Category: Starting a business

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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21:00:33 BST • 8 October 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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09:14:35 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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21:13:10 BST • 6 October 2025

The Resources Needed to Organise Your Own Sports Event

24 September 2015

•

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.

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09:11:37 GMT • 14 January 2025

Marketing your personal training business

22 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

To date, most fitness professionals have followed a similar strategy when it comes to marketing their personal training business and one that does seem sensible.

Sure, if you’re looking to expand your client base to generate more profit, it makes sense to spend most of your marketing budget on outbound marketing efforts and invest much less into your current clients. Though this is how the game has been played for years, the industry is changing and becoming incredibly competitive. If you’re a startup personal trainer, it’s highly unlikely that your marketing efforts will be more successful than those of chain clubs, so you’ve got to think smart!

So the acronym goes: GAME ON – Gain Advantage, Monetise Everything, Overlook Nothing.

Powerful isn’t it, so pay attention!

1. Refocus and referral

It’s time to invert the personal training marketing equation and think about investing most of your budget into your existing clients. It may sound narrowing and we know you want to aim big, but the return on this investment will put you in good stead. Make a client referral program because marketing strategies are, in fact, most effective when presented to people that already know, like, and trust you. When your clients send business your way, reward them… everyone responds well to incentives and if your client knows there’s something in it for them – a free session or health vouchers, for example, they will be willing to help you out.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask

There is no shame in promoting your business to current clients. After all, it’s them who know best what you can do and how good you are, so it is natural to talk about advancing yourself in their company. Make sure your client is aware of the scope of your ability – you might be helping them with a fat-loss program but can you also help athletes with endurance training? People who do exercise are likely to have friends who do exercise, so forget the idea that it’s ‘cheap’ to ask for referrals, and ASK!

3. Transformation challenges

Never underestimate the value of visual impact when it comes to planning how you will market your personal training services.

It’s all very well and good telling your client you can help them shift those unwanted pounds in 6 weeks, but if you can show them how your other clients have done just that, it will have far more resonance!

If you find willing clients who are prepared to share their transformation journey, whether it be through photos of testimonials, it will make a great addition to your website or even to your sales pitch in conversation.

5. Positioning

As we’ve said, the personal training industry is hugely competitive. Everywhere you turn there’s a ‘fitness expert’ ready to sustain the world’s rising interest in health and fitness. There is also now added competition from home workouts and fitness apps, so it’s essential that your business focus is to create a competitive advantage.

Know what your client does not have and wants, know what you need to offer to make yourself the best choice in the market place, and know how to play your strengths. If you shift your business to rely on those strengths, you’ll be well positioned in the market to reap the benefits of a unique service.

6. Stay ahead of the crowd

Information is now so accessible that you must be ready to provide the information that is not easily accessible. No one wants to pay to be told something they could have read about in Fitness Weekly.

If you can satisfy your client’s curiosity they will keep coming back for more, and whatever you do don’t think that client education will mean they will eventually not need your business anymore!

A client will always come back for new programs and tougher workouts so long as you stay at the top of your game, and help them to achieve and further their goals.

To do so, you must also always be looking for ways to educate yourself whether that’s attending fitness events, talking to the best in the industry, or just pooling ideas.

7. Be professional

At the end of the day, personal training involves risk. You’re dealing with potentially unfit clients who are not accustomed to exercise, you’re supervising their handling of equipment and machines, and you yourself must stay fit…when you yourself are your business, it pays to be responsible. Promoting a friendly and approachable persona is great, but the professional side of your business can be measured by whether or not you have comprehensive personal training insurance. This needs to cover third-party liability and relevant qualifications, among others. Display these details on your website to demonstrate your professionalism, responsibility, legitimacy and experience.

If you have your own gym – highlight this and it’s equipment, and mention that you have gym liability insurance in place to give customers peace of mind.

Aside from the seven points above, it’s important to remember you will need full cover when operating as a personal trainer. Click here to get a personal trainer insurance quote from £4.29 a month.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

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