Spa Requirements - new business essentials

Starting your own spa business from the bottom up is a praiseworthy endeavour that requires good financial standing, tedious hours in paperwork and backbreaking physical labour - not to mention a number of other requirements. Still determined to go through with it? Before you grab that massage oil and start working your magic, you need to make sure that you fulfil all of the requirements issued by the UK government, in order to operate safely and legally. But what exactly are they and how can you make sure you’ve got them covered? Read on and find everything you should know about spa requirements for opening your business!

Licensing and certification

When it comes to opening your own spa business, simply purchasing or renting a space, doing some paperwork, designing ornate spa business cards and coming up with some lovely decor ideas is barely scratching the surface when it comes to fulfilling spa requirements. Two of the most important prerequisites prior to setting up a shop are certifications and licensing. With that being said, which courses you take depends on the types of treatments you’re looking to provide. Massages such as hot stone, shiatsu and Thai massage fall into the ITEC (Level 3 RQF) diploma category. However, here’s one thing you might not have known - you’re not required to have a degree in order to become a massage therapist. Before you decide to skip out on getting certified, you should know that doing so comes with repercussions, including difficulty getting fully insured, getting hired and gaining clients will be an even greater challenge. Getting your licenses is essential in order to operate legally, and get ready, because there’s a boatload of them. To start off, if you’re planning on being self-employed (this includes business partnerships), then you’re required to register with the HMRC. Next, you need to get approved for the Massage and Special Treatment Premises License, which is a must in order for you to operate from your spa. When it comes to providing treatments such as massages, manicures, acupuncture, or utilising saunas, steam rooms and baths, you need to have the Massage and Special Treatment License - and if you have staff members who provide these treatments, they must also be registered. Other recommended licenses that you may eventually want to apply for include:

• License to play background music
• Notification to process personal data
• Registered chiropractor (if applicable)

In order to find more information pertaining to your business’s required licensing, and links in order to apply for them, use the gov.uk webpage’s license finder.

A solid game plan

It’s not enough to simply open a spa in a desired location and hope for the best - you need to plan out each step you take on your way to creating the ultimate relaxation haven. Choosing the location for your business is essential, and that’s a dead giveaway - but when it comes to the nitty-gritty, it’s just one of many things you ought to plan out carefully. Your game plan should also include:

• Treatments you plan to offer - you might have the qualifications to provide a hot stone back treatment, but that NVQ level 2 diploma doesn’t cover aromatherapy. Before creating a service list, make sure that you and your staff are qualified to provide it.
• Your business model - do you plan to rent out spaces, have hired staff, or run your spa entirely on your own? Hiring staff or renting out spaces requires the specialists to register as therapists.
• Spa insurance costs - the cost of insurance can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, such as location, the type of coverage, and if the business is prone to damage.
• Spa management - managing a spa business with a pen and notepad doesn’t fit well with a solid game plan. But what does fit is Booksy, spa management software, which takes the load of managing bookings, client data, staff schedules and online retailing off your shoulders.

A good hand in marketing

Starting off with a clean slate in the spa industry is truly an uphill battle. Making a name for yourself, especially in an area filled with veteran holistic health businesses requires a unique list of treatments, expertly trained staff, a tranquil atmosphere and above all, great marketing skills. These skills can turn even the darkest, back alley spas into bustling local retreats. Like others before you, you hop onto Facebook and Instagram and set up new business accounts - but hold on, what do you plan on posting since you’re just opening? A stock photo of someone else’s holistic health business? That’s not going to work. In order for your business to flourish, marketing out of the box is an essential spa requirement if you’re looking to succeed. Start with:

• A visit to local businesses - visiting local cafes and restaurants is a great way to get the word out about your business. Invite their staff to your opening and ask to leave your business cards - that way, you might grab the attention of some of the locals.
• Checking your competition - peering over your competitors’ shoulders shouldn’t be shamed. They’ve been in business longer than you and you’re curious to see what works for them. Pay special attention to their prices and marketing activities.
• Promoting your opening - be proud to be the new kid on the block! Create social media ads, inviting locals to your opening, and share pictures of your interior or your team.

Once you’ve made a name for your spa, it is essential that you continue marketing your business - however, by the time you’ve gained a significant number of clients, you ought to change how you do so. With the help of Booksy spa software, you can encourage your clients to go online and book treatments or order gift cards, as well as organize flash sales or happy hours. Want to see for yourself why Booksy software is a must-have for effectively running and managing a business? Sign up for your free trial. No credit card required, no hidden fees.