Setting up a podiatry practice at home

[romik]

Hi all,

Next year I will become a qualified podiatrist and would like to find out what would be required to run the business from home (seeing customers at my house).

I have never run a business and have no idea who to ask for advice. I will allocate a separate room for treatments. Do I need a planning permission or building permission? Would I need to provide toilet facility for customers? Access for disabled people? Would I be able to erect a sign outside or on the house or inside the house (bedroom window), would I need permissions?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Nochexman]

A good place to start asking might be your local Chamber of Commerce http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/

 

[Scalloway]

You would definitely need insurance if you plan to use your own house. If you rent you must ask your landlord. If you have a mortgage you need to tell your lender.

Your local council would be the best place to go for advice on planning permission.

 

[ethical PR]

As @Scalloway mentioned.

You need to speak to your local council about planning permission (are you neighbours likely to object - typically around parking issues), signage should be fine inside property boundaries. Of course your customers will need toilet facilities - council should be able to tell you about disabled access.

Think about the cost of converting your premises and factor this into how much money you will need to make to both pay back for your investment and provide you with the income you need.

How many people would you need to get through the door everyday to gain the income you need. How will you market your services and how much will this cost?

You might be better starting off with a renting premises co=located with other health services and only invest in adapting your premises when you know you have a successful business.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

....

You might be better starting off with a renting premises co=located with other health services and only invest in adapting your premises when you know you have a successful business.

That is certainly an option I'd look into.

 

[John Crowder]

Id definately look at taking a room with an established and complimentary business at first.

It will help with marketing if they have good footfall.

Chambers vary widely by area - perhaps there is a trade organisation you can speak to.

A good accountant will be able to help you and first meeting are always free.

A long time ago I was the marketing guy for Algeos in Liverpool - google them - a good supplier for you?

They also used to help newly qualified practitioners set up and they may have some more advice for you.

 

[FootCareBlogger]

I would suggest you join The Podiatry Arena forum.

 

[HighProxies]

I would suggest you contact your local city board and direct these questions to them. They should have most of the answers for them.