outstanding care and service for our patients and customers, as well as providing a rewarding, safe and healthy working environment for our fantastic staff. I also ensure we are continuously evolving so we stay ahead in our industry and within an ever-changing NHS landscape; embracing a move towards the enhanced technology and data driven world which is emerging within healthcare.
What’s your proudest business achievement?
Whilst we have grown the business by over 40% in the past three years, as I have got older, achievements and pride are not just about profit or winning awards, but about the purpose of what we’re here to do and the impact our work has on patient lives. I am immensely proud of our talented staff who often deliver life changing results on a daily basis.
What challenges have you encountered?
We have a saying in the Leadership Team at Peacocks that there are no challenges, only opportunities for improvement; a mind-set which certainly helps on the very challenging days! Orthotics is a tough industry to be in. We are the Cinderella service, sometimes ignored, little understood and often forgotten about, but we transform lives every day; whether that is a young child with an acute condition such as cerebral palsy, or an elderly person who needs our footwear to enable them to walk for daily exercise.
Orthotics is a vital healthcare treatment, not only does it enable people to better function and improve quality of life, but it also saves the NHS and society millions of pounds every year by preventing conditions such as diabetic ulcerations from worsening or improving bio-mechanic function, allowing improved mobility and pain management.
It is a huge challenge for the whole of the Orthotics industry to better convey, with good evidence and data, the value of what we do.
How has the industry changed since you arrived at the company?
The industry is constantly evolving, and there is a need to provide evidence to demonstrate the value of what we offer to the NHS and customers, not only through patient care but with solid data and financial justification. As a clinical business, there has always been a focus on patient care from a qualitative and personal experience point of view. Now, quite rightly, it must be justified through data and patient outcomes. There has also been a significant move towards enhanced digitisation and automation, both in clinical and manufacturing functions, where advancements in scanning and software are being used alongside traditional methods of working.
Who are your heroes in and out of business?
Elon Musk is the best example of somebody who defines entrepreneurship. There are no boundaries to his aspiration or imagination. I also find Colin Peacock inspirational; not only from a business perspective, but in dealing with his son Chris’, illness and finding purpose and positivity during that time by founding the North East Children’s Cancer Run/Charity, which Chris has ably picked up and it goes from strength to strength.
Is there a mantra you always aspire to do business by?
You are only as good as your team and be authentic.
How do you like to unwind?
Spending time with family and friends first and foremost. I am also a golf fanatic and in my next life plan to be a professional!
