Bishopdale Hearing is a modern audiology healthcare company which provides honest and ethical audiology services. Business owner Bradi Martin opened Bishopdale Hearing in March 2022 with the goal to improve hearing health for all adults in Christchurch. After working for chain clinics for multiple years, Bradi learned what she didn’t want to do and set about building an audiology business the way she wanted.  

Unlike the larger chains Bradi started offering more audiology services and offered a more upfront pricing model so customers know exactly what they are paying for.  She also opened at weekends and offered more flexibility for her customers so they could see more clients. Bradi’s goal was to offer a quality, honest service and with 50% of her business being from word of mouth, she is clearly doing that.

The growth at Bishopdale Hearing has been fast. Year on year, they have increased revenue and have seen a 50% increase in new customers.  After the first year, Bradi hired a receptionist and Ear Nurse to help as she was so booked up.  The small team of 3 is moving into a new larger clinic (August), with four consultation rooms and much better visibility on the front of the Bishopdale shopping center. 

Part of the success of Bishopdale is also due to some good planning. From day one Bradi had a clear business plan which set out what her business was and how she could grow.  She is also reinvesting into the business.  She has saved money from her profits to pay for the big move without taking out a business loan.   They are also investing in marketing and are seeing great results. As a result, Bishopdale Audiology has been open for over two years and are now doing recalls for returning patients for their regular ear maintenance, which is keeping her business very busy.

Like many small businesses, the biggest challenge for Bradi was having her first baby and trying to balance motherhood with a new business.  However, Bradi didn’t anticipate that the business was built on herself, as many patients chose to wait to see her rather than see the locum.   This meant lower cashflow than she expected. The other challenge was underestimating how successful she would be and having to move clinics to expand more.

‘We have adapted and been innovative in our approach. We offer home visits for patients, as well as virtual appointments. I have also upskilled in Auditory Processing Disorder testing and rehabilitation, and we’re only one of two clinics in Christchurch who offer this.  We aim to be better than our competitors and offer something unique, which we are doing.  We are a passionate, strong 3-woman team who strive every day to provide ethical, safe and FUN audiology consultations for all our patients.’ says Bradi.

‘The SBA team have been wonderful and easy to deal with and are instrumental in helping us manage our growth. They always pick up the phone/email and guide me all the way. They helped me set up payroll when I officially became an “employer” a year ago and showed me the best way to get myself in a better financial position with sound tax planning and advice.  I couldn’t have done it without them.’

Bradi and her team at Bishopdale Hearing are constantly looking forward, they have a clear plan and make changes and collaborate with each other to grow the practice. That is why we have chosen them to be our Runner Up to the SBA Small Business of the Year awards.

Well done Bradi and her team. 

To find out more about Bishopdale Hearing:  https://www.bishopdalehearing.co.nz/