Have been reading through these posts with interest! I am new to the forum so forgive me if I am a few months behind and still commenting but I hope that I can add to the thread positively offer my help. I am a micropigmentation technician and am not affiliated to any company in the UK so my advice is based on my personal opinion.
Machines: Precision plus is a lovely machine, I have used it. the medical I believe is the same but it has medical certification and can be used for procedures in hospitals.
I personally would not choose to buy a secondhand machine, I want to know it is completely tested and suitable for use. I purchased my first machine alongside training and it was a good well known digital machine but the handpiece was not good (heavy and more designed for paramedical procedures on the body really ) I purchased another handpiece to use and then saved up for a new machine as soon as I could afford one but still keep my first machine as a spare. Some of the companies sell on reconditioned machines (checked over by the manufacturer), this could be an option if keeping costs down. I would prefer to buy from a company because of being able to get it serviced and if it has any faults. I tend to keep several handpieces for each machine (it tends to be the handpieces that get issues rather than the machine) and they are sent to be serviced regularly.
Training: Claire is a knowledgable lady and has posted some really helpful valid advice, I think it is important to invest in good solid basic training then remember that it needs to be progressive, reach proficiency and confidence at each level then move forwards to advanced techniques, personally I love scar work and other paramedical procedures but Claire is completely right it is not as lucrative and it takes time to build up relationships with the relevant people ie. a good surgeon! be careful who you train with, it is easy to waste money and often there are false promises. I personally had a bad experience at the start, I know that I am not the only one and am saddened by this. I highly recommend asking other technicians who they trained with and what their experience was, also no matter how good their marketing is and how the company seems, lets face it without a good trainer you are stuffed, I would also recommend finding out in advance exactly who you will be trained with. I havent done any training with Nouveau but I know others who have and they had a good experience, the only negative I have heard is that it can be expensive.
It is also good to keep yourself fresh by every once in a while going on a workshop or to a meeting of other techs, a great way to pick up techniques.
As it was another company mentioned I can offer my opinion on Finishing Touches, I have done some training with them, I had an excellent trainer and they are a very good company with a sound reputation. If anyone wants to find out more about my training in general then feel free to pm me. They are some truly unscrupulous people out there.
I am passionate about what I do and feel that there are really great training programmes out there, it is important to not get ripped off but you must be prepared to invest in your training if you want to get good !!
I though Beautiful Ink's comments were lovely, obviously had a good experience training and love what they do.
Insurance: £400 for insurance is extortionate. My last policy was with BABTAC and if you have done recognised training then the price of insurance should reflect that.