Name: Richard Pinder

Trading Ward: Several across the Bradford District

Business Name: Music for Health

Business Address:

35 Snowden Road, Wrose, Shipley, BD18 1JD

Email: Contact Music for Health

Mobile: 07709 623045

Background of Business

During the past four years Richard Pinder, of Wrose, near Shipley, has faced redundancy twice within the financial services sector. He was a mortgage adviser for Bradford & Bingley for two years and for Halifax Bank of Scotland for 10 years. Deciding that self employment might offer him greater job security, he invested in a franchise, Music for Health. Now, instead of selling financial products, Richard visits residential care and nursing homes across the Bradford District, encouraging residents to benefit from exercise while playing musical instruments.

Support Journey

"I have received loads of support from the Kickstart programme - more than I imagined would be available," says Richard. Three Kickstart advisers - Colin Holmes, at Bradford Chamber; David Humphreys, the Bizfizz Business Coach in Shipley and Stephen John, of Bradnet - advised him during the pre-start and business launch periods. Richard has a disability so was entitled to receive support from Bradnet, who specialise in helping people with disabilities to access employment opportunities.

Where are they now

Richard acknowledges that it took some time before his new venture gathered pace. Initial contact had to be made with residential homes and their owners' agreement obtained to his offer of providing a first music therapy session free of charge. He conducted his first session in April 2008 and by the end of the year was visiting more than 40 care homes across West Yorkshire. Importantly, Richard is thoroughly enjoying his new career. He finds it rewarding to encourage elderly people to exercise while playing tambourines and other musical instruments. Care home managers tell him that their residents not only benefit from music therapy but greatly enjoy his visits monthly or fortnightly.
 
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