Category: Starting a business

09:21:37 GMT • 14 January 2025

What qualifications do Personal Trainers need?

9 February 2017

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

Making the decision to become a Personal Trainer represents an exciting time, as a career in the fitness industry is certainly one which can be both rewarding and profitable. Indeed, the sector is steadily growing an, according to Ibis World, there are almost 25,000 personal trainer businesses in the UK. Nevertheless, to be able to get started as a PT you will need to make sure you are fully qualified to offer your fitness activities. Without the proper qualifications you could find yourself invalidating your insurance.

So, the next question is “what qualification do I need to become a Personal Trainer?”. This article will look at some key considerations.

Industry regulation

While there is no legal requirement to hold a qualification to call yourself a personal trainer, the fitness industry in the UK is regulated to ensure safe practice. Most employers, gyms, and insurers require personal trainers to hold accredited certifications. The key regulatory bodies in the fitness industry include:

CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) – The professional body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector, ensuring trainers meet professional standards.

Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) – Regulates qualifications, exams, and assessments in England to ensure their validity.

UK Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) – Though now replaced by CIMSPA, many still use REPs as a benchmark for professional credibility.

How do I know who is endorsed?

To do this you need to use a useful tool on the CIMSPA website. This tool will allow you to check if any provider you are looking at is genuinely endorsed by CIMSPA. (Tip: just because a provider chooses to display the CIMSPA logo does not necessarily mean that they are endorsed – always do this check).

Awarding bodies for personal training qualifications

If you are looking to become a personal trainer, it is crucial to select a qualification from an accredited awarding body. The most recognised awarding bodies include:

These organisations ensure that your certification meets industry standards and is widely accepted by gyms and fitness establishments.

What personal trainer course to choose?

Depending on your level of experience and career goals, there are different types of personal training qualifications available.

To be a qualified Personal Trainer, you need to look for a CIMSPA endorsed Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. Before you do this, you will also need to complete a Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing – however most providers will offer these two as one course. It is important to note that all CIMSPA PT qualifications have Level 3 Nutrition automatically embedded.

Beginner Level

Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing – This is an entry-level qualification that allows individuals to work as a gym instructor but not as a personal trainer.

Intermediate Level

Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training – This is the minimum requirement to work as a fully qualified personal trainer in the UK. It covers anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and program design.

Advanced Level

Level 4 Specialist Personal Trainer Certifications – These qualifications allow trainers to specialise in areas such as lower back pain management, obesity and diabetes, or strength and conditioning.

Highest Level

Degree in Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning – A university degree is not required to become a personal trainer, but it can provide advanced knowledge and open doors to elite sports coaching and research roles.

How long does it take to get qualified?

The time required to become a personal trainer varies depending on the chosen study method:

Full-time courses – Typically take between 6-12 weeks.
Part-time courses – Can take 6-12 months, depending on flexibility and study commitment.
Online or blended learning – Usually self-paced, allowing students to qualify within 3-12 months.

Routes into personal training

There are several pathways to becoming a personal trainer:

University Degree

A BSc in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, or Exercise Physiology can provide in-depth knowledge, but it is not a necessity to work as a PT.

Apprenticeship

A Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship allows individuals to learn on the job while earning a wage, making it a viable alternative to traditional courses.

Vocational Courses

Private training providers offer Level 3 Personal Training Diplomas in flexible formats, making them the most common route into the industry.

Additional Skills and Certifications

While a Level 3 qualification is the minimum requirement, additional skills and certifications can enhance career prospects, including:

First Aid & CPR Certification – Often required by employers and insurance providers.
Nutrition & Weight Management Certifications – Helps expand service offerings.
Specialist Training (e.g., kettlebells, HIIT, pre/post-natal fitness) – Enables trainers to work with a wider client base.
Business & Marketing Skills – Essential for personal trainers looking to start their own business or work as a freelancer.

To finish…

As you embark on your PT career, you should now have a better idea of choosing the best Personal Trainer course for you and getting started in the fitness sector.

Once you have those qualifications in place, make sure you’re covered with our specialist Personal Trainer Insurance.

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, yoga or aerobics instructors and many more. Simply choose a personal trainer insurance policy, select your activities and you’ll be protected as a 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.

Specialist personal trainer insurance

Get a quote

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15:56:55 GMT • 5 February 2025

Becoming an Online Personal Trainer

30 June 2016

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

While the number of fitness professionals in the UK is on the up, so too is the allure of becoming an online personal trainer. But while the traditional method of helping clients reach their goals isn’t risk-free, relying on a web-based delivery of your expertise is something worth doing with certain precautions.

Of course, the benefits and attractions of starting a career as an online fitness coach are obvious. By going online trainers can not only build their programmes at a time that suits them, but it also means they can maximise the number of clients paying for your services at any one time.
However, by posting your training and workout advice on YouTube or other social media channels, personal trainers are leaving themselves open to a potentially very costly legal case.

Insurance and online training

The first thing to note is that many insurance providers will not cover personal trainers for sharing their workout videos on line.

The concern for insurers, and therefore so to personal trainers, is two-fold. Firstly, by simply sending your clients (or other third parties) a workout video and plan over the internet, a fitness instructor has no control over how exercises are performed. If a client is attempting an exercise they have seen on a video online, but are executing it poorly, without face-to-face instruction, there is no chance for the PT to correct the exercise. That then, leads to a higher chance of injury.

Secondly, and more relating to personal trainer insurance, is that simply sharing your workout videos online mean that anyone, anywhere can see them. Should a member of the public attempt an exercise you have demonstrated and go on to injure themselves, they could attempt to sue you for your negligence.

The problem really comes if that person has seen your workout guide whilst in another country. Most standard personal training insurance policies will not cover you for claims coming from outside of the UK. Therefore, if legal action was brought against you, with no cover from an insurance policy, the costs of defending themselves would fall at the feet of the trainer themselves.

The steps to take whilst online training

At Protectivity, we ask that any of personal trainer cusatomers to comply with the below requirements for remote training/coaching/instruction (live or prerecorded):

In respect of any coaching or instruction that is undertaken remotely, it is strongly recommended that the Insured should:

1.At the commencement of the session, advise participants

that by participating they are doing so at their own risk;
a suitable, non-slip floor space is required and any potential obstructions in the vicinity are removed before they participate;
to avoid activities if they have, or suspect they may have any current health concerns, injuries, aches and pains;
avoid the use of blades, weapons or sharp instruments of any description;
avoid physical contact with other participants and where appropriate, adhere to social distancing guidelines;

2. Ensure that sessions are conducted for the benefit of existing members/participants/contacts only who have demonstrated sufficient suitability to participate; at the commencement of the session, advise participants:

3. Continue to only instruct activities in which you are qualified to do so;

4. Record the session. Retaining the recording for a period of up to thirty-six (36) months may assist in any claim made against you

5. Maximum class size is 16

We also require individuals to ensure that all videos and content are delivered only to their clients. This could be enforced by the use of a paywall or by simply delivering the videos via email.

By restricting the viewing of such training videos to the clients they are intended for, it also means that in theory, personal trainers can ensure that all viewers have completed a PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire). This means that the physical health of those that the video training is taking into account before they are presented with a workout routine.

Regardless of whether it is shown to previously-known clients or not, it is always worth stating that any exercise undertaken without supervision is done so at that person’s own risk.

With those steps taken and other safety precautions followed, the prospect of a client injuring themselves is reduced. So to then, is the potential for a costly claim on your insurance policy.

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09:19:09 GMT • 14 January 2025

Marketing your health and fitness club

10 March 2016

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

In a time when the fitness industry is dominated by the giants such as Fitness First and Virgin Active, it is more important than ever for health and fitness clubs to partake in marketing activities. We have put together some marketing ideas which could really boost your health and fitness club.

1. Create Ambassadors

Find out more about those who work out in your gym regularly. They may be active in the health and fitness industry, amateur sportspeople, professional athletes, brand ambassadors or have their own blogs. These are the type of people you want to promote your business. They obviously already love working out and coming to your gym and never underestimate the power of word of mouth. Offer these a discount on membership or other incentives for helping you promote your business or some may even do it for free if they love it that much!

2. Open Days

If you have a great facility with the best equipment and friendly and helpful staff the health and fitness club will easily sell itself. All you need to do is get your potential customers passed the threshold to see exactly what you have to offer. The best way to do this is hold an open day where people can come and see the facilities you have and maybe even put on some free classes or personal training tutorials and show off what you can do for them.

3. Sponsor a Local Sports Team

Getting involved in your local community is a great way to spread the word about your health and fitness club. Sponsoring a local team such as football or rugby will mean you will get extra media coverage in the local press as well as having mini billboards running around the pitch with your logo on. Those that come and watch sports are likely to be more active so it gives you a great target audience to market to.

4. Member Referral Programme

Giving your members incentives for recruiting friends will encourage them even more to actively seek new members to your health and fitness club. Most people like to work out with people they know so being able to bring their friends along and earn a reward from it will be a great marketing tool. Giving members discount off their membership for them and their friend or a free class will act as great incentives in this type of scheme. As aforementioned, word of mouth is still one of the best marketing tools. If their friend encourages them to go then they are more likely to take up the offer!

5. Freebies

Everyone loves something for nothing! So drive people to visit your health and fitness class with free classes or taster membership. You could even help out the local community and put on classes which are on demand such as classes for new mums or teenagers which once they come to one class will want to try more! Giving away two-week taster memberships can also be a great way to entice people to try your gym out and make them much more likely to sign up once they have seen just exactly what you have to offer.

So now you know the best way to get your gym standing out above the rest, all that is left is comprehensive insurance cover. Get a comprehensive gym insurance quote today.

Do you run a sports club? Protectivity can provide comprehensive cover for many football, cricket, bowls and tennis clubs around the country.

Get your quote today by visiting our Sports Club Insurance page.

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09:18:24 GMT • 14 January 2025

What is professional indemnity insurance and do you need it?

By Steffi Cavaliere

3 March 2016

•

2 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

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

Professional Indemnity Insurance is for those who give professional advice to others in the course of their job. For example, personal trainers and sports coaches give advice to clients on a regular basis when training them. Therefore, it is essential to have professional indemnity insurance in place in case any of your clients make a claim against you or your business.

If one of your clients feels that advice you have given has caused them injury or harm then they may decide to take legal action against you. This may happen even if a mistake has not been made but you will need to cover the legal costs of defending yourself in court.

You may have years of experience and expertise in your career but there is always the chance of a mistake occurring and action being taken by a client to rectify any damage caused. However, as a professional giving advice, which is essential to any personal training or sports coaching business, you do not want to fear a claim every time you offer guidance. Therefore, having professional indemnity insurance gives you peace of mind that if a client does claim to be unhappy, your insurance will be there to cover any legal costs and put it right.

Make sure when taking out professional indemnity insurance you get the right amount of cover for you and your business. Do your research – get to know your industry and the types of claims and cover you may need. You do not want to pay for PI insurance and then discover when somebody makes a claim against you that it is not going to cover all the costs.

At Protectivity Insurance, professional indemnity up to £1,000,000 comes as standard on our personal trainer insurance, sports coaching insurance and martial arts instructor insurance giving or customers peace of mind when doing what they do best.

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11:50:46 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Attract New Members to Your Sports Club this New Year

20 January 2016

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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...

New Year’s resolutions have been set for 2020 and the most popular will always be sports and fitness. Therefore, this is the perfect time to start marketing for new members of your sports club and catch all those looking for a new sport or fitness venture.

Get digital

Nobody is going to be attracted to a team that looks as though it is stuck in the 20th century – make sure your website is up to date with all the latest information so that if somebody was to come across you from a web search they know when and where to come and who to contact.

Promotion across social media is also a great tool so make sure you put out information which can be useful to potential members. Also you can join in conversations and post on local group pages to attract those in the area and spread awareness.

Think about promotions

Most people especially when considering taking up a new sport will not want to commit to a membership and therefore it is a good idea to offer free taster sessions. This allows people who may not be sure to come along and give it a try and meet the team. These could be done continuously and any new members can come along to any class or as a one off event and open the club up to new members for a specific session which can go over basic rules and training drills.

If your club has a marketing budget you can pay to advertise in local papers and directories or place ads within local sports halls, shops and notice boards. You could even sponsor a local business or get involved in some local events or charities to boost the club’s presence in the local area.

Spread the word!

The best marketing for any sports club is word of mouth and therefore it pays to use your players as ambassadors and spread the club’s message. Invite them to bring along friends, family, colleagues and anyone they know to try it out. You could even offer friends and family discounts and incentives for those bringing along new members to encourage current club members to be proactive also.

Often joining a sports club is not just about the sport but also about the social side, meeting new people and making new friends. Therefore, it is important within your promotion to make reference to the social events that the club are involved in.

We hope this has given you a few ideas as to how to promote your sports club this January and that you are able to attract a whole new team of members to kick start the new year!

If you need sports club insurance look no further, Protectivity can offer a comprehensive and competitive quote today.

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09:16:41 GMT • 14 January 2025

Explained: Dog Walking Qualifications and Licensing

By Steffi Cavaliere

5 January 2016

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

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

Dog walking can make for a more than viable business – provided you have the time, inclination, and love of dogs, of course.

If you’re thinking about starting a dog walking business you might already have wondered about the need for any kind of certification, qualification, or licensing – none of which is strictly necessary, but all likely to prove more than useful, depending on your location and clients.

About Us

We’re one of the leading providers of insurance for pet businesses – including dog walking insurance and its related services. So, if you are walking dogs, pet sitting, grooming, boarding, or taxiing pets, rest confident in the reliable cover we provide against your public liabilities, care, custody and control safeguards, and protection of the equipment used in your pet-based business.

Your dog walking business – principles

You’ll soon discover that many owners think of their pets practically as their children. So, they’ll want to know that the person they are leaving them with is responsible and trustworthy. Having a relevant qualification of one kind or another might help to reassure those anxious owners that you know exactly what you’re doing.

If you’re looking for the most appropriate way of documenting that qualification, you’ll find that there’s a wide range from which to choose – from academic degree courses to certificates in animal care or even pet psychology. Any of these might bolster your standing and status as someone who knows – and cares – about pets.

Your dog walking business – certification

One of the most popular and widely used certificates for would-be dog walkers is issued by Think Dog! The course focuses on dog behaviour and training.

An alternative provider of courses suitable for anyone looking to set up a dog walking business is Compass. The organisation runs the College of Canine Studies and offers an especially wide range of courses on animal behaviour, welfare, care, and husbandry.

Your dog walking business – licensing

Before embarking on any course of instruction, it is worth checking whether the certificate or qualification issued upon its completion is recognised by the qualifications regulator Ofqual and meets the Animal Activity Licensing Regulations administered by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Clearly, it will be critical that your business complies with these and any other local licensing regulations. Keeping abreast of regulatory changes will be important whether you are new to the business or have been a dog walker for a long time.

Your dog walking business – insurance

Licensing requirements may also have a bearing on your need for the type of dog walking insurance in which we specialise here at Protectivity. Regulations enforced by the Royal Parks, for example, stipulate that the grounds may be used only by licensed professional dog walkers. This is part of the Parks’ efforts to ensure that all users and visitors maintain a high standard and have the correct insurance cover for themselves, the dogs, and the public.

But it is not only for access to the Royal Parks. For your own peace of mind, the protection of your business, and to bolster your standing as a professional pet business owner maintaining the appropriate level of insurance is critical.

Summary

Certification, qualification, licensing, and insurance – none of these may be absolutely essential if you are looking to start a dog walking business. But without them, you may be struggling to run your pet business safely, efficiently, and successfully.

So that you keep up to date with developments likely to impact your business, you might want to keep in touch with some of the associations that bring together people offering dog walking services.

Organisations such as these help to ensure that the standards of dog walking are kept high and professional. Joining an association such as the Association of Professional Dog Walkers (APDW) helps to establish you as a professional in your field and reassure your customers that you take responsibility in your role.

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09:16:15 GMT • 14 January 2025

How To Start A Gym Business

30 November 2015

•

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

By Steffi Cavaliere

13 November 2015

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

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

•

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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