PHYSIOTHERAPIST Kate Markland, 36, admits to being in “absolute and complete shock” when her name was called as the Business Person of the Year at the Cirencester Chamber of Commerce awards.

Her disbelief came partly because she had not even entered for the award. “I entered for the team of the year but judges decided to put me forward for business person,” she explained.

Kate grew up in Cirencester and worked as a physiotherapist in Cheltenham before spotting that many clients were travelling from Cirencester. “I saw that there was a lack of service in this area,” she said.

She set up her physiotherapy business The Markland Clinic in the Cotswold Leisure Centre in 2009 and opened at the David Lloyd Centre in Swindon in 2011.

Judges praised Kate for her “clear vision of where both she and her business are heading” and it is clear she is not afraid to expand the business, opening a third site in Swindon this April. “A fourth site is planned for the end of the year,” she explained. “I can’t reveal where yet, but it is in the local area.”

Now with a team of 10, The Markland Clinic offers clients a full service including help with sports injuries, back and neck pain as well as post op physiotherapy. “People are getting more proactive about looking after their health,” said Kate.

Kate is in a unique position of understanding just how important fitness is, as sport has always played a huge part in her life, having rowed at a national level and run in three London marathons. “It gives me empathy with my clients. I understand how important their activities are.”

Chamber judges commented on the “glowing testimonials from clients and peers” and feedback from clients is crucial to Kate’s business. As is the team she has around her. “I have a fantastic team. I can’t do everything and my perception of leadership is it is all about working together.”

Kate knows when to delegate and this may become even important than ever as her first baby is due in November. But nothing seems to phase Cirencester’s Business Person of the Year. “Another ball to be juggled,” she laughed. “It will become even more important to delegate.”

• www.marklandclinic.com or call Cirencester 01285 654059 or Swindon 01793 729250.