Investment Fund for Scotland prescribes first loan to wellbeing clinic
Press release
A clinic specialising in neurotechnology – a form of cutting-edge wellbeing therapy – has become one of the first businesses to benefit from funding through the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, Smaller Loans fund.
Delivered through DSL Business Finance, the loan of £50,000 has enabled Kedras Clinics to open a second location in Edinburgh’s New Town, following the success of its first clinic in Perth.
The £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland launched in October 2023 and offers loans ranging from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million. The fund is part of the British Business Bank’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth by supporting businesses across Scotland.
Clinical psychologist, Dawn Harris started Kedras Clinics in 2022 building on her 25-year career in the healthcare sector. The clinics provide a service for children, young people and adults, sports professionals, and wellbeing programmes for businesses.
The technique of neurofeedback is a safe, quick, and non-invasive way to help the brain and body perform at its most optimum. Described as a ‘gym for the brain’, this cutting-edge treatment uses technology to help the brain function at its best, meaning it stays calm and focussed, leading to an overall feeling of physical and mental relaxation. As it works with both the conscious and subconscious, neurofeedback often works where other psychological and pharmacological interventions have struggled to make an impact.
Several studies have shown the effects of neurofeedback in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as improving brain health, reducing stress, and enhancing productivity1 .
Building on its Edinburgh expansion, Kedras Clinics is now looking to recruit additional staff and open further sites in Newcastle and London.
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Source: The National Library of Medicine - The effectiveness of microcurrent neurofeedback on depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and quality of life
While neurofeedback treatment is still fairly uncommon in the UK, high-profile organisations like Liverpool Football Club and NFL already use this technique. It can be applied across various sectors, and we are hoping to encourage greater use of this practice in Scotland.
Our next step is to see how we can continue our growth to open more clinics across the UK. We’re currently recruiting more psychologists or psychotherapists and looking further ahead, we’re hoping to start the process of developing new pioneering technology.
The funding we received from the Investment Fund for Scotland has been pivotal in this next phase and we’re thrilled to be able to expand our services to even more patients.
Dawn Harris CEO of Kedras Clinics
Supporting female entrepreneurs is a key priority for us and it is great to see founders like Dawn leading the way in their respective fields.
The Investment Fund for Scotland was set up to support smaller businesses with financial assistance to aid growth and expansion, creating new jobs and powering local economies. Innovative businesses exploring new ideas are crucial for Scotland’s economic growth and prosperity.
Mark Sterritt Director, Nations and Regions Funds, at the British Business Bank
As Fund Manager for the Smaller Loans part of the Investment Fund for Scotland, DSL is pleased to support Dawn and Kedras Clinics contribute to improving lives across Scotland and beyond.
The groundbreaking therapy provided is a game-changer for mental health in the UK. Dawn is at the forefront of the industry, and her determination to help as many people as possible has been evident throughout.
Murray Marshall Loan officer, DSL Business Finance
Further Information
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Notes to editors
About the Investment Fund for Scotland
Operated by the British Business Bank, the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS) provides a mix of debt and equity funding. IFS will offer a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. It works alongside the various support and funding organisations from Scottish government as well as local intermediaries such as accountants, fund managers and banks, to support Scotland’s smaller businesses at all stages of their development.
The funds in which the IFS invests are open to businesses with material operations, or planning to open material operations, in all areas of Scotland including but not limited to Northeastern Scotland, Highlands and Islands, Eastern Scotland, West Central Scotland and Southern Scotland
Supported by Nations and Regions Investments Limited, a subsidiary of British Business Bank plc, the Bank is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. Neither Nations and Regions Investments Limited nor British Business Bank plc are authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
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