Hong Kong has provided two overseas medical professionals with a positive environment for setting up their own practices.

Physiotherapist Ingrid Davis, of Australia, and chiropodist Karlyn Harfoot, of the UK, agree that Hong Kong’s encouragement of new SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) helped turn their fledgling businesses into success stories.

“We were amazed at how quick and easy it is to start your own company in Hong Kong,” said Ingrid Davis, who set up the Wellington Street Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centre in Central in 2000, in partnership with Mark Cameron of New Zealand.

“With help from other SME owners we received endless good advice. The Hong Kong government provides an abundance of information to simplify tax and employment responsibilities for small business owners. Our practice quickly grew and business in the first two years exceeded our expectations.”

Identifying a gap in the market, Ms Davis and Mr Cameron provide quality care based on hands-on treatment and exercise guidance. Their clinical areas of interest include all sports injuries, neck-related headaches, back pain, ergonomic assessment and advice. They also offer running assessments, postural assessments and rehabilitation programmes.

Developing a sound business plan and maintaining a focus are essential for new enterprises, Ms Davis said.

“Hong Kong provides endless opportunities for SME owners, but it is essential to keep your individual business goals in mind. Consult a good accountant and lawyer before you get started, and be aware of the government requirements for business owners regarding staff employment, Mandatory Provident Fund provisions for staff and workplace insurance.

Karlyn Harfoot has been providing chiropodist services in Hong Kong since 1987, having “tested the water” during an earlier posting with her husband in the late 1970s.

“When I came to Hong Kong, I found it easy to set up a small business,” Ms Harfoot said. “It was simply a case of registering and getting started. As a sole proprietor, the process was easy to understand.”

Tapping into a niche market providing services primarily for expatriates of the quality they were used to back home, Ms Harfoot began specialising in gait analysis, ingrowing toenails and other foot problems. From there she saw another opportunity – and opened a retail shop, Footstop Ltd in Mid-Levels, selling Start-rite children’s shoes from the UK.

Ms Harfoot found in Hong Kong an encouraging environment for SMEs. “Government departments are really helpful and resources are easy to access,” she said.

“I am involved in the Women Business Owner’s Club (WBOC), which helps women get started in business, and the Trade Development Council also has valuable resources both in its library and on its Web site. In Hong Kong, SMEs can always find the support they need.”