Month: November 2015

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How To Start A Gym Business

How To Start A Gym Business

By Mandy Czyz

•

3 mins read

Table of contents

Table of contents

Introduction
1. Identify what you want to achieve
2. Location is everything
3. Know your market
4. Find the right suppliers and partners
5. Be financially savvy
6. Don’t forget the details
Disclaimer

Table of contents

Introduction
1. Identify what you want to achieve
2. Location is everything
3. Know your market
4. Find the right suppliers and partners
5. Be financially savvy
6. Don’t forget the details
Disclaimer

Contributors

Image

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

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Starting your own gym business offers the benefits of being your own boss and reaping the rewards of a (hopefully) successful business. Whilst it seems attractive, we always hear of how difficult it can be, so what are the key things to remember when opening your own gym?

 

1. Identify what you want to achieve

What will be the focus of your business, is there a particular sport or discipline that you want to promote?

Is there a gap in the market in the area you targeting?

Keep this in mind throughout your planning and running of your business.

As tempting as it might be to offer all sports to all people, make sure that you provide an attractive service and get it right.

2. Location is everything

Look at a number of venues and ensure that you identify somewhere that is accessible with plenty of parking and is easy to find. Your hard work in setting up the business and advertising will be wasted if your clients can’t get to you easily!

3. Know your market

Check out your competitors, either direct competitors offering exactly the same business model or other gyms. Look at the service and facilities that they provide as well as the prices that they charge and be sure to consider this when making decisions about your own gym. There’s no point in charging twice the price of a gym nearby – you just won’t get the custom!

4. Find the right suppliers and partners

Use your knowledge and expertise to find the right people to work with. Ensure that the people you choose are trustworthy with a proven reputation. The last thing you need when you are just starting out is to be let down by a supplier.

5. Be financially savvy

​Go into your new venture being clear of and keeping track of all of the financial aspects. New business start-ups always require a degree of investment. As it can take some time to recover some of this it is essential to keep a record of everything and if you aren’t great with numbers then employ a bookkeeper to help you.

You will need to register your business or yourself depending on whether you set up a limited company or self-employed – again, best to seek advice on what is best depending on your circumstances.

6. Don’t forget the details

Ensure that you get any legal protection for any intellectual property and ensure that you have all of the relevant insurance for your business. There is a minimum requirement is buildings and contents as well as public liability. Get more information about our gym business insurance and find out the relevant insurance for your business.

As well as gym insurance we offer personal trainer liability insurance, and cover to other leisure section entities such as Sports Clubs. Get your quote today by visiting our Sports Club Insurance page.
So, keep these things in mind when starting a gym business and make your dream of being your own boss a reality!

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

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Starting A Pet Sitting Business

Starting A Pet Sitting Business

By Steffi Cavaliere

•

6 mins read

Table of contents

Table of contents

Introduction
Understanding the pet sitting industry
Experience
Advertising
Tools and resources for running your pet business
Insurance
Disclaimer

Table of contents

Introduction
Understanding the pet sitting industry
Experience
Advertising
Tools and resources for running your pet business
Insurance
Disclaimer

Contributors

Image

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

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Have you ever thought about starting a pet sitting business? With the number of pet owners on the rise and people treating their furry friends as part of the family, the demand for reliable pet sitters is growing faster than ever.

For customers – the benefit of using a pet sitter instead of a friend or neighbour is that a pet sitter is a contract service providing care at agreed times. This makes it not only more reliable but also gives a pet owner peace of mind that their pet is being cared for in the best possible way.

If you love animals and dream of being your own boss, this could be the perfect opportunity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to launch your own pet sitting business, from establishing credentials to pet sitting insurance, and turn your passion into a profitable venture.

 

Understanding the pet sitting industry

Before diving in, it’s good to understand the industry you’re entering. Did you know that nearly 60% of households in the UK own a pet? Dogs and cats lead the pack, but small animals, birds, and even reptiles are becoming more common. With busy schedules, holidays, and work commitments, pet owners often need someone trustworthy to care for their beloved animals. That’s where you come in.

Pet sitting can involve more than just popping in to feed a cat or walk a dog. You might offer overnight stays, medication administration, or even grooming services. While this business can be rewarding, it’s important to know that it comes with challenges like managing tricky pets or dealing with last-minute cancellations.

 

Experience – Building skills and credentials

While you might already be an animal lover, having some professional skills and credentials can give you an edge. Consider taking courses in animal behaviour or pet first aid. These not only boost your knowledge but also show clients that you’re serious about your business.

Volunteering at a local shelter or shadowing an experienced pet sitter can also be a great way to gain hands-on experience. Don’t forget to collect testimonials—positive reviews from happy clients can do wonders for your reputation.

 

Advertising

To attract clients, you’ll need to get the word out. Here are some tips to market your business effectively:

Build an Online Presence

Create a simple website showcasing your services, prices, and contact details. Share photos of happy pets you’ve cared for (with the owner’s permission, of course!) and include testimonials if you have them. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are also brilliant for connecting with pet owners.

Local Marketing

Don’t underestimate the power of offline marketing. Print some flyers and business cards to leave at vet clinics, pet shops, and community boards. Attend local events and meetups where pet owners gather.

Encourage Word of Mouth

Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to build trust. Encourage your satisfied clients to spread the word and leave positive reviews online. You could even offer discounts for referrals to sweeten the deal.

 

Tools and resources for running your pet business

There are plenty of tools out there to help you manage your business efficiently. Consider using apps like TimeToPet or Rover for scheduling, invoicing, and client communication. Platforms like PayPal or Stripe make handling payments simple, and accounting software can keep your finances in check. Organisation is key when you’re juggling multiple clients!

 

Common challenges and how to overcome them

No business is without its hurdles. Here are a few common challenges you might face and tips for handling them:

  • Last-minute cancellations: Have a clear cancellation policy in place to protect your time and income.
  • Difficult pets or owners: Stay professional and communicate calmly. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to decline jobs that aren’t a good fit.
  • Time management: Use scheduling tools to organise your workload and avoid overcommitting.

Starting a pet sitting business can be an incredibly rewarding journey, both personally and financially. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful business that allows you to do what you love every day.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and start planning your pet sitting business today. Who knows? This could be the start of your dream career!

 

Essential steps to start your pet sitting business

Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up your business for success.

Conduct Market Research

Before you do anything else, spend some time understanding the market in your area. Are there many pet owners nearby? What kinds of services are they looking for? And who’s your competition? A little research will help you figure out how to stand out.

Develop a Business Plan

This doesn’t need to be overly complicated, but having a solid plan will give you a clear direction. Decide what services you’ll offer (e.g., dog walking, overnight care, puppy training) and how much you’ll charge. Think about your goals and map out your start-up costs.

Get Insured

Pet sitting involves a lot of trust, so having proper insurance is non-negotiable. Public liability insurance will protect you if something goes wrong, like a pet causing damage or an accident happening on your watch. Pet sitting insurance is essential to protect you, the owner, the pet and anyone else that your pet might come into contact with. For more information about Pet business insurance and exactly what is covered on our Pet Sitting Insurance page.

Set Your Pricing

Pricing can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. Research what other pet sitters in your area charge and consider your own experience and the services you offer. Be competitive but don’t undersell yourself—your time and effort are valuable.

 

About Us

We’re one of the leading providers of insurance for pet businesses, and we offer a variety of tailored products such as insurance for dog walkers, insurance for a pet sitting business and Dog Grooming Insurance policies.

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

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How To Write A Professional Business Plan For Your Sports Business

How To Write A Professional Business Plan For Your Sports Business

By Mandy Czyz

•

4 mins read

Table of contents

Table of contents

Introduction
Writing a business plan for your sports business
Disclaimer

Table of contents

Introduction
Writing a business plan for your sports business
Disclaimer

Contributors

Image

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

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If you are putting together a business plan for your sports business there are some important elements to remember. No matter what type of business you are setting up, you should have a business plan. A business plan summarises everything about it from objectives and strategies to marketing plans and financial forecasts.

One thing not to leave out of your business plan is the necessity for insurance cover. Get a quote for our Sports Business Insurance today to ensure you and your business are protected should things not go as planned. If you are running an after-school club you should consider our after-school club insurance.

It is an essential tool if you are looking to secure funds from a bank or investor but can also be helpful when talking to new suppliers or customers as it will help to articulate those aspects of your sports business that will be of particular interest. There are lots of online resources to help you to write a plan, but here is a summary of the key points to include:

 

Top Tips:

  1. Outline your objectives – be clear about what you are looking to achieve and how you intend to reach your goal.
  2. Define your business – Provide a clear and accurate summary of your business and what it is about. Outline what produces/services you will provide.
  3. Identify your market – and more specifically your target consumers. Who will you sell to, what are their demographics ie. What age groups, gender are they and what regions of the country do they live in?
  4. Competitive Analysis – what and who could your competitors be? Remember that this doesn’t just have to be direct competitors.
  5. Pricing structure – Be sure to detail your selling price, costs any other investors in the business so you have a clear financial plan. This will help the bank/potential investors to be clear about the opportunity that your business can provide.
  6. Operations – detail the operational side of the business from facilities to employees including management and the structure of the business.
  7. Sales and Marketing – how will you sell your products/services? How will you promote your business and your products? What will the costs be and the expected results?
  8. Demonstrate that you have identified any potential risks and have plans in place in certain scenarios – investors will be more prepared to part with their cash if they can see that a risk assessment has been done.

 

Other top tips:

  • Allow plenty of time – putting together the right business plan can take time. Not only do you need to gather all of the information required but then you need to sit down and put it together in the right way.
  • Start with a template – there are lots of great business plan templates available which are an excellent starting point to help you to build the perfect business plan. Both Princess Trust and Barclays provide great examples.
  • Keep the plan clear, precise and professional. Your business plan represents you and your business so it is important to deliver the right impression
  • Avoid too much detail in the main body of the plan. Many business plans are simply too long! Keep the body of the document clear and accurate and include any supporting information in the appendix (making sure that you reference it).
  • Don’t be afraid to ask advice – review the document with any business colleagues or friends you trust to give you constructive feedback.

 

So get writing your winning business plan and remember ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish’ – Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

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