Cfast

Cfast, which offers a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that corrects teeth alignment issues, is looking to be crowned as Small Business of The Year.

Using clear orthodontic brackets and tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires the treatment works in a similar way to clear aligners but is "more predictable and usually twice as quick."

The business, owned by Gary Dickenson and Dr Biju Krishman has taken off since it began in 2012, with the treatment going international reaching the US, Australia, and the Philippines.

Mr Dickenson, born in York, had spent 15 years in a range of management and executive positions but had always wanted to start his own business after spending too long commuting.

With revenues growing daily, the business currently employs seven people at its York office, but is looking to hire more of the "right people" all the time.

In November 2013, Cfast was awarded the best Cosmetic Dentistry product at the 'My Face My Body' awards in London, beating competition from some of the world's largest dental companies.

Annual profits of £70,000 to £100,000 are now being invested for further worldwide growth, as the business seeks to promote its "effective and affordable" treatment.

Beyond the benefits of the product which focuses only on the "social six" teeth, making disruption minimal, the company offers a "patient focused website" and free customised marketing materials to providers. With 24/7 UK based customer support they are "raising the bar in terms of service" according to owner Mr Dickenson.

Building on the concept of the product as an affordable solution, a patient finance option is available under the company's Smilefast finance brand to enable a seamless patient journey from start to finish.