Author: Tegan

09:16:01 GMT • 14 January 2025

Best Dog Walking Routes in UK City Parks

9 December 2015

•

5 mins read

Contributors

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

You might be forgiven for thinking that if you live in a city you need to drive miles to have an enjoyable, scenic walk with a dog. But, there are some hidden gems even in the most urban areas. So, if you run a dog walking business then here is a guide to finding the best walking routes in our cities, some might be closer than you think!

London – Epping Forest

As London’s largest open space this is a must visit location and dog walking is one of the most popular activities. The Forest covers around 2,400 hectares – that’s over 3,300 football pitches – and stretches from Manor Park to just north of Epping. With four visitor centres, there is plenty to see and do if you want more than just a stroll in the forest.

Other London Boroughs have similar other spaces: Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Newham, all of which are worth a visit.

Note that each of these has a maximum number of dogs that you can walk at any one time (from 4 to 6) and most ask that dogs are kept on a lead so always worth checking this before you plan a walk.

Manchester

Manchester City Council has dedicated dog walking areas within some of the city parks, so you can walk with the dogs in confidence. Bellott Street has specific dog walking but requests dogs are kept on a lead. Platt Fields Park has extra facilities with dogs not being allowed in areas such as the sports pitches and children’s play area. See the Manchester council for more information about each dog walking site.

Visit Manchester also have some great dog walking routes n their website, keen to show that there is another side to Manchester waiting to be discovered. Check out their website for a range of trails that you can download.

Each covers varying distances and includes information about landmarks to be seen along the way.

Walkiees features a selection of dog walks within the greater Manchester area including landmarks such as the iconic canals and Saddleworth so you really don’t need to venture far for great views!

Leeds

Named as one of the region’s leading green spaces in the Good Parks Guide, Roundhay Park is a great asset for Leeds and any dog walker! Explore trails, open spaces and gardens. There are off lead areas too making it a great location to stretch those legs!

But, if you do want to venture a short distance then Nostell Priory and Parkland near Wakefield is another great location. With rolling countryside woods and tracks, the parkland offers a great location for dog walkers just half an hour from Leeds.

Dogs on leads are welcome anywhere in the park and there is also a specific dog walking area near the car park, complete with water bowls! Visit the National Trust website for more information.

Liverpool

Right in the heart of Liverpool, Sefton Park is a popular space for dog walkers, runners and families alike. A magnificent 2235-acre park is a Grade I listed historic park, its features include a boating lake, aviary and even a Peter Pan statue!

With children’s play areas, fishing and a large population of swans it is wise to keep dogs on a lead in most areas of the park although there are some open spaces in which they can be let off to explore.

The Mersey Forest Project is a growing network of woodland and green spaces throughout Merseyside and Cheshire. Even in an urban area, woodland can thrive and be enjoyed. There are several sites, all of which allow dogs but each has different restrictions for dog walkers – visit their website to find out about each one.

Birmingham

Just 6 miles north of Birmingham City Centre, Woodgate Valley Country Park is a fantastic location for dog walking, with a huge range of facilities and great open spaces.

Visit Birmingham have details on a number of parks to visit, all really easy to reach. The most popular with for dog walkers due to their open space is Lickey National park and Woodgate Valley Country Park.

Waseley Hills Country Park is a great location linking the Clint and Lickey hills and is a great long walk. A National Trust property, this has clearly signposted areas where dogs can be off the lead and when you can let them run free.

Remember that when enjoying any of these walks to keep other walkers and dog owners in mind. Read the notices and signs displayed for people walking with dogs and comply with them. It’s often worth checking the website first as these all include helpful advice regarding parking charges, facilities and any restrictions for dog walkers.

Some locations will request that dogs are kept on a lead or under effective control and that you keep to marked paths. Often it will be stated that dogs cannot enter any children’s play areas.

Be aware of any livestock that might be grazing in the area as well as horses and their riders. The other important request is that you, of course, clear up after your dog. If we make sure that these guidelines are all complied with then these locations will remain available for everyone to enjoy!

It’s also important to make sure that you have the right dog walking insurance to protect you, the dogs and their owners when you are out walking.

So, next time you are looking for a suitable walk for you and a canine friend, don’t automatically think that you must drive miles, the perfect location might be closer than you think!

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09:15:44 GMT • 14 January 2025

How To Start A Gym Business

30 November 2015

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3 mins read

Contributors

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

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!

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09:15:28 GMT • 14 January 2025

Starting A Pet Sitting Business

13 November 2015

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6 mins read

Contributors

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

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.

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10:09:34 GMT • 21 January 2025

How To Write A Professional Business Plan For Your Sports Business

9 November 2015

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4 mins read

Contributors

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

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:

Outline your objectives – be clear about what you are looking to achieve and how you intend to reach your goal.
Define your business – Provide a clear and accurate summary of your business and what it is about. Outline what produces/services you will provide.
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?
Competitive Analysis – what and who could your competitors be? Remember that this doesn’t just have to be direct competitors.
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.
Operations – detail the operational side of the business from facilities to employees including management and the structure of the business.
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?
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.

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09:14:35 GMT • 14 January 2025

Explained – The Changes to the Law in Microchipping

27 October 2015

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4 mins read

Contributors

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

The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 is a draft bill set to come into action by the 6th April 2016 making it a legal requirement for all dogs in England to be microchipped by 8 weeks old. This means all dogs and owner’s details will be held on databases such as PetLog (managed by The Kennel Club) to ease reuniting lost pets with owners.

The main aim of this legislation is to reduce the number of abandoned animals, with animal rescue centres becoming more and more crowded compulsory microchipping will ensure owners cannot avoid responsibility for their pets.

What is microchipping?

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under a pet’s skin, usually on their back. This microchip contains a unique code which when scanned contains information about the pet and their owners.

This information is stored on databases and is accessible by veterinary centres, the dog warden service and other animal organisations and can be used whenever a pet is lost to trace their registered owners. It is important for owners to keep this information correct and up to date as owners are required by law to inform their microchip database within 21 days of any changes. If owners fail to microchip their dogs or keep these details up to date they may be liable to a fine of £500.

How do I become a microchipper?

Contrary to popular belief microchipping does not need to be done by a vet but can also be done by a qualified implanter who has undertaken adequate training.

On the 24th February 2015, changes in legislation meant that all training must be carried out by an approved supplier such as PeddyMark or Tracer.

When looking at different training programmes and deciding where to qualify to make sure they have an approved status certificate which should be displayed on their website or you can ask to see this.

Becoming an implanter is easier than you think, it simply takes four hours of one to one training with a qualified instructor. With PeddyMark, trainers travel to you at a time you have specified to ensure the process is entirely at your convenience. Allowing one to one training also means any questions you have will be answered and you will come away a more confident qualified implanter.

What will I need to become a microchipper?

To set up your own pet microchipping business you will need to have space, the correct qualification, equipment, a customer base and most importantly insurance. Within your training, you will cover what health and safety regulations you will need to comply with in regards to your work area and equipment. There may be an initial investment needed to ensure these are all up to standard. Once you have qualified the next step is to find clients, it is worth networking with local breeders, vets, animal shelters, pet training classes and pet businesses to advertise your services.

It is worth getting the word out about your business early as more and more pet owners will be needing a microchipped.

When you are dealing with other people’s pets it is important to have adequate insurance so that if you are found to be negligent and cause an injury to an animal then you will be covered for any legal costs. Visit our pet microchipping page to get a quote.

If you are looking to start your own pet business, microchipping could be a great way to start with only a small amount of training and investment needed.

However, with changes in this area of law, it is important to keep up to date and ensure your training is adequate to ensure your pet microchipping business complies with government standards.

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09:14:10 GMT • 14 January 2025

A Day in the Life of a Dog Walker

6 October 2015

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5 mins read

Contributors

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

Dog walking is the widely recognised kinder alternative to kennels. It is the perfect way to keep your pet entertained and exercised while you’re busy with work, kids, or just your schedule in general.

In fact, organising a dog walker for you pet can be even less hassle than a kennel, because your dog can be collected for its walk straight from your house – no input required from you! Dog walkers are likely to be dog enthusiasts will understand that your pet’s safety and happiness is your top priority.

With more people working further afield, commuting longer distances, and working longer hours, there is an increasing demand for this kind of service and you’ll be able to find a walker to suit you in your area.

Some walkers take many dogs for a walk at the same time, others prefer to just walk a dog on its own. Many, especially if they belong to a professional business operation, will be licensed and animal first-aid-trained employees and all should have comprehensive dog walking insurance.

We asked about their experience as a professional dog walker in the London region, charging £10 per walk.

How did you get into dog walking?

After a 20-year career in logistics, I decided to pack it in and do something I loved. I grew up around dogs and have always had at least one in the family, so always wanted a pet business.

Dog walking fulfils my once-pipe dream of working with dogs and now I get to enjoy my passion every day. It initially began as a hobby (I’d walk the neighbour’s dog for free) but then word of mouth spread and I built up a client base.

Describe your typical day

I leave home at around 8.30am with my own dog to get the first pick up. By about 9.15am I’ll have five dogs and we head to the park. The dogs run around for an hour, I often meet with locals to chat about this and that, and then I’ll drop those dogs off before picking up the next group at about 11am. I won’t walk more than 7 dogs at once, it’s just too chaotic and I’ve learnt from experience. When one runs off but you’ve got 6 other dogs to look after, what do you do?!

I like a change of scenery so I’ll head to a different park in the afternoon. The afternoons are a little less manic, the dogs are smaller and the city is quieter. I tend to get home between 5.30 and 7pm and the first thing I do is change my clothes. I may not work in an office anymore but it’s still nice to have some differentiation between your working day and your home life.

What is the hardest part of the job?

How hard can it be is a question I get asked a lot and in truth, there is lots to learn.

Every dog is different but it’s your job to keep the dog safe, and the other dogs safe if you are walking a few together.

In London, not only is it important for me to have some physical stamina and knowledge of dog behaviour, but you must also be savvy with your pet first aid know-how, and the rules of the city itself.

I have also learnt a lot about time management, which can be intense at times because every client has a different routine and you must accommodate that. There’s also the dog poo – but you get used to that!

What would be your advice to anyone looking to begin dog walking?

I love my ‘job’ as a dog walker and I couldn’t go back to a career behind a desk now, but a note of warning to budding dog walkers that it really is a lot harder than most people think!

To make the most out of dog walking, I think it’s important to consider it a lifestyle rather than a job. Oh, and invest in a good pair of shoes. You’ll live in them all day long so paying a little more is worthwhile. Buy nice not twice!

And finally, what’s the best thing about the job?

The freedom, the time spent outdoors, and the daily shower of love by dogs who are waiting for you.

With every lovely day, whether a crisp winter morning or a perfect sunny day I am reminded of the dreary office landscape I left and why dog walking is so worthwhile for me. I’ve met all sorts of people – dog walking is very social – and there is a simple pleasure in watching dogs run around and interact.

Dog walking is becoming an increasingly popular business as more and more people realize what is has to offer! You can turn a hobby into a money-earner, being paid to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with dogs, often choose your own hours and fulfill what may have been a lifelong ambition to work with animals.

With many dog owners struggling to juggle longer working hours and further commutes with the demands of their pet, it’s a great time to start a dog walking business of your own.

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09:13:50 GMT • 14 January 2025

What insurance do I need as a Personal Trainer?

25 September 2015

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

Get personal trainer insurance from Protectivity

Being a personal trainer is an active profession – you are on your feet every day, exercising clients, and using a range of equipment. There is little ‘desk work’ involved which is why many people choose to become a trainer, but it subsequently means it is a career with more risks.

If you were to sustain an injury, albeit in a gym or not, you would be unable to train, work, and make money. On your client’s part, they could sustain an injury or be involved in an incident and chose to file a claim against you or your gym.

We’ve put together a list of features you can expect to find in an insurance policy, to help you decide what sort of cover you need:

Public Liability Insurance for Personal Trainers

You may need to know – what is public liability insurance? We have liability insurance for everything – our car, house, even life itself. As personal trainers, protection against a claim is a must. This could arise from inadequate supervision or instruction, equipment malfunction, improper use of equipment, accusations of sexual harassment, and more…so it is essential to be covered!

It provides cover for injury or damage to third parties (e.g. persons other than employees) or their property; includes cover for damage to premise hire, and all legal fees related with defence settlements.

Specialist insurance for personal trainers

Get a quote

Do I need Professional Indemnity insurance?

As a personal trainer, your job revolves around providing expert advice and guidance to clients. But what happens if a client claims that your advice led to an injury, loss of progress, or financial loss?

Professional Indemnity Insurance protects you against claims of negligence, mistakes, or professional errors that could leave a client out of pocket. Even if you’ve done nothing wrong, the cost of defending yourself against such claims can be high. This cover ensures you’re financially protected, so you can focus on helping your clients reach their goals, without the worry of financial setbacks.

Professional Indemnity insurance for sports trainers means you are able to give advice, instruction, and tuition to your clients without worrying about any consequences.

Equipment cover

Running a business often means relying on specialist equipment, whether it’s fitness gear, sports kit, or tools of the trade. If something gets lost, damaged, or stolen, replacing it can be costly and disruptive.

That’s where equipment insurance comes in. Policies with Productivity include £500 of cover as standard, with the option to increase it up to £30,000. It covers the sports equipment you use for your work, but not electrical items like laptops or sound systems.

For example, if your weights, mats, or specialist gear were stolen from your car or gym, this insurance could help you replace them quickly, so you can get back to business.

Optional Extras

Personal Accident

Accidents happen, especially in hands-on professions where you’re constantly active. If you suffer an injury while working, you could be left unable to train, coach, or earn an income.

Personal Accident cover is designed to help in these situations, offering financial protection for serious incidents like accidental death, permanent total disablement, or temporary total disablement.

For example, if you tear a ligament during a client session and can’t work for months, this insurance could provide financial support while you recover.

Overseas Extension

If your work takes you beyond the UK, this extension ensures you’re still covered while working abroad for up to 30 days a year. Whether you’re training clients in Europe or running a fitness retreat further afield (excluding the USA), this add-on gives you peace of mind.

To qualify, you must be a UK resident, but otherwise, it’s a simple way to stay protected when your work takes you overseas. For instance, if you were leading a bootcamp in Spain and an insured incident occurred, this cover would help protect you against potential claims or financial loss.

*Answers are based on Protectivity sports business policies.

FAQ’s* on personal trainer insurance

I work at a gym that is insured, so do I still need insurance?

It depends if you are an employee or a contracted personal trainer. As an employee you should be covered by the gym owners employers’ liability insurance to provide training in the gym.

If you are employed by the gym as a freelance PT you need your own insurance.

I’m providing personal training services abroad – am I covered?

Yes, but only if you add an Overseas Extension to your policy. This allows you to work outside the UK for up to 30 days a year, with the option to choose either Europe or Worldwide (excluding the USA) cover. However, you must be a UK resident for this cover to apply.

If you’re planning to train clients abroad—whether it’s running fitness retreats in Spain or coaching sessions in Australia—this extension ensures you’re protected while working internationally.

*Answers are based on Protectivity sports business policies.

Affordable Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

Personal trainer cover from as little as £3.86 a month, get a quote today!

At Protectivity, we can cover you for a wide range of training activities, from traditional PT, Aqua Aerobics to Body Balance to Sports Therapy to Kettlebell Training. Simply choose a personal trainer insurance policy and you’ll be protected as personal trainer in minutes.

You’ll find public liability insurance from £1 million included as standard, professional indemnity cover and £500 worth of equipment cover. To reinforce your policy, you can increase your cover or include optional extras, employers’ liability, personal accident and overseas extension.

Please note, you are expected to hold a certified qualification in the activity you are instructing. In the event of a claim, failure to disclose this may invalidate your insurance.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

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15:44:48 GMT • 5 February 2025

The Resources Needed to Organise Your Own Sports Event

24 September 2015

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4 mins read

Contributors

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

Sports events have the ability to bring together the masses, whether they are record breakers or simply looking to achieve. Often sports events can be used to celebrate, achieve or raise money. Whatever the objective, any sports events require a lot of resources to make it a success.
Here are just some resources that you will need to make your event one to remember. The exact requirements will depend on the size of event, activities that are included and location but these are the basic elements to consider as part of the planning process.

About us

Protectivity is a specialist in niche commercial, leisure, and lifestyle insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK, offering a range of tailored insurance products such as Event Insurance to protect our customers against unforeseen events.

Venue – ensure that you have all of the necessary permissions to hold an event at the venue you have chosen and that all the relevant authorities have been notified. Contact the local council for details of any licences that might be required.
Advertising – Put in place a strategy to advertise the event. Contact the local paper, use social media and promote through sports clubs to reach as many people as possible.
Insurance – There will be a minimum amount of sports event insurance required to cover any incidents during the event and protect the organising committee in the event of cancellation for reasons beyond your control. Policies can be tailored depending on requirements, visit our Sports Event Insurance page for more details. You will need at least public liability to cover injury or damage.
Staff – don’t underestimate how much support you will need to make your event a success. Depending on the time of the event you are planning, you will need marshalls, first aiders, administrators and security (see below). Ensure that staff you recruit are reliable and hold all of the necessary qualifications (ie. First aiders). Where possible utilise volunteers – get in touch with local schools, universities and sports clubs as these are often a great source of volunteers.
Health and Safety – conduct a full risk assessment to consider any potential issues and how they might be overcome. Advice can be found on the Health and Safety Executive site.
Security – depending on the size of your event and the profile of athletes attending, you might require a security presence to help manage the event. Ensure that you use a reputable agency for this and that they have all of the necessary licences and insurance in place. .

Here are some other great hints and tips to consider too when organising your sports event:

Have a wet weather plan – can the event still go ahead in the event of rain, or even snow?
Invite the local paper – get them to come along and take pictures and get a write up to help raise the profile of the event. This is really helpful for annual events especially as you can drive interest for the next year!
Consider what refreshments you will provide and who will supply them.
Enjoy it! Once all of the planning is over enjoy the event.

So, when you are planning your next sports event, ensure that you have considered the basics and have the right cover in place.

Last updated by

09:11:37 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to successfully market your martial arts business

23 September 2015

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5 mins read

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

There seems to be some consensus that martial arts businesses are more likely to become broke than to succeed, but this does not mean that you can’t have every success with yours. Being broke should not be synonymous to running a martial art school, no matter how many excuses can be made…the economy! You can’t make money in this industry! There’s too much competition! Well, entrepreneur.com reports that martial arts as a sport is second only to golf in terms of number of new participants over the past decade, so if you’re familiar with the ancient rules of supply and demand, we think you’ll see the opportunities in this market! Excuses aside, it is all about mind-set, a good strategy and developing healthy business habits. Competing with established businesses may seem daunting when you’re starting out, but effective marketing can really pay off. Why not try the following marketing strategies to help boost your martial arts business?

1. Take stock and prioritise

You may know where you’re going but you have to start at the beginning with the basics – knowing these will help you to know your marketing budget. What are your assets? (Membership payments, savings, anything you own outright.) What are your liabilities? A successful marketing campaign needs a solid platform under it so you must have your finances straight – and be honest with yourself! Prioritise then where you spend your money. Is it a good idea to spend thousands on a big name instructor for a training session? If it’s not essential for generating profit – such as increased membership or a higher profile – get rid of it.

2. Set a marketing budget…

…and make it the second cheque you write each month, right after rent. Be sensible with this budget but prioritise it as an individual, separate budget. If it helps, why not make a separate account? At the end of each month, you know to spend every last penny before the month is out. When you set your marketing budget, think about your goals. How many new students do you need to sign up each month to start generating some profit? When you’re just starting out, your business goals need to be centred around promoting and selling, and so prioritising your marketing budget should come before other expenses.

3. Modernise your website

To compete with the best, you must have a website. It’s an interface accessible to all, can be made to look professional easily and inexpensively, and most importantly it represents your business online. Customers can find out all about you and your business so you need to make a good impression. Take advantage of your new position in the market – older businesses might have out-dated websites, how can you make your website fresh, exciting and appealing? What are other websites lacking that you can make sure yours has? What do you think your target market would like to see on your website? Make your site clean and clear as it needs to be easy for visitors to find out about your business, for example your team and your prices, and ensure your contact details are obviously displayed.

4. Community advertising

If your business takes you out and about in the local area, why not advertise with branding. This may be a van with your company logo, branded jumpers for your staff – anything that gets your business and brand in the public eye. If you regularly visit schools for example, having your company name visible will attract the attention of potential customers. It is also beneficial to attend any community events to promote your business. If your target audience was children or young adults, you could have a stand at school open days, summer fetes, with information about your business and promotional items to give out. Perhaps have incentives to attract people – martial arts demonstrations, a competition? Visual aids are always great and it allows you to interact, engage and advocate your services simultaneously.

5. Be professional

Being friendly, chatty and personable is great when drawing potential customers in, but it is important to establish a line between that persona and a professional one, so your customers feel reassured and comfortable while practicing martial arts with you or your staff. Your business’ professionalism is key to supporting this. The professional side of your business can be measured by whether or not you have comprehensive martial arts business insurance that covers third party liability and relevant qualifications, such as first aid training and certification, among others. Display these details on your website and any other promotional materials to demonstrate your experience.

To find an insurance policy tailored to your Martial Arts business, click here to get a quote.

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