With 23-years’ experience working as a physiotherapist, Tim has a passion for innovation and business. Having personally founded a number of successful businesses, including physiotherapy clinics, apps and two software platforms, Tim enrolled as a mentor on the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur programme in 2020.
Name: Tim Allardyce
Occupation: Physiotherapist and founder of Surrey Physio and Hoop Industries.
I originally started working as a physiotherapist in 2000 and qualified as an osteopath in 2002. In 2017 I also became a non-medical prescriber and an injection therapist. I have worked with the top athletes and supported 6 Olympic games. In 2018, I enrolled onto the NHS CEP as a cohort 3 clinical entrepreneur.
Why did you choose to become a mentor on the NHS CEP, are you enjoying the experience and how have you supported your mentee/s so far?
I have personally had a significant amount of mentoring and support from the NHS CEP and therefore my goal is to give back. I love seeing people do well, and through my experience with successes and mistakes, I feel that I am well placed to help new entrepreneurs consider pit falls and risks around businesses.
My first mentoring experience was 2 years ago, when I was asked to support a start-up physiotherapy application and I enjoyed the experience so much, I decided to become a permanent mentor.
I find mentoring enjoyable, but you also need to be focussed and in the moment. It can be challenging to keep track of the ideas and plans of an entrepreneur. My mentees have always been appreciative and grateful for the time invested in them. Being a mentor is best suited to someone who is not chasing their tail and there’s a time when it will feel right to be a mentor.
The main support provided to mentees is time, advice, and guidance. Time is one of the most valuable assets, when used well. If I can provide an hour of my time which gives the mentee a great suggestion to improve his/her business, then it’s been worth it.
What do you think makes a good mentor and can you see the impact that mentoring is having on your mentee?
Insight and experience are two good qualities of a mentor. The best mentors are usually the ones who walk the walk, rather than talk the talk. These are usually individuals who have real-world experience with both failure and successes, and someone who has grafted.
My sessions with mentees help to motivate them, keep them focussed, and holds them to a level of accountability.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
The best piece of advice I have been given in my professional career is to recognise that everything is a golden opportunity.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a mentor with the NHS CEP?
Just do it!
Tim Allardyce is one of over 300 professionals that volunteer there support to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and support our next generation of innovators. If you are interested in supporting the programme visit our mentor pages
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
