How to Start a Podiatry Practice in the UK

Private podiatry is a growing field, driven by an ageing population, increasing diabetes prevalence, and the general desire for foot health. If you are HCPC-registered, private practice offers excellent flexibility and strong patient demand.

HCPC Registration

Podiatrist and chiropodist are protected titles. You must be registered with the HCPC. Annual registration is around £106. You need an HCPC-approved degree in podiatry.

Professional Memberships

• Royal College of Podiatry (formerly Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists) — the professional body
• Specialist interest groups for specific areas of practice

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Most podiatrists start as sole traders. A limited company becomes relevant if you build a multi-practitioner clinic.

Registering with HMRC

Register for Self Assessment within three months. VAT: podiatry by HCPC-registered practitioners is exempt from VAT.

Insurance

• Professional indemnity — essential. Royal College membership includes an option.
• Public liability — for clinic premises and domiciliary visits
• Employers' liability — if you employ staff
• Contents and equipment — clinical equipment, instruments

Expect £300–£700 per year.

Claimable Expenses

• HCPC registration
• Professional body membership
• Instruments — scalpels, nail nippers, probes, burrs, autoclaves
• Consumables — dressings, padding, tape, orthotic materials, nail lacquers
• Clinic room hire
• Sterilisation equipment and costs
• CPD and training
• Marketing — website, local advertising, patient leaflets
• Software — clinical records, booking systems
• Travel — for domiciliary visits, at 45p per mile
• Home office costs
• Phone and broadband
• Insurance premiums
• Clinical waste disposal
• Accountancy fees

Accounted tracks your expenses and keeps records organised for your tax return.

Pricing

• Routine podiatry treatment — £35–£55
• Biomechanical assessment — £60–£120
• Custom orthotics — £150–£300
• Nail surgery — £200–£400 per toe
• Diabetic foot assessment — £50–£80
• Domiciliary visit — surcharge of £10–£30

Building Your Practice

• GP referrals — build relationships with local practices
• Care homes — regular contracts for resident foot care
• Domiciliary visits — serve housebound patients
• Health insurance panels — register with major insurers
• Local pharmacies and health centres — referral partnerships
• Diabetes clinics — specialist diabetic foot care

Bookkeeping Tips

• Separate business and personal finances
• Track patient numbers and revenue
• Record instrument and supply costs
• Keep domiciliary visit mileage records
• Set aside 25–30% of profits for tax

Accounted connects to your bank and categorises transactions with AI.

Key Deadlines

• 31 January — Self Assessment and payment
• 31 July — second payment on account
• Every 2 years — HCPC renewal

Getting Started

Podiatry offers rewarding private practice with strong and growing demand. Ensure your HCPC registration is current, arrange proper insurance, and keep your finances well-managed.

Ready to put your best foot forward financially? Sign up for Accounted and let Penny handle the bookkeeping while you focus on your patients.