Meditech UK Ambulance Service, Ashford. From left Paul Bleach, Ian Jobson and Nigel Patton

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A growing private ambulance service manned by firefighters has created 12 new jobs after expanding its fleet.

Meditech UK, which recently moved into larger premises at Southdown Enterprise Park in Ashford, recently bought six ambulances with financial help from Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking - boosting its fleet to 18.

The business transfers patients to and from hospitals, as well as operating specialist services for insurance companies such as repatriation after skiing accidents across Europe. It also own five bariatric ambulances for heavier patients.

Some 20 part-time firefighters work for Meditech, which also employs 30 full-time staff. It covers a wide area from Luton to Dover and into south London.

The business took on an extra 12 members of staff to man the six new vehicles in its fleet.

The company was founded five years ago by firefighters Paul Bleach and Nigel Patton, who both worked part time for a London ambulance firm. They decided to buy their first vehicle for carrying non-emergency patients.

Lloyds TSB has supported Meditech from the start and funded the cost of the additional staff. The bank arranged asset finance to purchase the six new ambulances.

Meditech's managing director Nigel Patton said: "The new premises are a superb base for our operations, giving us plenty of room for our whole team under one roof as well as space for future development.

"Firefighters are perfect for ambulance services, as they are trained at driving emergency vehicles, fully competent in first aid and are very public service minded. Given that both Paul and I came into the business from this route, it made sense to continue to tap into this pool of local talent."

The bank's support had played a key part in its rapid growth, Mr Patton added, saying that he expected expansion to continue.

Ian Jobson, specialist healthcare and professional practices relationship manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, said: "Meditech UK Ambulance Service is a perfect example of how a well-run business can successfully grow in a niche sector by providing a service for which demand is constantly growing."