How to Start an Aesthetics Business in the UK

The aesthetics industry in the UK is booming, with growing demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and skin rejuvenation. It is also one of the most regulated areas of the beauty industry, and the landscape is evolving. Here is how to set up your aesthetics business properly.

Qualifications and Regulation

The aesthetics industry in the UK is in a period of regulatory change. Currently:

Injectable Treatments (Botox, Fillers)

• Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine. Only prescribers (doctors, dentists, nurses with prescribing qualifications, or pharmacists) can prescribe it. Non-prescribers can administer it under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) or Patient Specific Direction (PSD) from a prescriber.
• Dermal fillers are not currently classified as medicines (as of 2026), but there is ongoing pressure for regulation. Anyone can technically inject fillers, but professional qualifications are strongly expected by insurers, suppliers, and clients.

Recommended Qualifications

• Medical background — doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists are the most common aesthetics practitioners
• Level 7 qualification in injectable aesthetics — the minimum standard recommended by the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP)
• Accredited training — from providers recognised by the JCCP, ACE Group, or Aesthetic Complications Expert Group
• Non-injectable treatments — Level 3 or 4 qualifications in chemical peels, microneedling, or similar

Professional Registration

• JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners) — voluntary register for non-surgical cosmetic practitioners
• Save Face — accredited register recognised by the Professional Standards Authority
• NMC — for registered nurses
• GMC — for registered doctors
• GDC — for registered dentists

Registering with a recognised body demonstrates professionalism and is increasingly expected by clients and insurers.

Licensing

Some local authorities require a special treatment licence for aesthetic treatments. Requirements vary — check with your council. An inspection of your premises is usually required.

Clinic, Home, or Mobile?

Clinic — the most professional setting. Renting a room in a medical or beauty clinic is common for practitioners starting out. Your own clinic requires premises, fit-out, and regulatory compliance.

Home clinic — possible for some treatments, but must meet hygiene and safety standards. Check planning permission and council requirements.

Mobile — some practitioners offer treatments at clients' homes. Insurance and hygiene considerations are more complex.

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Many aesthetics practitioners start as sole traders, particularly if they are nurses or other professionals adding aesthetics to their skillset. A limited company may be appropriate as income grows or for liability protection.

Registering with HMRC

Register for Self Assessment within three months. VAT at £90,000 turnover. Most aesthetic treatments are standard-rated for VAT. However, treatments provided by registered medical professionals for medical purposes (not purely cosmetic) may be VAT-exempt. The distinction can be grey — take professional advice.

Insurance

• Medical malpractice / professional indemnity — essential. Covers claims arising from treatments, including adverse reactions and complications. Costs vary significantly: £500–£3,000+ per year depending on the treatments you offer.
• Public liability — for clinic premises
• Product liability — if you sell skincare products
• Employers' liability — if you employ staff
• Contents and equipment — clinic equipment and product stock

Choose an insurer that specifically covers aesthetic treatments. Not all beauty insurance policies cover injectables.

Claimable Expenses

• Products and consumables — botulinum toxin, fillers, chemical peels, serums, needles, cannulas, antiseptic
• Equipment — treatment beds, lighting, skin analysis devices, microneedling pens, LED masks
• Clinic room hire — if renting space
• Professional registration — JCCP, Save Face, NMC, GMC
• Training and CPD — aesthetic courses, complication management, new techniques
• Insurance premiums
• Marketing — website, Instagram advertising, before-and-after photography (with consent)
• Software — booking systems, client records, consent form platforms
• Clinical waste disposal — sharps bins, medical waste
• Uniform and PPE — clinical clothing, gloves, masks
• Travel — if mobile, at 45p per mile
• Phone and broadband
• Accountancy fees

Accounted tracks all your expenses and keeps them categorised for your tax return.

Pricing

• Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) — £150–£350 per area
• Dermal fillers (lips) — £200–£400 per ml
• Dermal fillers (cheeks/jawline) — £250–£500 per ml
• Chemical peel — £80–£200
• Microneedling — £100–£300 per session
• Profhilo — £250–£400 per session
• PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) — £200–£500

Pricing depends on your location, experience, and the products you use. Premium products and professional qualifications justify premium pricing.

Building Your Practice

• Instagram — the primary platform for aesthetics businesses. Before-and-after photos (with written consent) are essential.
• Google My Business — for local search
• Save Face and JCCP directories — for registered practitioners
• Referrals — satisfied clients bring friends and family
• Open days — offer consultations and demonstrations
• Partnerships — beauty salons, spas, gyms
• Content creation — educational content about treatments builds trust

Bookkeeping Tips

• Separate business and personal finances
• Track product costs carefully — injectables are expensive
• Record clinical waste disposal costs
• Keep consent forms and client records — not a tax requirement, but essential for clinical governance
• Set aside 25–30% of profits for tax

Accounted connects to your bank and uses AI to categorise transactions. Built for UK professionals.

Key Deadlines

• 31 January — Self Assessment and payment
• 31 July — second payment on account
• Quarterly — VAT returns if registered
• Annually — professional registration, insurance, council licence renewal

Getting Started

Aesthetics is a high-growth industry with strong earning potential, but it requires proper qualifications, insurance, and compliance. Get these right, and you will build a rewarding practice.

Ready to perfect your practice finances? Sign up for Accounted and let Penny handle the bookkeeping while you focus on your clients.