An anonymous source has told Dentistry that James Hull has been forced to step down as chief executive of James Hull Associates.
It’s believed to follow a row with investors over expenses.
The insider revealed that the former dentist and entrepreneur stood down from the company that bears his name last week.
Last month he scooped the UK’s consumer services entrepreneur of the year award.
At the time, the judges from Ernst and Young accountants highlighted Dr Hull’s ethical business model as a reason for winning the award, saying it struck a balance between customer value and profitability.
His departure last week follows the recent resignation of both the finance director and chairman.
The 49 year old currently owns more than 80 dental surgeries and James Hull Associates is Britain’s biggest private dental chain.
He first became a partner a dental practice in 1986 in Bassaleg, Newport, and his company now employs more than 300 dentists.
He claims to have founded the business to bring affordable healthcare to people, not to make a huge profit.
Despite the expenses row, it is understood that Hull has been retained by the company in the role of life president.
