Celebrations as Peterborough's family-run General and Medical marks 30th anniversary

Staff at General and Medical outside their office in Orton Wistow, Peterborough. EMN-180917-135908009

General and Medical Group was founded by David Wildman after he spotted a niche in the market.

Mr Wildman, whose background is in banking and finance, said: “I thought I could offer a more rounded and better service. I could be different and I saw a gap in the market.

“I had just a phone and fax at home in Oundle and decided to go for it.”

From left, David Wildman, chief executive, Gillian Close, finance director, and Philip Wildman, associate director. EMN-180917-135920009

Three decades later the business is housed in smart offices in Napier Place, Orton Wistow - bought from Persimmon Homes in 1988 - and employs 50 staff.

It also has offices in London - headed by Mr Wildman’s son Philip to deal with business in Europe - and in Guernsey and Texas.

Mr Wildman, who runs the company with his wife Gillian, said: “I never had a business plan. If we’d had one we would never have reached 30 years.

“The world is changing fast and you have to be prepared to evolve your business.”

The business began by offering finance and insurance brokerage providing leasing and hire purchase contracts on medical and dental equipment. Five years later its main focus was Private Medical Insurance and last year General and Medical achieved Lloyd’s accreditation.

Mr Wildman said: “A major challenge was, and is, to stand out from the industry giants. We offer a much more personal service, but it is difficult getting that message out.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved. We have strong plans and aspirations making the next 30 years an exciting time.”

The icing on the cake of the anniversary celebrations has been the company’s inclusion in the prestigious Parliamentary Review which showcases a select number of companies across the UK and overseas.