Highly-qualified chiropractor Charlie Bull has seen his business take off with support from the Kickstart programme.

Manipulation Station Chiropractic was launched four years ago with an initial grant of £2,000 from Kickstart, run jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Blaenau Gwent Council.

That funding helped Charlie buy equipment to set up his business in Rassau near Ebbw Vale, and now a further injection of £800 from Kickstart Plus – the follow-on scheme – has given the business further impetus as the customer base continues to grow.

Manipulation Station Chiropractic has established an excellent reputation working with individuals and sports teams to ease aches and pains.

Charlie said: “The Kickstart programme has been excellent and I would have struggled to set up the business without it. Equipment is very expensive, and the support they have given has been very helpful.

“The client base is growing steadily and I am very glad I decided to set up my own business.”

Charlie studied for four years at the University of South Wales, achieving a Masters in Chiropractic. After a hunt for jobs proved disappointing he decided to take the plunge into self employment and has never looked back.

He is a full member of the British Chiropractor Association , and also offers acupuncture within his clinic to patients.

Ruth Headon of UK Steel Enterprise said: "Manipulation Station Chiropractic provides a valuable service to the community and it is good to see these skills being put at the service of local people."