Two dentists who have worked in Chepstow for three decades between them are celebrating moving into a new surgery of their own in the town centre.

Alison Jones has been a dentist in the town for 18 years and Gaenor Davison for more than 12.

Last year they set up their own practice and now they have moved in to their own surgery in Beaufort Square, which they have bought and refurbished with help from NatWest.

The new practice, Portwall Dental Surgery, has created six jobs.

Alison said that once the pair had decided to take the plunge into practice ownership things moved quickly.

She said: “We chatted about it and then looked for a property. Once we realised there was suitable surgery space available we went to see an accountant, Neil Ballard of Lewis Ballard. He introduced us to Neil Williams, a relationship manager at NatWest.

“The decision to set up a practice was probably made in about ten days, and then we were dealing with NatWest and Lewis Ballard very quickly.

“It had never been on the agenda before and it felt like a jump off a cliff - a huge leap of faith. We just decided we were going to do it and luckily NatWest backed us.”

Alison, who lives in Chepstow, and Gaenor, from Usk, established the practice in temporary accommodation while they refurbished their permanent home.

They borrowed from NatWest to fund the purchase of the building and the refurbishment, which has been carried out by local builder Eric Ivins.

Alison said NatWest’s Neil Williams, who specialises in the healthcare sector, had been supportive throughout.

She said: “He is very easy-going and down-to-earth. We can chat to him on the phone or via email - he is very personable.”

Neil said: “I am delighted that the relationship between NatWest and Lewis Ballard has enabled the bank to structure a lending package that met with the approval of Alison and Gaenor. It has allowed them to establish their business, which I have no doubt will grow now that Portwall Dental Surgery has its own home.”