Q&A with Jonathan Watson: Newly appointed Chair of Greater Manchester Dental Advisers (GMDA)

Can you tell us a bit about GMDA?

The Greater Manchester Dental Advisers (GMDA) is a group of like-minded dental experts comprising solicitors, accountants, bankers, financial advisers, valuers, and the legendary dentist, Dr Stuart Allan. All of the members specialise in the sector and are based in Greater Manchester – bringing together decades of experience and local knowledge. We meet once a quarter at Christie & Co’s Manchester office.

How long have you been with GMDA, and what made you want to join?

I have been with the group for just over 10 years now!

I took over from a Christie & Co surveyor who carried out formal RICS valuation work for some of the banks in the group. I was fairly new to dentistry when I first joined and was keen to expand both my sector knowledge and contact base. I certainly learnt a lot from the experience around the table back then and continue to do so now.

How does being part of GMDA help with your job at Christie & Co?

GMDA is a knowledge-sharing forum. We discuss nuances in the sector, challenges we’re facing, and the solutions for real-life case studies brought to the table. Updates are often provided on subjects like tax and employment; and we sit with anticipation, frantically scribbling, as Dr Allan delivers his invaluable update on NHS dentistry. The information gleaned helps us to give our clients the best possible advice with their dental businesses.

Can you tell us about your new position?

As of the 2025 Winter meeting, I have been appointed as Chairman of the group, taking over from Jonathan Jacobs of Jacobs Legal. This involves organising our quarterly meetings and events, introducing guest speakers and chairing the direction of the discussions. Jonathan (Jacobs) led the group superbly and enthusiastically for some 14 years, so I have big shoes to fill!

What are you most looking forward to as Chair of GMDA?

I will continue to learn a great deal from the other members of the group, who are all experts in their field and live and breathe dentistry!

I am also keen to introduce new members and speakers to the group who can keep us abreast of the direction of travel in this quickly evolving sector. I am looking forward to planning the meetings and events for the year ahead alongside Simon Reynolds (Patient Plan Direct) who was appointed as group Secretary.

If you’d like to understand more about who the GMDA is and what they do, get in touch with Jonathan: 07713 061 582 / jonathan.watson@christie.com