UK Dentists: Collect your verifiable CPD for this episode here >>> https://courses.dentistswhoinvest.com/smart-money-members-club

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Rumblings about UK reforms to restrictive covenants are getting louder, and the stakes for dentistry are real. We dive straight into how non‑competes work today, where courts draw the line on “reasonableness,” and why a simple radius and duration no longer capture how patients choose their dentist. With expert legal and brokerage insight, we unpack what could happen if the UK edges toward a California‑style model that voids employee non‑competes but leaves non‑solicit and confidentiality on the table.

We explore the messy frontier where law meets real‑world behaviour: proving solicitation in an era where patients follow clinicians on Instagram, not clinic websites. A billboard aimed at former patients looks like a breach; a quiet bio update probably does not. That nuance matters for associates planning moves and for principals trying to protect goodwill. We map out what is enforceable now, why “or” clauses (non‑compete or non‑solicit) are treated separately, and how injunctions and loss drive remedies rather than flat “fines.”

Then we turn to valuations and risk. If non‑competes weaken, concentrated revenue becomes a liability. Buyers will price in the chance that a high‑grossing associate can walk down the street, while sellers will need to prove income resilience. We share practical strategies: spread production across more clinicians, invest in practice‑level brand and patient experience, tighten confidentiality and data controls, and ensure every associate has a clear, reasonable agreement. For principals exiting, paid non‑competes tied to consideration typically hold more weight than employment‑style restraints and can still secure value if drafted well.

Nothing is final yet, but waiting is not a strategy. Audit your contracts, reduce key‑person dependence, and build systems that make patients loyal to your practice, not just one provider. If the law shifts, you will be ready. If it does not, you will still own a stronger, more resilient business.

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more dentists find practical legal and valuation insight.

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Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for education purposes only and does not constitute an investment recommendation or individual financial advice. For that, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you invest. The views expressed on this channel may no longer be current. The information provided is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. Investment figures quoted refer to simulated past performance and that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results/performance.

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UK Dentists: Collect your verifiable CPD for this episode here >>> https://courses.dentistswhoinvest.com/smart-money-members-club

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Wondering why your mortgage is dropping but your practice loan feels stubborn? We pull back the curtain on how commercial borrowing really works for dentists and why the base rate is only half the story. With Kevin Saunders, we map the moving parts—Bank of England base, lender margin, fix lengths, and term—so you can shape repayments that protect cash flow rather than chase a headline APR.

We start by translating the rate rollercoaster of recent years into practical choices for owners. Commercial loans are priced as base plus margin, and margins have become more competitive, often around or below 2% over base. From there we dive into the big fork in the road: fixed versus variable. Unlike mortgages, fixed commercial rates are about budget certainty, not automatic cheapness, and they’re set against the market’s view of future base. We talk candidly about break charges, why five years can feel long in business, and when a variable rate may make sense if cuts continue.

Then we compare goodwill, property, and equipment finance. Asset finance often acts like a flat, pre‑calculated cost, decoupled from base—ideal for chairs and scanners when you want simplicity. For goodwill and property, term length becomes a powerful lever. Extending from 15 to 20 or 25 years can drop monthly payments more than shaving a few basis points off the rate, which matters most in the fragile start‑up or post‑acquisition window. We run a simple example on a £500,000 loan to show how a 0.25% cut saves roughly £67 a month, useful but smaller than many expect. We also clarify tax: interest is deductible in both company and sole trader structures, but capital repayments are not, so prioritising mortgage pay‑down over commercial principal can be smarter.

By the end, you’ll know how to compare fixes and variables side by side, stress‑test your repayments, and pick a structure that buys you peace of mind without boxing you into costly break fees. If you’re planning a purchase or thinking about refinancing, this is the timely, practical guide you need to make clear, confident decisions. Enjoy the conversation, and if it helps, share it with a colleague who’s weighing their options.

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Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for education purposes only and does not constitute an investment recommendation or individual financial advice. For that, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you invest. The views expressed on this channel may no longer be current. The information provided is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. Investment figures quoted refer to simulated past performance and that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results/performance.

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Check if your dental practice qualifies for capital allowances here >>> https://www.dentistswhoinvest.com/chris-lonergan

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UK Dentists: Collect your verifiable CPD for this episode here >>> https://courses.dentistswhoinvest.com/smart-money-members-club

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Want a clear read on where dental practice sales are heading in 2026? We pull the market apart with hard data and lived deal flow: why lenders are back competing, how deposit requirements and margins over base have shifted, and what that means for first‑time buyers who were frozen out when stress tests sat at 9 percent. The short version: activity is strong, but the edge now comes from clean operations, bankable income, and smarter deal structures rather than chasing the highest multiple.

We unpack the corporate reset and the rise of microconsolidators. Many large groups paused to protect EBITDA and trim head office cost under inflation pressure and softer private demand. In their wake, tier‑three and tier‑four buyers with lighter structures and cheaper debt have moved fast, often winning not on price but on certainty: more cash on completion, fewer strings, and realistic transition expectations. If you’re selling, we show how net proceeds after CGT, risk, and deferred hurdles can make a slightly lower headline number the better outcome.

On the valuation front, NHS and mixed practices are regaining heat with recruitment stabilising in major cities and UDA tweaks improving deliverability. Private remains attractive, but associate percentages, lab costs, and marketing spend demand tighter control. We dive into the emerging shift in associate remuneration—transparent lab splits, sliding scales tied to value, and fair cost sharing—to protect margins without endless patient fee hikes. We also flag a key policy watch: potential curbs on non‑competes that could change how goodwill is protected, pushing owners to build moats through brand, patient plans, and clinician engagement.

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Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for education purposes only and does not constitute an investment recommendation or individual financial advice. For that, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you invest. The views expressed on this channel may no longer be current. The information provided is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. Investment figures quoted refer to simulated past performance and that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results/performance.

Send us a text