Category: Business

11:49:03 GMT • 14 January 2025

Trending Gym Hashtags to Grow Your Presence

2 December 2022

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

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Social media is one of the most important tools available to any gym business. It can help raise awareness around what you offer, help you build a devoted following, and portray your operation in the best possible light to current and prospective members.

To expand your presence, you should use the most popular and trending gym hashtags, but it’s important to understand which ones to put in your posts, and how many to use. Whether running a specialist gym or a 24-hour operation, this short guide tells you all you need to know.

Get gym insurance with Protectivity

A strong social media presence is now a vital part of running a successful gym operation. But another element that’s just as important is ensuring that you have comprehensive insurance cover in place.

Protectivity’s gym insurance policies can give you all the cover you need, and peace of mind that you and your business are protected, whatever happens. Our policies include Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Business Interruption Cover, and Buildings & Contents Cover, taking care of financial losses caused by anything from accidents to vandalism. We also offer insurance for personal trainers who have their own clients.

Find out more on our competitively priced gym insurance policies.

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11:48:52 GMT • 14 January 2025

What is Event Management?

24 November 2022

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

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Whether you’ve been to a big occasion like a wedding or a concert, or a much smaller affair like a village fete or a street food market, every successful event has organised and coordinated management running behind the scenes. Good control and oversight of an event is vital to make sure everything runs smoothly, attendees get what they expect or what they paid their entry fee for, and to resolve any issues that arise along the way.

Often, event management isn’t as simple as it looks, but it can be incredibly exciting and rewarding whether helping out in your community or pursuing it as a career. In this guide, we’ll look at how it works, the key skills you need, and how everybody benefits from event management done right.

What does event management involve?

Event management relates to a person, or sometimes a small group of people, responsible for making all the key decisions that make an event a success, whether that’s measured in attendance, awareness, profit or other pre-defined goals.

They oversee its initial planning, project management in the build-up, marketing and advertising, troubleshooting at the time of the event, and any take-down and follow-up duties afterwards. Unless it’s a very small event, event managers may not fulfil many or even any of these tasks themselves, but will be responsible for delegating or contracting the work out to others.

Other tasks that event managers may need to fulfil include (and are by no means limited to): securing sponsorship, obtaining permits and insurance, negotiating contracts, hiring temporary staff and security, conducting risk assessments, arranging reports and market research, and holding progress meetings with stakeholders.

Is event management a worthwhile career option?

If you’re not good at self-managing workloads, building relationships with new people, or sometimes working long and unsociable hours, then probably not. But if you thrive on pressure, are committed to attention to detail, and love the achievement of getting a tough job done, then absolutely.

There are many different career options open to budding event managers (the information on the National Careers Service website is a good place to start, and our pick of event manager blogs can give you more inspiration). If you can start off with an organisation that puts on events regularly, then you have the chance to progress towards more senior event management roles, or even go freelance and start your own event management company. The best event managers around are highly sought-after – and are paid accordingly.

What event management courses are useful?

There’s no fixed legal requirement to get qualifications as an event manager, but it can be helpful in building a reputation, and getting a foot in the door when applying for jobs.

A number of universities run specialist degrees in Event Management, but naturally these take a number of years and require a substantial financial commitment. As a shorter and more cost-effective alternative, you can explore CPD-certified and diploma courses that specialise in everything you need to know, and can often be completed online.

What are the benefits of event management?

Because it isn’t necessarily customer-facing, the value of good event management is often overlooked. Indeed, it can be one of those jobs that’s only really appreciated when something goes wrong and an event manager steps in to save the day. But great event management can really make a difference to the success of an event, and the satisfaction of everyone involved, for three reasons in particular:

Stronger reputation

Rightly or wrongly, we live in a world where the opinions and ratings of people on social media, Google or TripAdvisor can make an event a success – or sink it without a trace. The positive or negative public perception that an event builds up also has a serious knock-on impact on the reputation of the organisation running it: a good event can show the business off as competent, professional and customer-focused (or vice versa if it’s bad!). An event manager is the person who can deliver the best chance of an event going off without a hitch, and ensure that as many people as possible think positively about it afterwards.

Smoother operations

An event manager can become the focal point of how an event comes together. If somebody isn’t sure of any details or needs some arrangements to be clarified, then the event manager acts as the main point of contact and can make clear, contextual decisions. They’re also the person who can take charge should the unexpected happen, and ensure that any response is appropriate, rapid and suitable for the nature of the events, attendees and environment.

Happier customers

If people have devoted their precious time and hard-earned money to attend an event, then they naturally have expectations to get the best experience possible – especially if it’s something they’ve been anticipating for a long time. Event managers can ensure that customers get great experiences from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Depending on the event, that could include speedy entry and parking, easy access to their seats, plentiful food options, clean and plentiful toilets, a feeling of getting good value for money, and much more.

Get event insurance with Protectivity

Even the very best event managers can’t be 100% certain that everything will go right on the day, because some things just happen that are beyond their control. For that reason and others, protecting the financial standing of an event and its attendees with appropriate insurance cover is an absolute must.

We can provide a range of event insurance options for occasions big and small, incorporating Public Liability insurance, Employer’s Liability, Event Cancellation Cover, Equipment Protection and much more. Find out more on all the competitively priced event cancellation cover we offer.

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11:45:14 GMT • 14 January 2025

Insurance For 24-Hour Gyms And Why It’s Important

17 November 2022

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

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As gyms have become more and more popular, so a wider variety of types of gym and business models have emerged. One particular area of growth has been in 24-hour gyms, which are open for members to use at all hours of the day and night, and are normally left unmanned by physical staff during the quietest times (or even all the time).

Not only do 24-hour gyms give members maximum flexibility over when they work out, but the businesses running them also gain through increased member retention without the compromise of increasing staff overheads.

However, running a 24-hour gym is not without its unique set of risks, which is why specific insurance for this type of gym is absolutely essential. In this blog, we’ll highlight why it’s so important, and what you should look for in a good-quality 24-hour gym insurance policy.

Why is specialist 24-hour gym insurance essential?

On top of all the regular risks that come with running a gym, there is an extra layer of hazard to consider when a gym operates 24 hours a day.

In particular, it’s vital that gym users are kept safe and secure when using a facility that isn’t attended by any staff. Appropriate measures such as remote security, CCTV and other rapid response facilities should be in place to help customers should an incident or accident happen.

Insurance makes certain that all parties are covered against financial loss if one of these events occurred and gives staff and customers alike peace of mind. Indeed, you may find that putting quality safety measures in place is a condition of obtaining cover from many reputable insurers.

What does insurance for 24-hour gyms include?

When looking for an all-encompassing 24-hour gym insurance, there are four types of cover you should look out for:

Public Liability

Any gym is vulnerable to its users suffering an injury on the premises or finding that some of their property has been damaged. In some cases, they may blame the gym for their injury or loss and launch a claim against the gym accordingly. Public liability covers any legal fees that your gym may incur defending the claim, and any costs that arise from having to make a settlement. This can prevent your gym facing sudden financial shocks, whether you’re at fault for an incident or not.

Buildings and content cover

Every building is at risk of damage such as fire, flooding, vandalism, burglary and other malicious activities. With 24-hour gyms often open without staff on site, it can be much harder to stop damage or theft taking place inside the gym itself. Buildings and contents cover can mitigate any financial loss incurred by these events, whether they’re internal or external. Good insurers will allow you to vary the level of this cover, depending on the value of your assets.

Business interruption cover

Many of the incidents listed above involve people, buildings or contents can often lead to a gym having to close for a period of time. For a 24-hour gym, this can immediately generate financial losses, whether through lost sales of pay-as-you-go passes, or through monthly fees reimbursed to customers because of the disruption. Business interruption cover makes sure that your company won’t lose out.

Employers’ Liability

The level of employers’ liability needed for a 24-hour gym will vary substantially, depending on the number of staff, type of work they do and the hours they work. Nevertheless, it is a legal requirement to make sure that your business is covered if any employee suffers an accident or injury at work. Employers’ liability insurance covers legal fees and settlement costs for claims involving all employees, whether they’re full-time, part-time or voluntary.

Get 24-hour gym insurance with Protectivity

At Protectivity, we have over 25 years of experience providing gyms all over the UK with comprehensive insurance, and our wide range of policies include specialist cover for gyms that operate on a 24-hour basis.

You can keep your staff, customers and business interests protected with a combination of public liability, employers’ liability, business interruption cover and buildings/contents cover. Available at competitive rates and approved to cover CrossFit, we have the right policy for you at a price that makes financial sense. We also offer PT insurance for personal trainers.

Take a look at all of our 24-hour gym insurance policies in more detail.

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11:44:59 GMT • 14 January 2025

Ten Steps to Starting a Personal Training Business

11 November 2022

•

8 mins read

Contributors

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

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Offering personal training is one of the most popular career options among fitness-minded people today, especially among the young. Whilst gyms all over the country employ PTs on a full-time or part-time basis, there is also plenty of opportunity for you to do it alone. Start your own personal training business and build your own success.

In this guide, we’ll highlight everything you need to know if you’re starting a personal training business, including a ten-step checklist featuring all the essentials.

Why should I explore personal training as a career?

Personal training can be extremely rewarding, because you can help other people achieve their goals, whether it’s rehabilitation from injury, losing weight, or reaching performance targets from running a parkrun to running a marathon! And by getting actively involved in the sessions yourself, it’s also a great way of keeping yourself fit and healthy.

Running a personal training business also brings the reward and flexibility of being your own boss, and having a direct influence on your success and earning potential over time.

How much can a self-employed personal trainer earn?

Earnings from personal training can vary significantly, depending on your level of experience and the area you work in. The good news, however, is that unlike a salaried full-time position with a gym, your earning potential is theoretically limitless, depending on how many hours you work and how many clients you can reasonably fit in. Generally speaking, most personal trainers take in between £20 and £40 per hour, but those who attract high-end clientele or work in areas where PTs are sought after can earn a good chunk more than this.

Starting a personal training business checklist

If you’re wondering how to set up a personal training business, there’s a bit more to it than you might think. But with a bit of hard work and organisation, you’ll be up and running before you know it. This ten-step list covers the basics:

Qualifications

There is no legal requirement to be officially qualified in order to work as a personal trainer or operate a personal training business. However, it is strongly recommended, because it demonstrates clear credentials that customers can trust, and you’ll likely improve your knowledge and skills in the training you take to get those qualifications. There are lots of courses available from many different providers: you should ideally look for a course accredited by Ofqual to obtain a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training.

Registrations

Connected to the previous point, getting officially registered with a recognised personal training body can add extra gravitas when you’re trying to convince potential clients that you’re the personal trainer for them. There are two key bodies here: the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

More importantly, many insurance providers will look for at least one of these registrations when you’re applying for an insurance policy, and may refuse you cover if you don’t have one. Similarly, some gym chains will insist on registration for any self-employed personal trainers wishing to operate from their facilities.

Market research

Personal training is a broader profession than you might think, and so it’s important to diversify what you offer. For example, do you want to focus on strength and conditioning for amateur sportspeople? Do you want to provide sports and exercise nutrition services along with exercise, for those who want to get fit and lose weight? Do you want to focus on specific areas of the body to help with rehabilitation?

These are just three of the avenues you could pursue. While you should conduct some research to find out which types of training are under-served in your local area, you should also prioritise specialities that you’re passionate about and would enjoy working with.

Business model

This is probably the biggest ‘how long is a piece of string’ question you’ll encounter: how much should you charge? There are so many variables that will influence this: your experience, the type of personal training you’re offering, your overheads if working from a gym, whether you offer discounts for repeat business, and so on. The best starting point is to check out other similar trainers in your area, find out how much they’re charging and price yourself around that point (or maybe slightly below so you can attract some clients to get up and running).

Location

Working out where you’ll be offering your training is critical. You may want to operate from a local gym, in which case you can pursue an agreement with them: for a per-session or monthly fee, you can access the gym with your clients, and they will cover all your overheads. However, make sure you check in detail which services are covered and which ones aren’t – particularly insurance.

Depending on the type of personal training you’re offering, you may also want to work from a studio, from the home of a client, or from outdoor spaces like parks. In any case, you’ll need to make sure you have the right insurance cover for the environment (more on that below).

Legal requirements

As with any business, you’ll need to get organised from a legal standpoint for self-employment, and register with the appropriate government bodies. If you’re just starting out, then it’s best to run as a sole trader, which is the simplest type of business entity. However, you should be aware that your liabilities are unlimited if you run into any debts, so be careful when spending money on start-up costs. As you grow, registering as a limited company may make more sense from an accountancy and tax perspective, especially if you get to the point that you start employing other people.

Finance and accounting

Opening a business bank account is essential, even if you’re operating as a sole trader, because it means that your professional and personal incomings and outgoings are kept fully separate. This makes your accounting and tax returns much easier, and makes things more transparent and professional-looking for customers.

You may also want to consider hiring the services of a professional accountant. While the finances of a personal training business should be relatively simple, they can help take care of complexities like self-assessment and payslips.

Branding

With most of the regulatory and professional requirements in place, and with a sound idea of your business model, you can then go on to get your name out into the local area. A good place to start is by establishing some branding for your business, in terms of logo, design of website and promotional assets, and even your tone of voice in how you speak to your target audience. There are many creative businesses around that affordably provide these services for small businesses, ensuring your message resonates with potential customers – especially on social media.

Marketing and advertising

Speaking of social media, that’s just one of the methods you can use to reach out to prospective clients. Try and think outside the box: every personal trainer in the world will be posting about fitness and achieving goals, so try and inject some humour and informality where possible to build an emotional connection.

Don’t neglect more traditional forms of advertising, either. Flyers or posters in the gym where you work can still generate customers, as can going door-to-door with your marketing materials. Encouraging friends and family to mention your business through word of mouth is also a great way to get started.

Insurance

You never know what might happen in a personal training business – especially as there’s always a risk of accident or injury involved in any physical exercise. That’s why getting insurance cover is an absolute must, whatever training you’re planning to provide and wherever you’re planning to operate. if you own a gym, you’ll need gym liability insurance. As well as making sure you aren’t left out of pocket should the unexpected occur, it also gives both you and your client peace of mind that they’re adequately protected.

Get covered for your personal training with Protectivity

At Protectivity, we have years of experience providing personal training cover for businesses just like yours. That way, your business can grow and succeed with confidence, without you or your clients risking financial loss if an incident occurs. Our cover includes:

– Public Liability of up to £10million, covering claims, damage and injury, including to members of the public or the gym you work from

– Professional Indemnity, should an injured client lodge a claim against you

– Cover for all your equipment, with up to £500 of cover included free of charge

– Optional personal accident insurance that prevents you suffering financially if an injury on the job means you can’t work

To find out more, including just how affordable our personal training business insurance can be, take a closer look at our insurance for personal trainers.

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11:44:41 GMT • 14 January 2025

How Much Does a Therapist Cost in the UK?

By Steffi Cavaliere

9 November 2022

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

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

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As a therapist, you may be wondering how much you should charge your clients. It depends on a number of factors, including your level of experience, whether you’re a private therapist, whether you’re self-employed, your area of expertise and your whereabouts in the UK.

Generally, private therapists in the UK can charge anything from £40-150 for a 50-60 minute session. The greater your level of experience and the more specialist your area of expertise, the more you’re able to charge. The cost will also depend on any overheads you may have, such as business premises (including expenses like rent and utilities) or additional staff (such as a receptionist). For example, a therapist based in a central London practice will charge more than a home-based therapist who operates solely online.

Another variable is the number of hours a therapist works. A therapist may approximately have 30 patients per week, with the rest of their time focusing on planning sessions, writing notes and developing their skills and knowledge with additional training and certifications. As a result, their rates may be higher to account for the time spent when not one-on-one with clients.

Of course, a therapist will also want to take home a liveable salary as well. So with all these variables in mind, how much does a therapist cost in the UK? We’ve taken data available on Payscale, Talent.com, Indeed and Prospects.ac.uk to work out the average salary and average hourly earnings for therapists in the UK.

Average salary of a therapist by region in the UK

The average cost of a therapist varies widely by region. Below are the average salaries of therapists (across a wide range of specialties) across the UK, and the equivalent hourly amount based on spending time with clients for 30 hours per week.

These amounts don’t take into account experience and don’t include overheads such as rent, utilities, travel, public liability insurance and other staff wages. Because of this, therapists with additional overheads will naturally cost more – sometimes much more depending on those overheads. With this in mind, you may expect to add approximately £20-£100 to the below hourly rates.

London

Approximately £38,656 per year or £26.84 per hour.

South West

Approximately £30,385 per year or £21.10 per hour.

South East

Approximately £31,594 per year or £21.94 per hour.

Midlands

Approximately £38,551 per year or £26.77 per hour.

East

Approximately £39,360 per year or £27.33 per hour.

North East

Approximately £37,158 per year or £25.80 per hour.

North West

Approximately £38,498 per year or £26.73 per hour.

Scotland

Approximately £19,396 per year or £13.47 per hour.

Wales

Approximately £36,010 per year or £25.01 per hour.

Average cost of a therapist by specialism

So, how much does a therapist cost depending on specialism? While the average hourly rate of a therapist can vary based on region, costs are even more varied when specialism is taken into account. While all therapists require skill, training and dedication, some require more than others. As a result, some therapists will be able to charge more. However, this can fluctuate depending on skill, experience, reputation and, once again, overheads.

Below are approximations for the cost of a therapist across various specialisms. Like above, £20-100 can be added to the below hourly costs depending on experience and overheads.

Massage Therapists

Approximately £23,945 per year or £16.63 per hour.

Physical Therapists

Approximately £27,650 per year or £19.20 per hour.

Occupational Therapists

Approximately £28,412 per year or £19.73 per hour.

Respiratory Therapists

Approximately £29,000 per year or £20.14 per hour.

Mental Health Therapists

Approximately £27,565 per year or £19.14 per hour.

Beauty Therapists

Approximately £19,975 per year or £13.87 per hour.

Radiation Therapists

Approximately £27,186 per year or £18.88 per hour.

Clinical Therapists

Approximately £35,000 per year or £24.31 per hour.

Paediatric Therapists

Approximately £40,057 per year or £27.82 per hour.

Behavioural Therapists

Approximately £38,890 per year or £27.01 per hour.

Speech Therapists

Approximately £26,026 per year or £18.07 per hour.

Music Therapists

Approximately £29,297 per year or £20.35 per hour.

CBT Therapists

Approximately £42,945 per year or £29.82 per hour.

Get your therapy business insurance from £3.14 a month

Now that you have more of an idea as to how much a therapist earns and charges, why not secure counselling business insurance? Get your therapy business insurance from £3.14 a month.

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11:44:14 GMT • 14 January 2025

5 of the Best Online Reiki Training Courses

By Steffi Cavaliere

9 November 2022

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

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

Get reiki insurance from Protectivity

Reiki is a gentle yet powerful holistic therapy that promotes healing, deep relaxation, and overall wellbeing. Originating in Japan, Reiki works on the principle of channelling universal life force energy through the hands, encouraging balance in the mind, body and spirit. With its increasing popularity across the UK, many people are now looking to train in Reiki – whether for personal healing, to support loved ones, or to pursue a professional path in holistic therapy.

If you’re interested in learning Reiki, this guide will help you understand what to expect from the training and highlight some of the best Reiki courses currently available across the UK.

What are the principles of Reiki?

When training in Reiki, students are introduced to a set of guiding principles intended to support emotional clarity, compassion and spiritual growth. These are:

Just for today, do not worry – Shin Pai Suna
Just for today, do not be angry – Ikaru Na
Be grateful – Kan Sha Shi Te
Be diligent in your work – Gyo O Hage Me
Be kind to others – Hito Ni Shinsetsu Ni

These affirmations are often repeated as daily meditations to support personal development alongside hands-on healing.

How easy is Reiki to learn?

Reiki is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or academic experience. No prior knowledge of medicine or therapy is required. What’s most important is approaching your training with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a desire to grow spiritually or emotionally.

Who teaches Reiki courses?

Reiki is taught by a certified Reiki Master – a practitioner who has completed all three levels of Reiki training. Your teacher should be properly qualified and experienced in both giving treatments and teaching. When choosing a course, always ensure the instructor is accredited by a recognised Reiki association (such as the UK Reiki Federation or CNHC) or has a clearly traceable lineage to traditional Reiki teaching.

Types of Reiki Training Levels

Reiki training is traditionally structured into three levels or ‘degrees’, each building on the last. A key part of the training is the attunement or Reiju, a ceremonial initiation where the student’s energy channels are opened to Reiki. This is what sets Reiki apart from other therapies.

As you progress through each of the three levels, building on the knowledge gained in each, you will gain the skills and experience necessary to become a Master.

Level 1 – Shoden

This is the entry-level course and focuses on self-healing. Students receive four attunements and are taught how to give Reiki to themselves, family and friends. Training is often delivered over a weekend, typically taking 8–12 hours. This level is ideal for those who want to practise Reiki informally.

Level 2 – Okuden

Level 2 deepens the student’s knowledge and introduces distance healing and energy techniques for treating others professionally. Students receive further attunements and are taught to use Reiki symbols. After this level, practitioners can often obtain insurance and begin offering Reiki as a complementary therapy.

Level 3 – Shinpiden (Reiki Master)

This is the most advanced level, traditionally offered by invitation but now widely accessible. It includes the final Master attunement, deeper spiritual practices, and guidance on teaching Reiki to others. Some training programmes also include an apprenticeship period with a Master.

Best Reiki Training Courses

Typically, some of the best Reiki training courses are completed in person. The first and second degrees will usually take 8-12 hours, and are undertaken over a weekend.

However, there are certain aspects of Reiki training that can also be completed online. Below are a selection of some of the best Reiki courses available across the UK.

#1 Gaia School of Natural Health

Based in the Wirral, Gaia School of Natural Health has been teaching students various practices since 2008. In Reiki, you can learn level 1 and level 2, and level 3 for those looking to become a Reiki Master. The school also offers Reiki development days for those who want to deepen their knowledge.

Reiki courses at Gaia School of Natural Health take between two and three days to complete and prices start from £195 for level 1.

#2 The Reiki School

Located in the South of England, The Reiki School offers a wide selection of intimate courses so you can connect closely with your teacher. Courses include level 1 through to Master, as well as introductory kids courses. There are also specialist courses for those who have already completed levels 1 and 2, including Animal Reiki.

Courses take between one and three days to complete, with costs starting from £150 for the first degree.

#3 Reiki Mastery

Reiki Mastery Academy is a leading provider of accredited Reiki training, recognised by the prestigious Complementary Medical Association (CMA). Founded by British Reiki Master and healer Hilary Kingston, who brings over 20 years of experience—including treating clients from royalty to elite athletes—the Academy delivers professional, diploma-level Reiki courses online.

#4 Olettesa Holistic Therapies

Olettesa Holistic Therapies can be found in Cheshire and offers a number of Reiki training courses, including levels 1 and 2 as well as a Reiki Accredited Practitioner Qualification. Courses are taken over a weekend and costs start from £120.

#5 Centre of Excellence

For those who aren’t able to attend a Reiki course in person, the Centre of Excellence has a range of Reiki courses that can be taken online. Courses include level 1 and 2 diplomas and an Animal Reiki diploma.

Online Reiki courses are self-directed, so learning can be done as and when you have the time to do it. The cost of courses with the Centre of Excellence start from £127.

The benefits of Reiki training

Reiki is a deeply relaxing and restorative practice, both to receive and to learn. Some of the key benefits of Reiki include:

Promotes harmony and emotional balance
Encourages deeper relaxation and better sleep
Supports physical and emotional healing
Clears the mind and enhances focus
May relieve pain and tension
Facilitates personal and spiritual growth

In fact, a study in Turkey in 2015 that even 30 minutes of Reiki per day significantly reduced pain in cancer patients, highlighting its potential therapeutic impact.

Whether you plan to become a professional practitioner or simply want to bring more peace and balance into your life, training in Reiki can be a transformative experience.

Insure your Reiki practice with our specialist Reiki insurance cover

Looking to work with clients and students after becoming a Reiki Master? Insure your Reiki business after you qualify with our specialist Reiki insurance cover.

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16:43:01 BST • 16 June 2025

Best Fundraising Ideas for Sports Clubs

2 November 2022

•

5 mins read

Contributors

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

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Sports clubs play a valuable role in the lives of millions of people all over the country. As well as building friendships and helping their communities, they also encourage people to live more active lifestyles, improving physical and mental health as a result.

Fundraising is a vital part of ensuring that sports clubs can continue to function, thrive and achieve the goals that players and staff alike work so hard for. This guide highlights some of the best fundraising ideas for sports clubs that you may not have considered.

Why is fundraising so important?

The vast majority of sports clubs are made up of, and run by, volunteers who do it for the love of their respective sports. This often means that they run on very small budgets, so what may seem like relatively small fundraising efforts – or small, unexpected bills – can have a major impact on their futures.

That’s why it’s so important for sports clubs to leave no stone unturned in exploring ways to make money. Every pound earned could go towards better kit and equipment, paying for team trips and tours across the country and abroad, repaying any debts incurred, or making improvements to pitches and facilities.

Good ideas for fundraising

Of course, there are many fundraising ideas that are part and parcel of running a sports team: pitchside advertising, kit sponsorship, website ad space and programme sales, for example. The following ideas take things a little further and consider fundraising that will produce one-off rather than regular income:

Race and quiz nights

One of the simplest and cheapest events to run is a competition night in your clubhouse, or at whichever pub is your usual meeting point. A race night gives participants the opportunity to ‘bet’ on filmed races and win either cash or spot prizes. Quiz nights, meanwhile, can cost as little as a few pounds to put together, and are especially popular in winter when people are looking for cheap indoor social activities. In either case, you should use some of the takings to provide prizes, and keep the rest as raised funds for your club.

Community activities

Getting involved in events taking place in your local area can get your club’s fundraising in front of a wider audience and build goodwill among residents. Stalls at summer fetes and festivals are good ways of attracting donations and need just a few players or staff to volunteer. As a way of attracting more interest, consider how you can get the public involved in playing your sport, such as a penalty game for football clubs, or a putting challenge for golf clubs.

Participation events

Connected to the previous point, consider holding your own open day, where people of all ages and abilities can come and sample your sport for themselves. It can be daunting for new people to enter a team environment full of existing friendships, so inviting people to events in exchange for a donation can help drum up interest and get you new players. And if you can get local street food vendors, music acts and microbreweries to take part, you might find yourself with your own annual fundraising festival!

Team challenges

Setting your team and coaches a real challenge that puts their minds and bodies to the limit can gain real interest, publicity, and donations from people in your area. This could be something as simple as giving up alcohol or volunteering to pack shopping bags at the local supermarket, or something as grand as running marathons, climbing mountains, or cycling long distances. The only limits are your initial outlay and your ambition!

Grant applications

Remember that raising funds doesn’t have to rely on the charity or interest of the community. Sports clubs are eligible for a wide range of grants, provided by public bodies to encourage healthier lifestyles. Check regularly to see if you’re eligible for the likes of Sport England small grants, the Community Asset Fund, and National Lottery funding.

Cover your sports club for less with Protectivity Insurance

As well as proactive fundraising, good insurance cover is just as essential for sports clubs up and down the country. Protectivity’s comprehensive sports club insurance options include public liability, employers’ liability, equipment cover and clubhouse cover, giving players and staff alike peace of mind. Combined with expert support and available from just £42 a year, our cover plays a key part in keeping people safe and securing your club’s finances.

Take a closer look at all of our sports club insurance options sports club insurance quote.

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11:43:53 GMT • 14 January 2025

3 of the Best Dog Grooming Training Courses for Beginners

By Steffi Cavaliere

26 October 2022

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

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

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If you’re a dog lover, a career in dog grooming sounds like the dream, right? Not only will you be able to spend time with pooches of all shapes and sizes, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of making them look their very best.

While mandatory qualifications aren’t needed to become a dog groomer, completing a dog grooming course will help you stand out from the crowd. Here, we cover the best courses for beginners to learn the tricks of the trade and leave you with a certificate or diploma under your belt to impress potential clients.

Dog grooming training providers

Where you choose to complete your training is entirely up to you. You can obtain your dog grooming qualification from a college, a specialist training provider, or through City & Guilds.

City & Guilds

City & Guilds provide services to training providers, employers, and trainees across a variety of sectors, for people to progress in their careers and have the skills to fulfil their duties in the workplace. Their qualifications and apprenticeships are highly regarded by employers across the world. You can study both Level 2 and Level 3 dog grooming training with City & Guilds.

Colleges

Several colleges across the UK offer dog grooming courses suitable for beginners, but you may need to attend a college that specialises in agriculture and animal welfare. Colleges such as Moulton College in Northamptonshire and Capel Manor College in London offer courses to help you on your journey to becoming a professional dog groomer.

Specialist dog grooming training providers

Alternatively, you can undergo dog grooming training through a specialist provider. Providers like Four Paws Groom School, located in Cheshire, Kent and Herefordshire, offer courses to suit every level of experience. You can learn how to groom your own dog in one day or complete a 30-day iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in dog grooming.

Dog grooming qualifications and training courses

When it comes to pampering pooches, you’ll want to make sure you do the best job possible. While having a dog grooming qualification isn’t essential to kickstarting your dog grooming career, it can help you promote your service and could make the difference in someone trusting you with their dog or going elsewhere. Here are some respected dog grooming qualifications and training courses for you to consider:

Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants

Looking for a course to introduce you to the art of dog grooming? A Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Artists is your go-to training course if you’re looking to work in the dog grooming industry. The course will be run by a City & Guilds qualified groomer/tutor.

To earn the qualification, you’ll need to complete several units, some of which are optional and some mandatory, including:

– Cleaning and bathing dogs

– Controlling and restraining animals

– Handling payments from clients

Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming

Once you’ve completed the Level 2 Certificate, you may want to further your training with the Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming. Once completed, you can progress in a career as a professional dog groomer.

The Level 3 certificate is suitable for those who have experience working in the industry or have completed a related qualification such as the Level 2 certificate.

To achieve this certification, you’ll do a practical demonstration of what you’ve learnt or an assignment, as well as a written test to prove your knowledge.

Achieving this qualification will show future employers or customers that you have all the technical skills and knowledge needed to practice dog grooming to a high standard. If you’re looking to stand out against the crowd of dog groomers, having training under your belt is a great way to demonstrate your dedication to and passion for dog grooming.

Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming

After completing the Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant certification, you can progress your knowledge and skills further to become a professional dog groomer, by studying for the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming.

The diploma will provide you with the practical skills to professionally style dogs with all types of coats, as well as those who need adjustments to the grooming process due to health conditions. You’ll also receive all the training needed to ensure you’re fully prepared to work as a professional dog groomer, in line with legislation and welfare requirements.

If you’re looking for training that will give you the practical skills and knowledge needed to work as a professional dog groomer, completing the Level 3 diploma is a great option. Once completed, you could go on to work for a business, or as a self-employed dog groomer.

Costs of dog grooming training

How much your dog grooming training will cost will depend on the course you choose to study.

Absolutely Animals are pet grooming specialists based in London, they offer several types of dog grooming courses, including City & Guilds qualifications. They price the Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants at £900, and the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming at £980.

Just4Paws offer an all-inclusive City & Guilds dog grooming course, with plenty of hands-on experience with a variety of dog breeds. Through this course, you’ll complete both the Level 2 and Level 3 City & Guilds qualifications, as well as a professional pet first aid course and salon training. This is a 30-day course, as well as a minimum of 150 hours of home study, priced at £5,650 part time with full time options also available.

How much these qualifications are will vary by salon and provider, so you may want to compare courses across different providers to get the best price.

Next steps after qualifying

With the right experience and qualifications, you could become a self-employed dog groomer and work from home or become a mobile dog groomer who visits owners’ homes. Alternatively, you could open your own salon or teach dog grooming classes. Being a dog groomer is a rewarding career where no two days are the same. If you’re an animal lover who is seeking a career that doesn’t feel like work, dog grooming could be the perfect choice for you.

Get your dog grooming insurance today from Protectivity

Are you a dog groomer who wants reassurance at work, should something go wrong? Perhaps you run your own dog grooming salon or operate on a mobile basis. Whatever your circumstances, having an affordable, quality Dog Grooming Insurance policy in place can give you the peace of mind that should disaster strike, you have the support you need to put things right. Your insurance policy will include a range of benefits such as Public Liability Insurance and cover for any specialist equipment you use at work. Get a quote today for dog grooming insurance and put your mind at ease.

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11:43:24 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Set Up a Sports Coaching Business in the UK

24 October 2022

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

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Sports coaching has gained real popularity as a business and career option in recent years. Being a sports coach is rewarding, helps you keep fit, supports you play an active role in your local community, and allows you to build a successful life for yourself.

Because it’s so popular, it isn’t easy to create an enterprise that succeeds long-term, but it’s by no means impossible. In this guide, we’ll explore all the basics you need to know around setting up a sports coaching business, from qualifications and funding, to marketing and insurance.

Why look at starting a sports coaching business?

There’s lots to enjoy from starting your own sports coaching business. To begin with, you’ll be your own boss, and the good decisions you make and the hard work you put in will have a direct influence on your own success. You’ll get to work in a sport (or sports) that you love, impart your wisdom on keen people who feel the same way, and get to savour their achievements as they reach their goals.

From a business point of view, sports coaching businesses can get off the ground relatively quickly and with a small financial outlay. This means you don’t need to take huge risks getting into debt or making big investments, and you can gradually build as you go.

Key considerations when setting up a sports coaching business

You may think that starting out with a sports coaching business just needs some kit, a park and a few willing customers. Well, it’s not quite that simple, but every challenge along the way can be addressed. In particular, you should ensure that these seven areas are covered off:

Qualifications and credentials

Technically speaking, there is no legal requirement to be qualified to operate as a sports coach. However, getting the right credentials is strongly recommended for two reasons: it helps you build a solid reputation and because many insurers won’t cover you without them.

Start by exploring the official qualifications for your chosen sport (the Sport & Recreation Alliance has a list of all the fully accredited bodies). You’ll likely need at least Level 2 to run coaching sessions yourself, and Level 3 if dealing with serious competitive athletes. Also, don’t forget to find out if you need a DBS check, which is very likely if you intend to coach children.

Business model

Before you start, you should work out exactly what you want to do with the business, and that involves asking yourself a lot of questions. Which sport (or sports) do you want to coach? Are you coaching by yourself, or will you hire other coaches? Will you be coaching adults, children or both? Where will you provide your coaching? What is your ultimate long-term aim, either financially or in terms of your own personal achievement? Answering these questions can help you establish a solid business model, and market research can help you work out how viable it’s likely to be.

Initial budget

With that business model in place, you can then assess the level of investment you need to get up and running. You’ll need appropriate kit and equipment to run sessions, especially for sports where your customers may not be able to keep or bring their own. You’ll need to fund associated costs like insurance (more on that later), work out how you’ll manage with transport of yourself and your equipment, and predict venue hire costs (such as a football pitch if you’re a football coach).

Accounting and legal considerations

As with any business, there are certain regulatory and financial requirements you’ll need to comply with. First of all, you should have a business bank account that keeps income and expenditure separate from your own finances, and you should keep fully up-to-date with financial records at all times. You will also need to register either as a sole trader or a limited company with Companies House and submit tax returns (and pay taxes) to HMRC each year. If you don’t feel confident enough to look after these matters, look at hiring the services of a professional accountant to do it for you.

Marketing and advertising

There’s plenty to consider in how you present your business and how you get yourself noticed by potential customers. You’ll need a name for your business, and some corporate branding (many small creative agencies specialise in this work for small businesses). With this in place, you can then develop a website and social media channels to gain interest and consider appealing and regular content that will gain views: writing a blog on your website and promoting it via social media is a good place to start.

Client referrals

Given that there are so many sports coaching businesses vying for attention through advertising and social media, you shouldn’t neglect more traditional ways of marketing like word-of-mouth. Getting a recommendation from a friend, relative or colleague is still hugely powerful in convincing a prospective customer to look at a business, so it remains a great way to expand your customer base. Offering referral discounts to existing customers can encourage them to proactively spread the word and get your name out there in the community.

Insurance

One thing that you absolutely mustn’t overlook for your sports coaching business is insurance. That’s because you never know what might happen next and what you might have to deal with: an accident or injury that sidelines you for a period of time; equipment that’s lost, damaged or stolen; or even an incident involving one of your customers that results in them lodging a compensation claim against you. A comprehensive insurance policy takes care of every eventuality, protecting you against potential financial loss or business disruption.

Get sports coaching insurance with Protectivity

Whatever sport you’re coaching, it’s vital that you have good-quality insurance in place for every eventuality. At Protectivity, we’ve been insuring sports coaches and sports coaching businesses like yours for the past 30 years, and we offer competitive, flexible rates. Our range of policies incorporate public liability, professional indemnity, participant injury cover, equipment cover and personal accident insurance.

With Protectivity, you can have peace of mind that your business is protected and give your customers reassurance that they can train and achieve their goals safely. Take a closer look at our sports coaching insurance options.

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