Start an Aesthetics Business
Honest, practical guidance on starting an aesthetics business in the UK — training, insurance, prescribing routes, and building a client base the right way. Delivered over video call, wherever you're based.
Not sure if the numbers stack up?
Our free Planning Tool works through your likely costs, capacity and pricing — a useful first pass before you commit to anything.
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How to Start an Aesthetics Business
Aesthetics is one of the more regulated spaces we work with, and it's moving fast right now — which makes getting the foundations right before you launch even more important than usual. Whether you're planning a treatment room ( location-based) or a mobile set-up, here's what's genuinely involved.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Recognised Training & Insurance
Non-medics typically progress from Level 2/3 beauty therapy to a Level 4 diploma in advanced aesthetics; medics add a Level 7 diploma on top of their healthcare qualification. Insurers won't cover treatments your training doesn't match.
A Prescribing Route
Botox is a prescription-only medicine, so you'll need to either be a qualified prescriber yourself or have a genuine arrangement with one.
A Compliant, Safe Space
Hygiene standards, proper consultation and consent processes, and patch testing where required — every time, not just for new clients.
Marketing Within the Rules
ASA guidelines cover what you can say and show, including strict rules on before/after images.
Registering Your Business
Most aesthetics practitioners start as sole traders, registering with HMRC for Self Assessment once you earn over £1,000 in a tax year. The new licensing scheme sits alongside this, not instead of it — standard business registration and treatment licensing are two separate requirements you'll need to meet.
The Real Costs of Starting
Training costs vary hugely between the non-medic Level 4 route and the medic Level 7 pathway, and that's before consumables, insurance and — if you're taking a treatment room — fit-out costs. Getting your budget and pricing right early matters here as much as anywhere. Our free Planning Tool gives you an honest first estimate before you commit to anything.
How We Help Aesthetics Practitioners Specifically
Beyond the general start-up support, we help with the things that matter most in this space: building your marketing within ASA guidelines — including why AI-generated images can't be used in results or before/after content — growing a base of repeat and referral clients, and keeping on top of consumables and treatment-room costs through straightforward financial tracking.
How much of this have you already worked out?
- If you're planning to offer Botox, do you have a prescriber relationship in place — or are you a prescriber yourself?
- Have you budgeted for insurance that covers the specific treatments you plan to offer?
- Are you keeping up with the new licensing scheme as it rolls out, or working from what was true a year ago?
- What's your process for consultation and consent before every treatment, not just the first one?
These aren't trick questions — most people starting out haven't sat down and answered them either. Your free call is where we figure out which of these matter most for you; working through the answers properly is what the ongoing mentoring is for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be medically qualified to offer Botox?
Is there a new licensing scheme I need to know about?
Can I treat clients under 18?
What can I use in my marketing?
Ready to talk through your plans?
Book your free 30-minute consultation — no pressure, no obligation.
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