Sole Traders Podcast

Recorded live at the West Midlands Foot Health Conference, Damian shares a personal story of how his mum selling glasses from the boot of her car sparked a lifelong entrepreneurial drive - and reveals the company that continues to inspire him. 👓 You will hear the origin story of Specsavers• How Doug & Mary Perkins changed UK healthcare in 4 years• How they scaled to 100 practices so fast• Why their branding & marketing were YEARS ahead of the industry• What Foot Medic learned from Specsavers• The power of systems and standardised training• How to build a “Specsavers-style” clinic that can scale nationally🎯 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCHIf you’re a foot health practitioner, podiatrist or healthcare clinic owner who wants to:✨ grow your business✨ build a real brand✨ automate your workload✨ scale nationally✨ or simply get inspired by an incredible story…👉 This is the episode you can’t afford to miss.Are you looking to automate your clinic? Sign up today for a 30 day free of Practice Autopilot™ here: practiceautopilot.co.ukAre you a Podiatrist or Foot Health Practitioner looking for investment in your clinic? Email Damian at the Foot Medic™ Group today: info@footmedicgroup.co.ukThanks for watching.

In this episode of The Sole Traders Podcast, Damian Murray sits down with Adele Beckett, a Foot Health Practitioner, educator and founder of The Foot Health College and Next Step Clinic Training School.From her start in corporate banking to running a foot health training collage, Adele has developed a game-changing model that could help tackle the podiatry recruitment crisis head-on.👉 What makes her approach so revolutionary?She’s enabling podiatrists to train and qualify their own foot heath practitioners in-house!In this candid and insightful conversation, Damian and Adele discuss:How Adele’s personal experience inspired her move into foot healthWhat it’s really like to train as a Foot Health PractitionerWhy private podiatry is facing a recruitment crisis — and what can be done about itHow Adele’s Next Step Clinic model is bridging the gap between podiatrists and FHPsThe potential for a new, hybrid training route that supports both professionsWhether you’re a podiatrist struggling to recruit or simply curious about how foot health is evolving — this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible when collaboration replaces competition.🎧 Tune in to discover how this innovative training pathway could transform the way clinics can grow, recruit, and train their teams.🔗 Connect with Adele: 📩 foothealthcollege@gmail.com🌐the footclinic-rowley.org ☎️ 07368 265487🎧Listen & Subscribe On:🎧Apple Podcasts >>https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sole-traders-podcast/id1703926068Spotify >>https://open.spotify.com/show/4Aqf73SX1JeF7sdQJlEabH?si=d51fae831fa9436aYouTube >>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGaWMlHU9DqiXOd-MXWSSLwThis episode is brought to you by the Foot Medic™ Group... sponsored by Practice Autopilot™Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk today. Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

Ready to Sell or Buy a Podiatry or Foot Health Practice?Discover the essential roadmap to successfully selling or buying a podiatry / foot health practice in our latest podcast.💼 Whether you're looking to exit your business and retire, or you’re an ambitious practitioner eager to step into private practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can’t afford to miss. Damian delivers firsthand strategies for:✅ Preparing Your Practice for Sale: Remove emotions, understand if you're selling a business or a job, and ensure your practice is ready for the market.💸 Valuing Your Business: Learn the simple methods to calculate your practice’s worth, without paying for expensive valuations. Damian walks you through everything from EBITDA to multiplier methods, so you can confidently set a price.🔑 Crafting a Winning Sales Strategy: From building a SWOT analysis to creating purchase options (like deferred payments), Damian shares how to package your practice for the right buyer—whether it's a trusted colleague, competitor, or rising star.📑 Navigating Legal and Financials: Discover what you need to know about the legal, accounting, and contractual considerations to secure a smooth, profitable sale. Learn how to avoid the costly mistakes many sellers make!🛠️ Creating a Seamless Transition: Get tips on how to hand over your practice to ensure your patients, staff, and business thrive long after you've moved on.🎙️ Case Study Success: Hear how Damian and his business partner transformed a job into a thriving multi-podiatrist practice—using the exact strategies shared in this episode!Don't miss out on this insider knowledge—whether you're planning your exit in the next few years or looking to expand your horizons. Damian’s practical, no-nonsense advice will help you maximize your business's value and make the transition smooth for everyone involved.Special thanks to Michelle Gibson at Canonbury Healthcare for all their work in providing CPD events for podiatrists and foot health practitioners. You can view their education resources here >> https://www.canonbury.com/events Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

Welcome to this episode of the Soletraders podcast, "Curacorn® - Why ‘Curing’ Patients is a Better Business Model than ‘Recurring’ Patients," where we explore a 21st-century solution to an age-old foot problem.For the past 1,500 years, dating back to Hippocrates' "On Regimen" (460 BCE-380 BCE), physicians, chiropodists, and podiatrists have struggled to find a permanent solution for one of the most common foot issues: corns. But has Catherine Hughes (Hobbs), a renowned podiatrist from Wigan, UK, finally cracked the code with her revolutionary Curacorn®? I believe she has!Join us as we delve into:The remarkable 40-year journey of Catherine Hughes in the field of podiatryHow her determination to keep footballers on their feet led to the development of Curacorn®The importance of advancing our professional skills with this groundbreaking solutionAnd why focusing on ‘curing’ patients is a more effective business model than simply managing ‘recurring’ onesDon't miss out on this fascinating conversation that could change the future of foot care!If you would like to know more about training as a Curacorn® practitioner, simply:Visit their website: https://www.curacorn.co.ukOr, email:info@curacorn.co.ukOr call Catherine on:  07519 719143 Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

Join Damian on Series 1: Episode 9 of the Sole Traders podcast, which is a recording of a Canonbury Healthcare webinar on: ‘How do I start a successful Podiatry / Foot Health Care practice?’ Damian discusses:What I've learned about private practice from managing a 2.4 million portfolio. What it really takes to be a successful private practitioner. How to reverse-engineer the perfect private practice.Why a great job is better than an average business.Why all private practices should be built to sell.We finish with a great Q&A session from some of the webinar guests.This is a PODCAST+ episode so you can watch (as well as listen) to the webinar here >> https://soletraders.net/course/how-do-i-start-a-successful-podiatry-foot-health-care-practiceListen & Subscribe On:Apple Podcasts >> https://bit.ly/stpodcastappleSpotify >> https://bit.ly/stpodcastspotifyGoogle Podcasts >> https://bit.ly/stpodcastgoogleWebsite >> https://soletraders.net/blog/how-do-i-start-a-successful-podiatry-foot-health-care-practiceHope you enjoy the show Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

In this episode, I chat with Hugh Tregoning.Hugh qualified as a physiotherapist in 2008 and continues to practise whilst representing Wales in his role as the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Professional Liaison Consultant.With a background in both NHS and private healthcare settings, Hugh offers a unique perspective on the regulatory expectations of healthcare professionals, drawing from his own experiences as a fellow practitioner.Join us as we discuss:The role of the HCPC Professional Liaison Service and its purpose for healthcare professionals.Hugh's journey to becoming the HCPC Professional Liaison Consultant and what fuels his passion for this pivotal role.An insight on how the Professional Liaison Service can support both NHS and private practitioners. The hidden dangers of online forums for healthcare professionals – a must-hear for every podiatrist.An insightful viewpoint on why embracing regulation can be the best move a healthcare practitioner makes.Don't miss this episode, it will change the way you view the Health & Care Professions Council.You can contact Hugh Tregoning, together with all the regional HCPC liaison consultants here >> https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-are/hcpc-departments/professional-liaison-service/FINALLYIf you would like to speak to the Foot Medic™ Group how we can help you start, grow, manage or exit your podiatry business - WhatsApp or call us on 0800 999 1150 and I'll arrange an informal and confidential chat.Hope you enjoy the show. Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

 This is the first PODCAST + where our listeners can follow the business planning discussed in the episode in the NEW 'FREE RESOURCES' section of the Sole Traders website.  In this episode Damian shares a cringey but relevant anecdote about wedding planning, how that is relevant to business planning and the shocking fact that both marriages and business fail at the same rate in the UK!To avoid the common pitfalls (in business not in marriage) and obtain funding, Damian takes you through the process of completing the British Business Bank's :Business PlanPersonal Survival BudgetSales AssumptionsCash Flow ForecastListen to the podcast and follow the step-by-step process online at any time by registering for the free resource at: SoleTraders.net/resources  Finally, if you would like to know more about how we work with private practitioners to help them start, grow, manage and exit their practices, CONTACT US via the website to book an informal chat. It may be the best appointment you make today! Thanks for listening! Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

In this episode, I talk about the importance of completing a feasibility study to assess the risks associated with starting a new business and how you can control the variables to mitigate your risk. Starting with, "Are you the right person for the job?" I talk about the four main tests to assess your start-up or re-assess your existing clinic so you can make decisions based on facts rather than fantasy. This podcast leads on to the next podcast in the series where I will take you through a step-by-step guide to create the building blocks for a successful practice using the tried and tested Foot Medic Business Plan.The Cash Flow Forecast Template mentioned in the podcast can be downloaded HEREThanks for listening. Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

In this episode, I compare the difference between achieving a Band 8c salary (£70,000 - £81,000) via the NHS and private practice routes.I explain why you are 98% more likely to achieve this payscale in private practice and how podiatrists who are on the same 'salary' don't get the same pay!In fact, the difference is as much as £1,400 per month!!This may get many podiatrists thinking about their financial future as the figures speak for themselves: See HereIf you would like to know more about how we work with private practice owners to achieve a Band 8 salary+  then book a discovery call HERE, it may be the best appointment you make today :-)Thank you for listening :-) Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

In this episode, I chat with Michelle Gibson from Canonbury Healthcare. Michelle graduated as a podiatrist in 1992 and worked in the NHS with a special interest in diabetes. She attained her master's degree in 2015 and received the Lecture of the Year award from Wolverhampton University in 2021.Michelle is now the Training & Education Manager at Canonbury Healthcare. I asked Michelle how private practitioners benefited from building a relationship with their suppliers, and why they are developing education resources at Canonbury? I also quizzed Michelle on which product they sold for under £14 that yields the greatest return on investment (+300%) at our group of clinics?... Do you think she knew the answer? READING ROADSHOW - As you heard on the podcast the lineup for the Canonbury Roadshow is incredible, with some of the biggest names in podiatry such as Trevor Prior, Ivan Bristow & Michael Ratcliffe presenting Biomechanics, Dermatology, and Padding  & Straping respectively. The one-day event is on Saturday 21st October at the Car Leasing Stadium in Reading. Tickets are on sale now where you will benefit from relevant and up-to-date CPD as well as exclusive roadshow offers. You can book your tickets here >> https://www.canonbury.com/blog/canonbury-reading-roadshow-saturday-21st-october-2023FinallyIf you would like to speak with myself, Damian about how we can help you start, grow, manage, or exit your podiatry business at the Foot Medic Group, email your inquiry to: info@footmedicgroup.co.uk or simply WhatsApp the show on 0800 999 1150 and I'll arrange an informal and confidential chat. Thanks for listeneing. Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

In this episode, I chat with newly qualified podiatrist Stephen Vince. Stephen qualified from New College Durham in 2022 and in as little as 12 months has gone from new grad to clinic owner via our Joint Venture Partnership. Hear Stephen's journey, and my monolog on how you can do it too. Career Opportunity... If you are a podiatrist or foot health practitioner in the North-East, Stephen is currently recruiting at Foot Medic Gateshead. Click on the link to find out more >> https://footmedicgateshead.co.uk/careersIf you would like to speak with myself, Damian about how we can help you start, grow, manage, or exit your podiatry business at the Foot Medic Group, email your inquiry to: info@footmedicgroup.co.uk or simply WhatsApp the show on 0800 999 1150 and I'll arrange an informal and confidential chat. Thanks for listeneing. Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

In this short episode, I share my thoughts on why podiatrists want to open their own businesses?Have a short rant about the lack of podiatrists in the UK and what I think we should do about it??Read a very relevant quote from 'The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About'.  See links below:And set the scene for the next podcast where I interview podiatrist Steven Vince who went from new grad to business owner in 10 months and doubled his income via our join venture partnership.  Thanks for listeneing. LINKSBook Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280Audiobook Link: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-E-Myth-Revisited-Audiobook/B00FZURU8A Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

It has always been an ambition of mine to host my own podcast, and today that ambition was realised… with my very first guest Dr Tyson E. Frankin.It was an honour to turn the tables on such a prolific podiatrist, businessman, author, speaker, coach and podcaster.  In this episode, Tyson talks about how and why he opened his first podiatry practice, why you must be crazy to go straight from Uni to private practice, how a health complaint meant he had to build a business that could run without him and the best one-piece of advice I have ever heard about how to sell your practice.   With over 30 years of starting, acquiring, relocating and selling over 20 podiatry businesses – I couldn’t have wished for a better 1st guest than… The PodFather - Dr Tyson E. Frankin.MORE ABOUT TYSONTyson graduated as a podiatrist at Queensland University in Brisbane in 1988 and over 30 years, he has opened, sold, acquired and relocated well over 20 podiatry businesses.He completed a three-year entrepreneurship program in business and marketing, won national business awards, is the author of 2 books:It’s No Secret There’s Money in Podiatry It’s No Secret There’s Money in Small Businessesand hosts the Podiatry Legends PodcastPodiatry Marketing PodcastIt's no secret with Dr T’ Podcastwith over 560 episodes combined!He is a one-to-one podiatry business coach and runs regular events such as 12-Week Podiatry Business RebootPodiatry Marketing LIVE in Chicago on 21st October For more information on Tyson’s courses, coaching, books and extensive back catalogue of podcasts, visit https://www.tysonfranklin.com/  Thanks for listening.  Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

The Sole Trades Podcast is brought to you by the Foot Medic™ Group – a podiatry management company that helps podiatrists start, grow, manage and exit their private practices in the UK & Ireland. In this short introduction, your host Damian Murray outlines the purpose of the podcast and why he's only as qualified as the next private podiatrist when offering advice on private practice.   Hope you enjoy the show. CLICK HERE for more information on the Foot Medic™ Group Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk