Lizzy Clarke – Bringing a public sector background to a private sector innovator

Reach is a prime example of one of the companies handl Group invests in and grows –  a specialist treatment provider with a big reputation and a small, owner-led team. As Reach has expanded, new talent has entered the business. And one of those talented hires – Lizzy Clarke – has risen from providing frontline services to leading the way for the company.

“After years spent working in Neurological Rehab for the NHS, an old mentor of mine told me about an opportunity to join Reach. I was intrigued about neuro rehab within the private sector and keen to learn more.”

Initially joining as a part-time Neuro OT in 2018, Lizzy’s talent was soon recognised within Reach and – after an acquisition in 2021 – the wider handl Group.

Recognition led to a quick progression in her career. A promotion to Advanced Practitioner supervising new Neuro OTs came in 2023, and with it came new opportunities.

“At Reach, I’ve had the freedom to deliver truly client-centred neurological rehabilitation while working alongside a team of highly experienced occupational therapists. This environment has supported my ongoing professional growth, allowing me to continuously develop and expand my clinical scope. With backing from across handl Group, there’s a real faster pace of change that let me put my skills to better use for the people who really needed them.”

By 2024, Lizzy had moved on from the NHS permanently and been appointed as one of Reach’s clinical leads. Balancing this with being an advanced practitioner was a new challenge, but one that gave her the opportunity to develop new skills.

“When I took the clinical lead position, I saw it as an opportunity to learn from leaders within the company and the wider group. To build some experience in a leadership role.”

In 2025, Reach saw changes at the top as the company’s original founder finished her plan to exit the company with it securely established as a part of handl Group. Instead of looking elsewhere to parachute in a senior leader, the group turned to someone who knew Reach’s business, clients and OT team inside and out.

“I was asked to step in as senior clinical lead after the departure of our clinical director. It’s a more strategic role and a new challenge. I’m working hand-in-hand with our General Manager Sarah and our other senior leaders, and being given a chance to develop the way Reach works.”

With support from the wider group, Lizzy and the Reach team have been able to expand into new areas of operation, adding more general OT services alongside their brain injury specialism. Lizzy’s taken the lead with new professional development sessions to support the company’s rehab assistants, and is working closely with other companies around the group.

“Being part of handl Group gives Reach the freedom to grow. We’ve been backed and brought in a really proactive marketing expert, and we’re collaborating with other companies in the group such as PSP. handl Group is also helping us to improve our processes and our systems, so they’re developing the company in much the same way they gave me the freedom to build my career.”