Holistic practitioner in a rented clinic room

Local clients and walk-in or referred customers who find you through the centre, other therapists and local searches.

A fee per session or consultation, minus room rent. Longer appointments, courses of treatment and packages help fill your diary.

• Recognised training in your therapy
• Building a regular client base
• Basic business admin and bookkeeping

• Rental agreements: check the notice period and whether rent is due even when you have no clients
• Therapist insurance that covers working at the centre, and check whether the centre also requires its own cover
• Advertising rules on health claims, especially around serious conditions such as cancer
• Local council registration for treatments that need it, so check before you start
• Quiet weeks early on, so keep a cash buffer for rent

Estimated startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the room rental terms, your equipment, insurance and how you promote yourself. Treat this as a guide rather than a fixed price.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many clients you build up and the room hours you take. Expect quiet weeks early on, so keep a cash buffer to cover rent.

Check the rental agreement, including the notice period and whether rent is due when you have no clients. Also check insurance that covers working at the centre, advertising rules on health claims, and whether your council requires registration for certain treatments.