Name and role: Dr Aneesha Ahmad, GP and Medical Director of Skyn Doctor, Huddersfield
Company: Skyn Doctor
Sector: Medical and aesthetics.
Describe what your business does?
As Yorkshire’s premier cosmetic skin clinic, its philosophy is simple; safe and effective medically approved treatments, tailored to your individual needs, and led by qualified doctors.
Personally, I have interest in cosmetic dermatology and have a wide depth of knowledge regarding all skin conditions and laser treatments. As an advanced cosmetic injector, I have a particular interest in structural restoration and reversal of the ageing process.
How many staff do you employ?
5
What does your role entail?
I’m a GP principal at a Huddersfield-based surgery, serving a busy inner-city population of 5500 patients. I’m also the safeguarding and clinical governance lead, along with supervising medical students and GP registrars in training.
Alongside my NHS work, I’m the Medical Director of Skyn Doctor and this involves researching new treatments to offer our patients – I always ensure our treatments are evidence based and medical where possible. I’m responsible for teaching staff, ensuring our quality of service remains high and patients are treated for the right reasons. I also personally carry out injectable treatments and also skin consultations.
What attracted you to start/operate your business in Huddersfield?
The business is in central Huddersfield which is close to where we live, so it’s only a short commute, and we decided to operate the Skyn Doctor business above our GP surgery.
It’s a friendly and welcoming town and the area has good connections to the M62 and MI which makes it easily accessible for our clients who travel from Leeds and Manchester – and those even further afield!
Name some of your biggest business achievements:
As a team we’re proud to have been recognised through a number of industry awards, and to succeed in such a competitive industry, is to maintain dedication to it.
We’ve invested in new technology – the first in the area to offer some cosmetic treatments – and despite our clinic being closed during the pandemic, we’ve seen a substantial growth in the number of clients arranging virtual consultation appointments, purchasing products from our online shop and booking treatments for when we can safely open.
Personally, I respect the importance of continual growth and I’m keen to progress my own personal development. I often get invited to exclusive masterclasses which are an honour and a privilege to be a part of. And as a business we will continue to strive for aesthetic excellence and remain committed to investment in technological advancements, staff, top level global accreditations and our premises.
What advice would you give to someone looking to set up or relocate their business in Huddersfield?
Do your research.
There are a lot of great benefits that can come from business relocation but there are also many considerations, such as location, finding the right premises, staff considerations and also costs – for any business, costs need to be considered in every single decision that is made.
There are many professional organisations to help with the process in Huddersfield; commercial estate agents, local councils and personal recommendations.
What are your hopes for Huddersfield 10 years from now (2030)?
I think like most towns, there’s an ambition to thrive as a modern-day town which will attract more businesses, create a broader cultural and art environment and be recognised as a great place to live. More green spaces would be lovely too.
Regeneration requires investment, so I’d love to see the town benefit from significant funding which would make any improvements possible, to the benefit of all current homeowners and businesses in Huddersfield, as well as new visitors to the area.
On a personal level, what do you love most about the town?
Huddersfield has a bustling and energetic feel and there are lots of lovely cafes and restaurants on your doorstep, plus great local shopping – the high-street doesn’t have many of the bigger brands, but there are some fabulous small independent shops where you’ll find some hidden gems.
I have three small children, and we’re blessed with some brilliant schools and early learning services.
There’s the John Smith Stadium for sports fans and entertainment events, for historical places you can visit Castle Hill and for a cultural fix the amazing Piece Hall is just down the road in Halifax. There really is something for everyone.
Where is your favourite place to eat/drink in Huddersfield?
There are so many places to choose from! But if I had to have a favourite then it would be Med-one a Lebanese restaurant in the town centre. The food is authentic and delicious, and the restaurant has a great atmosphere and ambience. I would highly recommend it!
Are there any recommendations or local knowledge you’d like to share with a visitor?
Just explore to get an idea of what’s around you! You could be a classic tourist, or go off the beaten track, but if you have no expectations then there’s lots of opportunities for fun and authentic discoveries.
Social media links
Website link: skyndoctor.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyndoctor
Twitter: @skyndoctor
Instagram: @skyndoctor