From Doubts to a Dynamo of Care: The Steps Rehabilitation Story
In the bustling city of Sheffield, a pair of sisters transformed a hopeful project into a robust hub for trauma patients. Steps Rehabilitation opened its doors in 2017 with a clear mission: to deliver high-quality rehabilitation care that supports people recovering from serious injuries and trauma. Fast forward to the year ending in April 2025, and the family-run centre employs around 180 staff and has carved out a prominent niche in the regional health landscape. Its financials — a turnover of £10.7 million and pre-tax profits of £938,000 — reflect not just growth, but a sustainable model built on care, collaboration, and a stubborn refusal to accept the status quo.
A Family Behind the Mission
At the heart of Steps Rehabilitation is a family business ethos. The venture traces its roots to a family leadership that includes the founders’ father, Ray Boulger, whose financial acumen helped steer the organisation through its early, uncertain days. This is more than a business story—it’s a testament to how close-knit leadership can translate compassion for patients into a scalable service. The directors describe their approach as “hands-on and people-centred,” prioritising evidence-based care, staff development, and strong community partnerships.
Building a Centre for Trauma Care
The centre specialises in rehabilitating patients who have endured significant trauma, offering a continuum of services from early mobilisation to long-term recovery plans. By focusing on multidisciplinary teams, Steps Rehabilitation ensures that physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and clinical specialists coordinate patient journeys. This holistic approach helps people regain independence, reduce readmission risk, and return to daily life with confidence.
Steady Growth in a Demanding Sector
Operating within the health and social care sector, Steps Rehabilitation has navigated financial and regulatory complexities with a steady hand. The £10.7 million turnover signals a strong demand for high-quality rehab services in the region, while the pretax profit of £938,000 indicates a disciplined cost base and efficient operations. The business credits its success to reinvesting in facilities, technology, and staff training, ensuring that compassionate care is matched by clinical excellence.
People at the Core
Behind every statistic are the people who keep the wheels turning. A staff of around 180 supports patients through every stage of recovery, from initial assessment to discharge planning. The leadership emphasises ongoing staff education, competitive remuneration, and a culture where clinicians feel empowered to innovate. This has helped attract and retain skilled professionals who are motivated by a shared mission: to restore function and improve quality of life for trauma survivors.
Impact Beyond the Walls
As Steps Rehabilitation grows, its impact extends into the broader Sheffield community. Local partnerships with hospitals, social care agencies, and community organisations help smooth patient transitions and promote early intervention strategies. For many patients, the centre represents not merely a place for rehabilitation, but a reliable partner in the long road to recovery. The founders’ resilience—challenged by critics but buoyed by concrete results—offers a blueprint for ambitious healthcare ventures in similar markets.
Looking Ahead
With a solid financial base and a proven care model, Steps Rehabilitation is positioned to expand services and explore new funding avenues, including potential collaborations with national health providers and private payers. The focus remains clear: deliver compassionate, evidence-based rehabilitation for trauma patients while continuing to support staff as partners in growth. The sisters’ journey—from doubters to demonstrators of what’s possible—serves as a compelling case study for family-led businesses making a lasting difference in healthcare.
