How to succeed as a mobile practitioner - Hamilton Fraser

The key success factors and top tips for staying safe should you decide to go it alone. In recent years we have noticed that more of our aesthetic customers are choosing to work alone as mobile practitioners. In this guide we bring together our insights into this increasingly popular way of working, covering the key success factors and top tips for staying safe should you decide to go it alone.

Key criteria number one: Is it for me?

Whether you are just getting started in the field of aesthetics or are an experienced practitioner, before you launch your mobile practice you need to thoroughly weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether this route is for you:

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It is important to note that the the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) emphasise significant concerns with mobile practice when entering patient’s homes and encourages risk assessments for each individual clinic or salon space a practitioner is treating in. The JCCP notes:

“There is no risk assessment that can demonstrate fully the safety of mobile practice, which involves treating patients in their own homes. The JCCP can, therefore, not support mobile practice. Where a practitioner works from several different premises, a risk assessment must be performed for each. However, a risk assessment could not conclude the safety of arrangements where there are multiple practice venues in different geographical locations, and again, the JCCP would not support this practice. We would also remind practitioners that where they provide clinical supervision (including prescribing services) for practitioners in wider geographical locations, they have a duty of care in attending to these patients, and therefore, this practice cannot be supported by the JCCP.”

Preparing to become a mobile aesthetic practitioner

Effective preparation is crucial for the success of your mobile practice. If you decide that mobile practice is the way forward for you, there are various requirements with which you need to comply before you can safely and legally get going. Putting time into being organised right from the start is the best way to maximise your chances of success.

Here are some steps to follow:

1. Register as self-employed with the HMRC: Make sure that you comply with the regulations associated with self-employed status.
2. Register with the appropriate regulatory bodies: If you are a medical/healthcare professional, make sure you maintain your registration with the appropriate regulatory bodies, such as the General Medical Council (GMC), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the General Dental Council (GDC). If you are an NMC registered nurse who has trained in injectable procedures, you will also need to have completed the V300 Non-Medical Prescribing course to be able to prescribe and use prescription-only medications such as botulinum toxin legally without the presence of another qualified prescriber.
3. Take out insurance: Hamilton Fraser policies are affordable and flexible and designed to grow as your cosmetic business develops. In addition to medical malpractice cover, professional indemnity cover will protect you in a range of scenarios, including mistakes, negligence and breach of confidentiality. Failure to obtain cover could mean thousands of pounds in legal fees and compensation further down the line if you have to defend a claim.
4. Cover yourself for illness: Arrange income protection cover in case you are unable to work for a long period due to illness or accident.
5. Make sure that your car is insured for business: In the event that you need to make a claim, your car needs to be insured for business. Consider taking out breakdown cover so that you are able to get back on the road as soon as possible in the event of a breakdown and not lose out on business.
6. Carry out risk assessments: Perform thorough risk assessments for each location where you provide treatments, as per JCCP guidelines.
7. Keep a check on your budget and expenditure: Managing your finances is key, so create a budget so that you can track all your revenue and expenses. Include projected cash flow, fixed and variable costs, and revenue forecasts. You will need specific stock and equipment in order to carry out each treatment, so remember to take account of these costs when planning your services. Don’t forget to allocate the budget to ongoing training, as you will need to keep your skills up to date.
8. Develop a safe and secure system for record keeping. It’s a requirement to make sure that all records are kept safely and securely under the Data Protection Act so that a third party is not able to access them and they are not disclosed. Under the Hamilton Fraser Cosmetic Insurance policy, we also require that the records be kept for a minimum period of 10 years in case a claim arises and they are needed for the purpose of your defence.
9. Develop a marketing plan: Develop a strategy tailored to your target market, including digital and word-of-mouth promotion. As a lone practitioner, you will be responsible for generating your own business, so carry out research into your target market, for example, stay-at-home carers and homeworkers, so that you can identify what treatments you plan to offer and how you will promote your services.
10. Keep on top of what’s going on in the industry: Subscribe to aesthetic magazines and websites to help you stay informed of all the latest industry updates, trends and procedures. Follow aesthetic sector leading lights and opinion influencers on social media to make sure you have a solid understanding of key developments and are well-placed to anticipate shifts in future customer needs. Regularly check resources such as the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

You can read our guide to getting started as an aesthetics practitioner for more tips.

Training

Continuous education is essential to maintain competency and adapt to industry trends.

As a lone practitioner, it’s up to you to make sure that you keep up to date with the latest products and treatments and undertake regular training and Continued Professional Development (CPD). The aesthetic sector is evolving rapidly, and you will need to update your skills regularly to keep up and remain competitive.

When it comes to training, always ask yourself, ‘Where will this take me?’ Prioritise training that aligns with mobile practice needs, such as non-invasive treatments that can be performed safely in different settings.  

The key to determining your training needs is to first define your market, then identify their needs, and then you can plan your training accordingly. You may, for example, decide to specialise in non-invasive treatments such as regenerative aesthetics, dermal fillers or skin rejuvenation. When choosing a training course, make sure that the training includes hands-on practical sessions.

Hamilton Fraser has been recognising courses for many years and because we strive to recommend courses which provide high quality training for their delegates, we now align our training course approach with the JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners), which has a list of approved training and education providers and qualifications.

The areas covered by the activities of the JCCP include the injection of botulinum toxin and fillers, chemical peels/skin rejuvenation, laser treatments and hair restoration surgery.

The JCCP Education and Training Provider register has been established to:

• Enable education and training providers in aesthetics to demonstrate ‘best practice’ in education and training provision
• Identify courses, programmes and qualifications that have been accredited by recognised awarding bodies
• Enable practitioners to clearly evaluate the value and status of education and training programmes on offer.

The JCCP is working with the Government to establish entry requirements and premises standards for the Education and Training Provider Register. Eddie Hooker, the CEO of Hamilton Fraser, is a JCCP trustee and we will continue to work closely with training courses and provide support.

Building and sustaining your reputation

The quality of your training will directly impact the referrals you receive from your initial patients. But strong clinical skills alone are insufficient to sustain a thriving mobile practice. Building and maintaining a robust reputation is essential for long-term success.

As a sole practitioner, you bear full responsibility for establishing and upholding your reputation. While this may feel challenging, it gives you unparalleled control over how you are perceived compared to being part of a larger clinic.

Key tips for building your reputation:

1. Careful patient selection: Prioritise selecting patients wisely. Declining a treatment is far better than risking your career or reputation. Always conduct thorough consultations to assess a patient’s physical and mental health. If you’re uncertain about proceeding with a particular individual, it is acceptable to say “no”.
2. Comprehensive consent system: Establish a robust consent process. Never assume patients understand the risks of a procedure. Clearly explain potential adverse outcomes and provide a cooling-off period to reduce the risk of claims.
3. Manage patient expectations: Guide patients from consultation through treatment to make sure they have a realistic understanding of the outcomes. Clear communication reduces the likelihood of dissatisfaction and complaints.
4. Develop a complaints procedure: Develop a solid protocol for managing complaints. Keep detailed patient records, including before-and-after photographs, securely stored for at least ten years to protect your practice in case of claims. If unsure about handling a complaint, notify your insurer for support.
5. Provide outstanding customer service: Patients expect more than results – they value exceptional service. By law, you must direct customers to a government-authorised consumer redress scheme, such as the one offered by Hamilton Fraser’s Cosmetic Redress Scheme, to demonstrate your commitment to high standards.
6. Listen to your patients: Understanding your local market and listening to patient feedback can give you a competitive edge. Strong communication fosters trust and keeps you informed about emerging trends and procedures.
7. Build client relationships to support positive word-of-mouth recommendations: Build and nurture relationships with your clients so they and their friends remain loyal. Word of mouth is invaluable in growing your practice. Show appreciation for existing clients through loyalty schemes or referral discounts.
8. Use clever and effective promotion: Establish a consistent online presence with regular updates to your social media and website. Build relationships with local industry figures, journalists, and clients to encourage endorsements and strengthen your brand.
9. Provide follow-up care: Demonstrate care by following up with patients after treatments. Provide branded aftercare materials with emergency contact details and make follow-up calls when possible. These actions show professionalism and a personal touch.

Build a support network

Working for yourself can be a lonely and isolating experience. Developing a support network in the industry is a great way to overcome any feelings of isolation, make sure you keep informed about developments in the sector and can seek advice when you need it. Make an effort to meet others in the industry by attending events and workshops and being active on social media. Read our guide to social media marketing for aesthetics practitioners.

Membership of a professional organisation is a fantastic way to build your network and keep up to date with the aesthetics industry. There are a number of industry organisations which aesthetic practitioners can join.

The British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses is the largest professional organisation for aesthetic nurses, and members benefit from networking opportunities as well as access to thought leadership, conferences and a number of other perks.

Cosmetic doctors and dentists can apply to join the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, which aims to advance the effective, safe and ethical practice of aesthetic medicine and provides information, education, support and professional development to its members.

Safety

Safety is paramount for both practitioners and patients.

Safety tips for practitioners:

1. Let someone else know where you are: Always inform someone about your location and expected return time for each appointment.
2. Carry a phone: Always carry a fully charged phone with emergency contact numbers. Keep a trusted friend on speed dial. Share a code phrase that you can use if you need help, and make sure that you have sufficient battery should you need to use your mobile phone in an emergency; this may include breaking down in your car.
3. Carry out a risk assessment: Evaluate the suitability of the environment for treatments, paying attention to hygiene, lighting, and access to emergency exits. Is there sufficient space for your equipment to carry out your treatments safely and within prescribed guidelines?
4. Use proper disposal methods for clinical waste and sharp objects: Where will you dispose of products and needles?
5. Trust your instincts: Leave any environment where you feel unsafe. If you experience violence or threatening behaviour or feel uncomfortable in any way, you should leave the premises. Keep calm and, where possible, suggest you need to get something from the car or take a private call. If necessary, you should contact the police.
6. Get breakdown cover: If you are driving to appointments, breakdown cover would be beneficial, particularly if you are stuck in an area you potentially do not know well. In general, though, try to develop a client base within a radius close to your home where you’re familiar with the area and won’t waste unnecessary time travelling.
7. Safeguard patient records: When patient records are in your car, keep them out of view so there’s no temptation for someone to try and access them.

‘Botox and filler parties’: A cautionary note

While "Botox parties" may sound like a trendy and fun social event, they pose significant risks that cannot be ignored. According to Save Face, such gatherings often occur in non-clinical settings, such as homes or social venues, which lack the necessary hygiene and safety standards for medical procedures. The informal atmosphere can lead to rushed consultations, inadequate consent processes, and heightened risks of complications. Additionally, peer pressure at these events can lead individuals to make impulsive decisions about treatments. Medical aesthetic procedures like botulinum toxin injections should only be performed in a controlled, sterile environment by qualified professionals who adhere to strict safety protocols. Practitioners attending these events must also remember their professional responsibilities and ethical obligations to prioritise patient safety over convenience or profit.

Challenges in mobile practice

Industry bodies like the JCCP and Save Face report that complications are disproportionately higher in non-clinical environments, with issues like poor hygiene, inadequate lighting, and lack of support during emergencies contributing to risks. These challenges underscore the importance of considering whether mobile practice aligns with safe, ethical, and professional standards.

The future of mobile practice

The regulatory landscape is evolving, with organisations advocating for stricter oversight of mobile practitioners. Recommendations include mandatory licensing and local authority intervention to address risks specific to mobile services.

Conclusion

While mobile practice offers a flexible business model, practitioners must approach it with a strong commitment to preparation, safety, and professional integrity. Adhering to best practices and staying informed of regulatory developments will support the success and sustainability of your practice.

Read ‘Regulation speculation: An update from David Sines’ and listen to our podcast with Professor Sines, Chair of the JCCP, on the future of regulation and licensing in the aesthetics industry. For an overview of regulation in the aesthetics sector, read our guide, ‘Road to regulation: A comprehensive overview of regulation in the aesthetics market in England’.

You may also think about short term rental of clinic space. You can read our article on that here.

For further resources and industry updates, visit Hamilton Fraser or join professional networks like BCAM, BAMAN and the JCCP.