Busy first year for Poppy Nursing Services

A SUFFOLK business is marking its first birthday after moving into a new office.

The team from Poppy Nursing Services have moved from a tiny workroom in Woodbridge to a large open-plan space in the Masterlord Office Village, Ipswich.

Managing director and nurse Claire Woodman, who set up the business with accountant Kelly-Anne Byres, said: “It seems to be a fitting way to mark a very special birthday.

“Our first year in business has been a whirlwind and we have grown faster than we expected. We knew there was a gap in the market for our services in East Anglia but we have been bowled over by how well we have been received.”

Claire had a decade of experience working for the NHS before she started the agency, which provides nurses and care assistants to hospital trusts and care homes nationwide.

Last month Claire and Kelly-Anne opened a second branch of the business in Nottingham. They have a third planned for Southampton.

The Suffolk branch now serves 30 hospitals, NHS trusts and care homes across the region.

“We have received some really glowing recommendations about our staff,” said the mother of three. “But this is because we have a rigorous interview system and only take on the very best nurses.

“Our staff benefit from excellent rates of pay, bonus schemes and on-the-job training. Our customers benefit from care which is second to none.”

Poppy Nursing Services is aiming to launch a big recruitment drive with an open day planned to showcase their new office and meet potential recruits.