Filling The Gap

In this episode of Filling The Gap, Dr Shabnam Zai is joined by Kate Ford, Senior Associate Solicitor at Rudlings Solicitors, who specialises in commercial property and employment law and works predominantly with dentists. Kate walks through what a solicitor actually does when you set up or buy a practice, from the lease terms that quietly cost thousands, to whether you should buy the freehold, to how you structure the business itself. Whether you are planning a squat practice or buying an established one, this episode demystifies the legal side of practice ownership and gives you the language to negotiate with confidence from the very first meeting. Key Takeaways: Decoding Your Lease: Kate unpacks the terms that catch new practice owners out, including how security of tenure, break clauses and rent reviews protect you. Freehold or Leasehold: Weigh up buying the property against renting it, and learn what to check before you commit, from building surveys and schedules of condition to the restrictive covenants that can limit your opening hours and signage. Structuring and Protecting Your Business: Understand the pros and cons of operating as a sole trader, limited company or partnership. Kate explains why bespoke contracts, self-employed status and a written partnership agreement matter far more than templates when things go wrong. Follow Kate Ford: Kate Ford is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Rudlings Solicitors, specialising in commercial law, commercial property, and corporate business transfers. She regularly advises healthcare professionals and dental business owners on acquisitions, sales, leases, and key operational contracts. Kate Ford | LinkedIn Kate Ford | Email Rudlings Solicitors | Website Follow Dr. Shabnam Zai: Shabnam Zai | Instagram Shabnam Zai | Facebook Shabnam Zai | Website Dr Shabnam offers an online course for Dentists looking to setup a Squat Dental Practice and a free discovery call to see if she can help you on your practice setup journey. If you're interested you can book a call with her at shabnamzai.com. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe to Filling The Gap on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for dentists like you aspiring to take the leap into practice ownership.

In this insightful episode, guest Dr. Rushdiyah Salie shares her personal journey of buying and running an established dental practice, comparing it with the challenges and rewards of setting up a squat practice. Whether you're considering purchasing an existing practice or starting anew, this episode with Dr. Shabnam Zai and Dr. Rushdiyah Salie offers valuable perspectives to help guide your decision. Key Takeaways: Choosing the Right Path: Understand the pros and cons of buying an existing dental practice versus setting up a squat, and how personal circumstances can influence this decision. Navigating Challenges: Learn about the common challenges practice owners face, including dealing with staff inheritance and the importance of location. Strategic Insights: Gain insights on the strategic decisions involved in practice management, such as financial planning and creating a patient-centred practice environment. Follow Dr. Shabnam Zai: Shabnam Zai | Instagram Shabnam Zai | Facebook Shabnam Zai | Website Interested in opening your own dental practice? Dr. Shabnam offers a comprehensive Dental Squat Setup Course that could be perfect for you. Take the first step towards your dream by booking a free discovery call today. Visit shabnamzai.com to learn more and schedule your session. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe to Filling The Gap on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for dentists like you aspiring to take the leap into practice ownership.

Join Dr Shabnam Zai as she chats with Shaz Memon, founder of Digimax Dental, about the essentials of digital marketing for dental practices. Discover the journey of becoming a standout practice online, from creating powerful websites to understanding SEO and the patient experience online. Shaz shares his extensive experience and insights gained from transforming dental marketing strategies. Key Takeaways: Effective Branding: Learn how timeless branding and SEO can place your dental practice at the forefront of potential patients' minds. Website Design Mistakes: Understand common errors in dental website design and how they impact patient interaction and perception. From Beginner to Expert: Shaz discusses his early challenges and how they paved the way for his expertise in digital marketing specifically tailored for dental practices. Follow Shaz Memon: Shaz Memon is founder of Digimax Dental Marketing, successfully helping hundreds of dentists with their digital marketing strategies. Shaz Memon | Instagram Shaz Memon | Website For a quote or to discuss your dental website in more detail fill out the form on the Digimax website and the team will jump straight on it. Digimax Dental Market | Website Follow Dr Shabnam Zai: Shabnam Zai | Instagram Shabnam Zai | Facebook Shabnam Zai | Website Dr Shabnam offers a free discovery call to see if she can help you on your practice setup journey. If you're interested you can book a call with her at shabnamzai.com. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe to Filling The Gap on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for dentists like you aspiring to take the leap into practice ownership.

In this Filling The Gap episode, Dr. Shabnam Zai hosts Dr. James Martin offering dentists essential financial literacy insights. James emphasises the power of effective communication in elevating dental income and the importance of personal goal-setting for financial independence. This episode is designed to motivate and encourages dentists to proactively contemplate and strategise for their financial futures. Follow Dr. James Martin: Dr. James Martin is a former dentist and now founder of the Dentists Who Invest Facebook group. Dentists Who Invest | Facebook Dentists Who Invest | Website Follow Dr. Shabnam Zai: Shabnam Zai | Instagram Shabnam Zai | Facebook Shabnam Zai | Website Dr. Shabnam offers a free discovery call to see if she can help you on your journey. If you're interested you can book a call with her at shabnamzai.com. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe to Filling The Gap on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for dentists like you aspiring to take the leap into practice ownership.

In this episode of Filling The Gap, Dr. Shabnam Zai welcomes finance expert Nigel Crossman. With decades of experience in healthcare finance, Nigel shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help aspiring dental entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of setting up and financing their dream dental practice. From early planning to mastering the financials, this episode is packed with advice to set you on the path to success. Key Takeaways: Financing Strategies: Nigel breaks down the process of securing finance for your dental practice, offering a deep dive into what lenders look for and how to present your project compellingly. The Importance of Planning: Learn the significance of early and detailed planning in the success of your dental practice, from managing credit scores to choosing the right professional support. Cost Control and Growth: Discover strategies for managing startup costs effectively while laying the groundwork for future expansion. About Nigel Crossman: Nigel Crossman, a former head of healthcare finance at RBS, brings over two decades of experience in financing healthcare projects. Now at Samera Finance, Nigel continues to support healthcare professionals, including dentists, to achieve their business goals through tailored financial solutions. To arrange a call with Nigel visit the Samera Website. Follow Dr. Shabnam Zai: Shabnam Zai | Instagram Shabnam Zai | Facebook Shabnam Zai | Website Dr. Shabnam offers a free discovery call to see if she can help you on your journey. If you're interested you can book a call with her at shabnamzai.com. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe to Filling The Gap on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for dentists like you aspiring to take the leap into practice ownership.