Aesthetics Business Cast

In this episode, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker speak with Andrew Rankin, a Registered Nurse and key figure in shaping the regulatory landscape of aesthetic medicine in the UK. With over 15 years of experience as a clinic partner and more than a decade in regulatory advisory roles, Andrew has been instrumental in the development of professional standards through his work with Health Education England, the JCCP, MHRA, and other statutory bodies. As Chair of the JCCP Practitioner Register Committee and Co-chair of the Clinical Advisory Group, Andrew offers a uniquely informed view on the challenges and progress of governance, patient safety, and practitioner accountability in the rapidly growing and often controversial aesthetics sector.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, hosts Vicky Eldridge and Hamilton Fraser CEO Eddie Hooker sit down with renowned skin and laser expert Debbie Thomas, founder of the award-winning D.Thomas Clinic in Chelsea. Debbie shares her journey from beauty therapist to leading laser practitioner, offering candid insight into how she built a respected clinic, embraced advanced technology, and maintained integrity in a fast-moving industry.
She discusses the importance of proper training, understanding your limits as a practitioner, and why saying no can be your most powerful tool. Plus, Debbie reflects on launching her own skincare range, navigating work-life balance as a business owner, and why trends never drive her treatment decisions.
🔊 A must-listen for aspiring practitioners, clinic owners and anyone navigating the evolving landscape of non-surgical aesthetics.

In this episode, Vicky Eldridge and Anna Dobbie sit down with the brilliant and refreshingly honest Dr Ginni Mansberg to explore the evolving conversation around women’s health, particularly menopause, and the intersection of evidence-based skincare and aesthetic medicine.
Dr Mansberg, author of The M Word and founder of Evidence Skincare (ESK), brings her medical insight, media savvy, and no-nonsense attitude to a discussion that aims to cut through the confusion, hype, and misinformation currently surrounding menopause.

The Aesthetics Business Cast, presented by Hamilton Fraser, hosts Claire Newman, a registered mental health nurse and director at Soft Touches Aesthetics. In this compelling episode, Claire sheds light on the complex issue of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in the aesthetics industry. She elaborates on the challenges and responsibilities that aesthetic practitioners face when dealing with clients who may have BDD.
Throughout the conversation, Claire emphasises the importance of thorough consultations and the ability to say 'no' compassionately when treatments are not appropriate. She shares her extensive experience in identifying signs of BDD, discussing the psychological impacts of the disorder and how it can vary greatly among individuals.
The discussion also delves into the critical role of training for practitioners, the significance of having robust policies in place, and the necessity of understanding and implementing a proper referral process. Claire’s insights highlight the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and aesthetic treatments, offering valuable advice for professionals striving to support their patients effectively while minimising the risk of exacerbating their conditions.

Clinical Director of Facial Aesthetics and award-winning nurse practitioner, Julie Scott, shares her insights on getting started in aesthetics with host, Vicky Eldridge. What attracted Julie to a career in the sector, and what one piece of advice would she go back and tell her younger self? Tune into this inspiring conversation to learn about Julie’s tips for developing a business mindset, dealing with imposter syndrome, and what she is most excited about for the future of aesthetics. This episode is a must-listen for practitioners starting out, as well as anyone looking to take their business to the next level.

In this episode Vicky Eldridge sits down with the newly appointed Chair and Vice Chair of the British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN), Amy Bird and Alexandra Mills, as well as by Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Lewis. With a fresh vision for the future, they share their personal journeys into aesthetic nursing and the pivotal role BAMAN plays in supporting practitioners across the UK.
From hot topics like remote prescribing, the campaign to protect the title "nurse", and the safe administration of prescription-only medicines, to the support structures BAMAN provides for new entrants to the field, Amy and Alexandra offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to lead an organisation committed to standards, safety and professional growth.
Whether you're an experienced aesthetic nurse, new to the sector or simply curious about the direction of the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving sector of aesthetic nursing - and what BAMAN has planned next.

The Aesthetics Business Cast, presented by Hamilton Fraser, welcomes Dr Priya Chadha, Director of Acquisition Aesthetics and a specialist in plastic surgery. In this enlightening episode, Dr Chadha discusses the often misunderstood concept of work-life balance, particularly within the demanding aesthetics industry. She challenges the traditional perceptions and emphasises the importance of defining personal joy and energy sources to achieve a fulfilling professional and personal life.
Throughout the conversation, Dr Chadha shares her insights on leadership, the critical role of team empowerment, and the necessity of 'ruthless time management' to maintain one’s mental and physical wellbeing. She candidly addresses the dynamics of managing a business and personal life, revealing her strategies for prioritising tasks that align with her values and bring her joy.
The discussion also explores the significance of mental health, particularly the impact of rigorous self-care routines like prioritising sleep and setting firm boundaries. Dr Chadha’s perspective on the aesthetics industry’s evolution highlights the exciting advancements in treatment combinations and patient education, which she believes will integrate aesthetics more seamlessly into daily wellness routines.

The Aesthetics Business Cast, brought to you by Hamilton Fraser, features Dr Emily Mehta, Director of Harley Academy, as she delves into the crucial topic of patient motivations and expectations in aesthetic practice. This episode discusses the impact of social media on unrealistic patient expectations, the importance of effective communication during consultations, and strategies for practitioners to ethically manage patient requests. Dr Mehta shares her insights on the evolving landscape of aesthetic treatments, the shift towards more natural results, and the significance of building strong relationships with patients. 

In this episode of The Aesthetics Business Cast, brought to you by Hamilton Fraser, we welcome Vanessa Bird, The Aesthetic Consultant, who shares her insights on enhancing patient satisfaction in the aesthetics industry. Vanessa discusses the importance of creating a memorable patient journey that extends beyond clinical results, emphasizing the significance of the entire experience - from welcoming patients to the little touches that make them feel valued. She shares personal anecdotes, tips for clinics on improving customer service, and the role of reputation management in maintaining trust. This episode is a must-listen for practitioners looking to elevate their practice and foster lasting relationships with their patients.

The Aesthetics Business Cast, brought to you by Hamilton Fraser, features Professor David Sines, Chair of the JCCP, discussing UK regulations and a proposed licensing scheme within the aesthetic industry. The conversation covers updates on delayed regulatory responses from the UK government, the urgency of implementing safety measures following major incidents such as the Alice Webb tragedy, and developments in Scottish legislation. The discussion also highlights collaboration with other organisations and the role of insurance in public protection. Advice is offered to newcomers in the aesthetic field, emphasising the importance of specialised training.