Setting up shop in the UK? Considerations before transferring or starting a business

Centros Unico is the largest aesthetic company in Europe. Launching in 2009 in Spain amidst a recession, the odds should have been against them, with treatments like laser hair removal and injectables becoming a luxury few could justify spending money on. Yet, while other establishments folded, Centros Unico thrived. They were affordable and approachable; being conveniently located in shopping malls meant they were accessible to the masses, demonstrating that even during hard times, clients could indulge in treatments without breaking the bank. Their success grew and grew, and soon, the orange and brown Centros Unico logo became commonplace in many European cities and the go-to company for aesthetic treatments. There are now around 200 Centros Unico clinics operating across seven countries; or so there were until June 2018, when the decision was made to cease some of its UK operations.

I worked with Centros Unico for 7 months, being hired to help try and turn the UK business around, which turned out to be a problematic task. But why? The company is still incredibly successful outside of the UK, so why did it not work as well here? I can only reflect on the 7 months I spent with the company, at which points, perhaps, the business was too far gone to rectify. It did, however, prompt inspiration as to what needs to be considered before attempting to set up an aesthetic business in the UK or, in the case of Centros Unico, moving an existing business abroad.