In this special episode of the Passionate About Podiatry Podcast, Damian Murray meets the organisers and expert presenters behind the West Midlands Foot Health Conference 2026.

Now expanded into an exciting two-day event, this is a conference created for podiatrists, foot health practitioners, physiotherapists and healthcare professionals who want practical knowledge they can take back to clinic and use immediately.

👣 In this episode, discover:

✅ How prehabilitation could help prevent plantar fasciitis and other conditions
✅ Why diabetic foot screening and early intervention are so important
✅ What to expect from the hands-on Demystifying Dopplers workshop
✅ How chairside orthoses can improve comfort and potentially help patients avoid surgery
✅ The challenges of fibromyalgia, chronic pain, gait changes and practitioner burnout
✅ Damian’s 30 Years in 3 Hours workshop, covering the four pillars of a successful practice: clinical care, accounting, marketing and management
✅ Why stronger collaboration between podiatrists and foot health practitioners benefits everyone

You’ll also hear about the interactive dermatology workshop focusing on conditions affecting darker skin, the excellent speaker programme and the 15 trade exhibition stands attending the event.

🔥 This isn’t a conference filled with information you’ll never use. It’s practical, hands-on education designed to give you new skills, greater confidence and ideas you can apply in your clinic on Monday morning.

📅 Friday 6th & Saturday 7th November 2026
📍 The Village Hotel, Solihull
🎟️ One-day tickets: £150 | Two-day tickets: £220

Workshop places are limited and expected to fill quickly, so don’t leave it too late!

👉 View the full programme and book your ticket:
https://wmfoothealthconference.co.uk/2026

Come for the education, stay for the networking—and don’t forget, it’s Adele’s birthday, so bring cake! 🎂

#PassionateAboutPodiatry #WestMidlandsFootHealthConference #Podiatry #FootHealthPractitioner #FootHealth #PodiatryConference #ClinicalEducation #DiabeticFoot #Orthotics #PlantarFasciitis #PrivatePractice

Have you built the practice you always dreamed of… only to discover it now controls you? 🤔

In the opening chapters of Chaos Control, Damian Murray explores the reality many healthcare business owners experience but rarely talk about.

📈 Chapter One – The Honeymoon Period
Discover why the excitement of growth eventually gives way to complexity, overwhelm, and increasing demands on your time.

⚙️ Chapter Two – When the Machine Overtakes the Motor
Learn how the very business you created for freedom can begin to dictate your diary, consume your energy, and push you towards burnout.

🔓 Chapter Three – The Freedom Paradox
Explore why the independence that inspired you to start your own clinic may be the very thing keeping you trapped—and why true freedom comes from building systems that work without you.

If you're a podiatrist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, dentist, GP, or private healthcare practitioner, this audiobook may change the way you think about practice ownership forever.

✨ Because success shouldn't cost you your time, your health, or your freedom.

👇 Have you experienced the tipping point in your practice? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for future chapters and practical strategies to help you build a practice that serves your life—not consumes it.

#ChaosControl #PrivatePractice #HealthcareBusiness #PracticeOwner #Podiatry #ClinicOwner #HealthcareLeadership #BurnoutPrevention #PracticeManagement #PracticeAutopilot #Entrepreneurship #AlliedHealth #BusinessSystems #FreedomParadox

Josh shares how Ultimate Podiatrist began, why CPD compliance matters, the role of high-quality education, and what the future may look like for podiatry, AI, specialist clinical niches, team training and standard operating procedures.

We also discuss the hugely successful Chamonix Podiatry Ski Conference, what’s coming next, and why community, best practice and lifelong learning are essential for modern podiatry clinics.

🎧 In this episode:

✅ Transitioning from clinician to business owner

✅ Building an online CPD platform

✅ Why podiatrists need support, mentoring and education

✅ AI and the future of professional development

✅ Creating consistency across clinical teams

✅ What’s next for Ultimate Podiatrist

For Austrilian podiatrits looking for online CPD - join Ultamate Podiatrist here: https://www.ultimatepodiatrist.com.au/

For UK and International looking for online CPD - join Podiatry CPD Online here: https://www.podiatrycpd.online/

And, if you are a private heathcare practitioner looking to automate your business start your 30 day free trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

#PracticeAutopilot #PodiatryPodcast #UltimatePodiatrist #PodiatryCPD #ClinicBusiness #PodiatryBusiness #HealthcareBusiness #Cliniko #GoHighLevel #PrivatePractice #Podiatrist

Oh...and don't forget to subscribe to this channel

In this episode, Damian Murray sits down with Erica Nicholls, Chair of the Royal College of Podiatry Southwest Regional Branch, to discuss a topic that is shaking the foundations of private practice:

⚠️ Is the traditional 50/50 self-employed associate model still legally viable in 2026?

Following a recent Royal College of Podiatry webinar on HMRC, IR35, and employment status, many clinic owners and associates are asking serious questions about the way podiatry businesses are structured.

Together we unpack:

✅ What IR35 and HMRC employment status rules really mean for podiatry clinics ✅ Why the CEST tool could classify most associates as employees ✅ The controversial “right of substitution” loophole ✅ Risks for clinic owners and associates if HMRC investigates ✅ The pros and cons of the associate model vs employed clinicians ✅ Why the future of podiatry may depend on modern employment models ✅ How progressive clinics are building teams, culture, and better patient care

This is an honest, thought-provoking discussion about where private podiatry is heading — and why adapting to change could unlock a stronger future for the profession.

If you’re a podiatrist, clinic owner, associate, new graduate, or healthcare entrepreneur, this episode is essential listening.

⏱ Topics Covered

Introduction

Erica’s background and work with the Royal College

HMRC CEST tool explained

Why most associates may actually be employees 18:30 – The right of substitution explained

Why the associate model became dominant

Pros and cons for clinic owners and associates

The risks of HMRC investigations

Why the profession may need to evolve

Building modern podiatry businesses

The future of private podiatry in the UK

🎧 About the FootWorX Podcast

The FootWorX Podcast explores the clinical, business and professional challenges shaping podiatry today. We speak with leaders in the profession about practice growth, modern healthcare, and the future of private practice.

📢 Connect with the Royal College of Podiatry – Southwest Regional Branch

Follow their events and CPD updates: 📘 Facebook: Royal College of Podiatry – Southwest Regional Branch >>https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560986331340

Email: secretary.devon@cop.org.uk

👍 If you enjoyed this episode

✔️ Like the video ✔️ Subscribe to the channel ✔️ Share with a colleague in podiatry

Your support helps us continue conversations that move the profession forward 👣

💬 Question for the community: Do you think the associate model in podiatry will survive the next decade? Let us know in the comments.

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 health
• What it’s really like to train as a Foot Health Practitioner
• Why private podiatry is facing a recruitment crisis — and what can be done about it
• How Adele’s Next Step Clinic model is bridging the gap between podiatrists and FHPs
• The potential for a new, hybrid training route that supports both professions

Whether 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/id1703926068

Spotify >>
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Aqf73SX1JeF7sdQJlEabH?si=d51fae831fa9436a

YouTube >>
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGaWMlHU9DqiXOd-MXWSSLw

This 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

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

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 podiatry
• How her determination to keep footballers on their feet led to the development of Curacorn®
• The importance of advancing our professional skills with this groundbreaking solution
• And why focusing on ‘curing’ patients is a more effective business model than simply managing ‘recurring’ ones

Don'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.uk
Or, email:info@curacorn.co.uk
Or call Catherine on:  07519 719143

Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

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-practice

Listen & Subscribe On:

Apple Podcasts >> https://bit.ly/stpodcastapple

Spotify >> https://bit.ly/stpodcastspotify

Google Podcasts >> https://bit.ly/stpodcastgoogle

Website >> https://soletraders.net/blog/how-do-i-start-a-successful-podiatry-foot-health-care-practice

Hope you enjoy the show

Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

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/

FINALLY

If 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

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 Plan
• Personal Survival Budget
• Sales Assumptions
• Cash Flow Forecast

Listen 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

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 HERE

Thanks for listening.

Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

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 Here

If 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

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-2023

Finally

If 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

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/careers

If 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

• Book Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280
  
  
• Audiobook Link: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-E-Myth-Revisited-Audiobook/B00FZURU8A

Start you 14 day FREE trial at practiceautopilot.co.uk

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 TYSON

Tyson 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 Businesses

and hosts the 

• Podiatry Legends Podcast
• Podiatry Marketing Podcast
• It's no secret with Dr T’ Podcast

with over 560 episodes combined!

He is a one-to-one podiatry business coach and runs regular events such as 

• 12-Week Podiatry Business Reboot
• Podiatry 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

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