Category: Starting a business

11:49:03 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.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

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11:44:41 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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09:13:58 BST • 10 October 2025

How to Become a Dog Groomer?

21 October 2022

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

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Britain is a nation of dog lovers, and for many people, there’s no lengths to which they won’t go to keep their treasured pooch fit, healthy and pampered.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that dog grooming is booming. All over the country, enterprising people are taking full advantage of the surge in demand for grooming and related activities. So, if you love dogs, you love taking care of them and you’re looking for a career opportunity, there’s never been a better time to become a skilled, trained groomer.

In this guide, we’ll look at all the key qualifications for dog grooming you can get, the most important skills you’ll need, salary expectations, and why you shouldn’t overlook dog grooming insurance.

What qualifications for dog grooming are required?

There is no official legal requirement to gain any dog grooming qualifications. However, that doesn’t mean to say that it can’t be extremely valuable to get them, as it makes it more likely that you can get a job with a dog grooming company or attract more customers if you decide to go down the self-employed route.

If looking at dog grooming courses for beginners, then expect to take between one and three months to get a recognised City & Guilds qualification, either at Level 2 or Level 3. There are many different courses available, and we recommend finding one that is fully accredited with the PIF (Pet Industry Federation). That will give you the best chance of getting the training you need.

For less formal support, training and education, it may also be worth exploring what the British Dog Groomers’ Association (also part of the PIF) has to offer.

How much money do dog groomers make?

If you’re just starting out in the dog grooming world, then you’ll most likely be employed as a junior or apprentice with an established business. According to the National Careers Service, dog groomers will typically start on relatively low wages, but can work their way up to around £20,000 per year in time.

Where you can start to earn a lot more money is when you have the experience and skills to branch out on your own and go self-employed. Your earnings will then be tied to how much you charge per hour, less tax and operating expenses. In the UK at present, typical rates for freelance dog groomers generally run at around £20-30 per hour, prices varying depending on location, the size and condition of each dog, and its general temperament. However, it’s entirely possible to earn substantially more than this: top-quality groomers are known to charge as much as £80 an hour.

You should also be aware that most owners take their dogs for grooming at evenings and weekends because they’re at work during the day, and so you should expect to work less sociable hours as a matter of routine.

What skills are needed for dog grooming?

Dog grooming is a very specific job that demands a certain level of skills. Most importantly, you need the right attitude: it can be a decidedly unglamorous job and not every day will be like Crufts.

Of course, pets will misbehave. You may well get bitten, and they may well go to the toilet on you, so you’ll need the right mentality to keep dogs calm and shrug off any incidents. You’ll also need to feel comfortable around other people’s pets, and comfortable communicating with demanding owners: sometimes it isn’t always the dogs that are highly strung…

If you’re self-employed, you’ll also have lots of responsibilities to consider from a business perspective, including understanding typical costs. For example, you’ll need to build a compelling website full of high-quality images and videos of your work and create a presence on social media so you become known in your area and develop a following. You’ll also have a number of administrative duties to fulfil, such as registering and self-assessing your tax to HMRC, organising your schedule, managing your finances and expenses, and arranging good-quality insurance cover.

Why is dog grooming insurance important?

If a dog owner comes to you and wants you to groom their dog, they will have the basic expectation that you will care for their dog as much as they do. This means behaving with the very highest standards of diligence and professionalism. However, no human being is perfect, and sometimes things can, and will, go wrong.

It’s in these situations that having professional dog grooming insurance in place is absolutely vital, especially one that is tailored to the specifics of your work. You should look for a comprehensive policy that brings together many different types of cover, including (but not necessarily limited to):

– Public Liability Insurance: if you accidentally injure someone or damage property in the course of your work, this cover takes care of any legal costs incurred if you find yourself in court as a result

– Care, Custody and Control: if an animal under your care is lost, becomes ill or is injured, this type of insurance covers any compensation that becomes due to the owner

– Specialist Equipment: your valuable equipment, from grooming tables to cutting kit, can all be covered in the event of loss, theft or damage. If you’re intending to operate as a mobile groomer, you should ensure your vehicle is adequately covered, too

Get dog grooming insurance with Protectivity

At Protectivity, we provide a variety of comprehensive packages for every type of dog groomer at every level of experience. Our pet business insurance includes public liability cover, protection for up to £30,000 of specialist equipment, and up to £100,000 of Care, Custody and Control cover, it can deliver reassurance and confidence for you and owners alike.

Take a closer look at all of our dog grooming insurance options here.

Get Dog Grooming Insurance from Protectivity

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11:42:52 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Market a Dog Walking Business

17 August 2022

•

5 mins read

Contributors

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

Get dog walking insurance from Protectivity

Do you love dogs? If so, turning that passion into a dog walking business can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. As pet ownership continues to soar and people’s schedules become increasingly packed, demand for professional pet services is higher than ever.

But no matter how passionate or experienced you are, building a successful dog walking business still depends on how effectively you market yourself. Here’s an up-to-date guide with actionable tips to help your dog walking business thrive.

Build a professional website

In 2025, your website is still your digital shopfront. A modern, mobile-friendly, and informative site is non-negotiable. It should:

Clearly outline your services and pricing
Include customer reviews and testimonials
Feature an easy-to-use contact or booking form
Display your credentials, insurance, and qualifications
Offer FAQs and a blog (more on this below)

Pro tip: Use SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) to make sure your website ranks well when people in your area search for dog walking services.

Embrace business management software

Digital tools have revolutionised small business operations. Invest in pet care software that helps streamline bookings, invoicing, communications, and client records.

Some popular choices in 2025 include:

Time To Pet – great for automated scheduling, real-time GPS tracking, and client communication.
Scout – known for user-friendly mobile features and secure payments.
Precise Petcare – offers a professional client portal and detailed pet profiles.

These platforms don’t just improve operations—they enhance the client experience, which is key to retention and referrals.

Boost your presence on social media

Social media remains a powerful and low-cost way to market your dog walking business—especially platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where dog content thrives.

Here’s how to stand out:

Post daily walks (with owner permission) and introduce your dog clients.
Share tips for pet care, training, and local dog-friendly activities.
Use trending hashtags like #DogsofTikTok or #DogWalkerUK to increase reach.
Highlight your qualifications and insurance in your bio or pinned posts.
Use Instagram Reels or TikTok for fun and engaging short-form videos.

Building trust and familiarity online helps potential clients feel comfortable inviting you into their lives—and homes.

Start a blog that answers real questions

A regularly updated blog not only boosts your SEO but builds your authority as a knowledgeable pet care provider. Don’t just write about your services—write what pet owners care about.

Some blog topic ideas:

“How Often Should I Walk My Dog?”
“What to Look for in a Dog Walker”
“Tips for Introducing a Dog to a New Walker”
“Best Dog Parks in [Your City]”
“How to Prepare Your Dog for Hot Weather Walks”

Also, use your blog to showcase success stories and post glowing customer reviews—with permission, of course.

Don’t overlook printed promotional materials

While digital marketing is dominant, local print marketing is far from dead. In fact, it can be very effective for businesses rooted in the community.

Distribute flyers or postcards in:

Vets, groomers, and pet stores
Local cafés, gyms, and supermarkets
Community noticeboards or dog-friendly pubs

Add a QR code linking to your website or booking page. And consider fun branded giveaways—collapsible water bowls, treats, or poop bag dispensers—to stay top-of-mind.

Get listed and get reviewed

Online directories and local search tools are often the first stop for busy pet owners.

Make sure your business is listed on:

Google Business Profile
Yell
Bark
Nextdoor
Facebook Business Pages
Pet-specific directories like Rover or Tailster

Encourage happy clients to leave reviews. Positive ratings, especially on Google, are often the deciding factor for new customers.

Create local partnerships

In a tight-knit local economy, partnerships can drive growth and visibility. Consider teaming up with:

Pet supply shops (leave flyers or offer discounts)
Dog groomers and trainers
Local vets and pet clinics
Pet-friendly cafés and hotels
Shelters and rescue centres (volunteer to boost credibility)

You can also sponsor or participate in local dog events, charity walks, or pet fairs. Face-to-face interactions build real trust and lead to long-term clients.

Market smarter, not harder

Starting a dog walking business doesn’t require a huge upfront investment—but smart marketing can make the difference between surviving and thriving.

To recap:

Protect yourself and build trust with professional insurance.
Create a website and social profiles that look polished and professional.
Use tools to streamline operations and improve client communication.
Create valuable, engaging content that answers real customer questions.
Get visible locally—both online and offline—and don’t be shy about asking for reviews.

With the right approach, you can grow your dog walking business into a thriving, well-respected service in your local community—and enjoy every step of the journey with your four-legged clients.

Prioritise safety, credibility and trust

Before jumping into marketing, it’s essential to understand that dog owners are placing their beloved pets—and often their house keys—into your hands. That trust comes with responsibility.

Covering Your Risks: Accidents can happen. Whether a dog in your care gets lost or injured, damages property, or causes harm to others, these events can have serious consequences.

Our specialist Dog Walking Insurance can protect you from financial loss due to public liability, key loss, and pet-related incidents. Being insured also reassures clients that you’re a responsible professional.

Get Dog Walking Insurance from Protectivity

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13:54:37 BST • 22 July 2025

Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?

25 July 2022

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

Who needs Public Liability Insurance? If you run any kind of business, you will need this type of insurance cover – it could save you a small fortune. And as we’ll see, some companies could benefit from the protection of Public Liability Insurance more than others.

About Us

If you are in any business, you run the risk of a customer, suppliers, or even a passing member of the public suffering an injury or having their property damaged and holding you and your business liable.

To provide indemnity, effectively, protection against your potential financial losses in meeting any such claim, Public Liability Insurance is at the heart of a number of our business insurance packages – including our Pet Business Insurance, Event Cancellation Insurance and Personal Trainer Insurance.

Is Public Liability Insurance a legal requirement?

Although it offers sound financial protection against the potential losses to your business from claims of liability, Public Liability Insurance (PLI) is not a legal requirement.

Nevertheless, by arranging this cover – which is almost certain to have been put in place by other reputable businesses in similar enterprises to your own – you may be demonstrating just how seriously you take your mission and the customers you serve.

When is Public Liability Insurance required?

Public Liability Insurance is designed to protect you and your business against claims for injuries or property damage suffered by any third party.

Give it just a moment or two’s thought, and you may realise that these are risks which could be faced by just about any business, however large or small, in whatever area of activity.

What types of businesses need PLI?

In some businesses, you may face those risks more frequently than others – despite all the reasonable precautions you have taken to avoid them.

If you run a pet business, a customer might claim that they suffered an injury when one of the animals in your care bit or scratched them, for example.

If you are in the business of organising events, there are all manner of occasions. Such as when one of the guests or participants suffers an injury or has their property damaged and holds you responsible.

If you are a personal trainer, one or more of your exercise routines might have left a client with injuries for which they hold you liable.

Do I need Public Liability Insurance for a private party or a wedding?

You might be surprised by the extensive range of situations in which you can be held responsible for another person suffering an injury or having their property damaged – and, if you are held liable, of course, you may be ordered to pay substantial compensation.

Even if you have organised a private party – or a function such as a wedding reception – simply by taking on that role of organiser, you also assume responsibility for taking reasonable care that none of your guests is injured. If they are, they may claim damages from you – and PLI needs to be there to indemnify you against such claims.

What happens if I don’t take out Public Liability Insurance?

If you have not taken out PLI, you may still be held liable if someone is injured or has their property damaged – you may still be ordered to pay the appropriate amount of compensation.

Of course, without any Public Liability Insurance, you must meet the compensation costs from your own pocket and without the indemnity offered by PLI.

Summary

Your liability for injuries sustained by third parties or damage to their property can prove extremely expensive if you are ordered to pay compensation for their losses.

Although public liability risks may be more significant in some enterprises than others, you are likely to need the protection of PLI whatever your line of business – indeed, you may even find it necessary when organising a private function, party, or wedding reception; running a pet business; or being a personal trainer.

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20:43:52 BST • 6 October 2025

How to become a Pilates Instructor

8 June 2022

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

Get pilates instructor insurance from Protectivity

Pilates offers low-impact routines for building agility, flexibility and strength, attracting some 12 million adherents worldwide*. As an indication of its popularity in the UK, Pilates retained its place during the recent pandemic.

So, if you enjoy Pilates, why not turn your passion into a business and learn how to become a Pilates instructor?

About us

Whenever your business is built on personal relationships with your clients – but especially Pilates training that involves close personal contact – there is always the risk of public liability claims. Protection against these makes our Pilates Instructor Insurance so critical for anyone contemplating this kind of business.

Our policies also extend to professional indemnity insurance – another vital safeguard for anyone in the business of offering advice and making recommendations on physical fitness – together with cover for the equipment you use.

Becoming a Pilates instructor

If you are interested in becoming a Pilates instructor, let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.

What skills do you need?

A core quality will be your empathy towards and concern for other people. This will be backed up and demonstrated by the power and understanding of your verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

You will exercise those qualities in the way you watch and observe your clients in action – giving particular attention to their movements and posture. As a result, you can inspire and motivate your clientele in a common quest to mould better versions of themselves.

To achieve this, you must understand and gain extensive knowledge of posture and movement.

What qualifications do you need to be a Pilates instructor?

The entry-level qualification is the Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates. With this training, you can become a Pilates instructor with the authority to teach the routines either to groups or on a one-to-one basis.

The length of your training course will depend on a whole host of factors – mainly determined by the amount of time you can commit and the work you put into the course. Typically, students qualify between four and nine months.

As you develop your skills as a Pilates instructor, you may want to underscore your sense of professionalism and recognition of the level at which you can offer Pilates training by gaining your Level 4 Certificate in Mat Pilates.

Our blog Pilates Teacher Training and Qualifications discusses what qualifications you’ll need in a bit more depth.

Can you make a living as a Pilates instructor?

Yes, you can! How much you will earn depends on how many hours a week you want to work and whether you are starting your own business or employed by a gym etc.

For example, with the former, it will take time to build up your clientele and therefore your earnings.

Sources say that if you are working as a fulltime Pilates instructor, you may be able to earn between £22k-£52k a year**.

Get teaching and get insured

Once you have qualified, you can apply to teach Pilates. You can look for opportunities advertised online or at your local gym. Or, you can start your own Pilates business.

Whichever way you decide to instruct Pilates, you need to make sure that you have Pilates Instructor Insurance to protect you and your clients.

Sources say that if you are working as a fulltime Pilates instructor, you may be able to earn between £22k-£52k a year**.

Summary

Being a Pilates instructor means you are your own boss and doing something you love. In addition, it allows you to earn an income while working reasonably flexible hours.

The popularity of Pilates globally and in the UK means that you are unlikely to be struggling too hard to find customers. However, the success of your business is likely going to depend on your development of the appropriate attitudes and aptitude, qualifications, and equipment – safeguarded, of course, by our Pilates Instructor Insurance.

Get Pilates Instructor Insurance from Protectivity

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11:40:33 GMT • 14 January 2025

Starting a Pet Transport Business

16 May 2022

•

5 mins read

Contributors

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

https://www.statista.com/statistics/463662/pet-care-market-value-in-the-united-kingdom-by-category

The UK is a nation of animal lovers. Statistics reveal that approximately 59% of households own a pet. In 2020/21, 33% of UK households owned a pet dog; 27% owned cats; and 2% owned rabbits.

There may be times when an owner needs to arrange transport to take their pet to the vets, or perhaps to the dog groomer or a cattery or kennels.

This is where your pet transport business can step in – you can offer a pet taxi service and meet some great animals along the way!

About Us

If you are starting a pet transport business, you want to ensure that your business is protected with comprehensive Pet Taxi Insurance. Our cover includes Public Liability Insurance as well as cover for Care, Custody and Control (animal liability), which protects you in case you accidentally lose or injure an animal which is under your care.

Experience

One thing to consider before you embark on a new venture is to understand what experience you have. It might be a simple enough statement that you are a pet person but, are you good around animals? Do you know if they are sick or stressed? Have you worked with animals before?

Having some level of experience can go a long way to secure you more business and help you develop client rapport. (The cat, dog or other small furry being the actual client).

Qualifications, licences, rules and regulations

There are courses available to help you with being able to transport animals. For example, Animal Careers Direct run a Principles of Animal Transport certificate which can be studied online.

This has positioned itself as a course aimed specifically at people looking to start a pet transport business.

According to the GOV.UK website you will also legally require a type 1 or type 2 transport authorisation depending on how long or how far you are transporting the animal.

You may also need documented contingency plans to deal with emergencies that can arise during a journey. For example, animals falling ill or getting injured, unforeseen delays, breakdowns or accidents.

All domestic animal transports typically need to have animal transport certificates for every journey regardless of length and duration.

Financing your pet transport business

One thing you will need consider is how you will finance your business. Clearly you will need transport which might mean the purchase of a new or separate vehicle. You might also need finance to help with website and marketing costs as well as to fund any courses or accreditations you might need.

How far do you want to go?

Simply put, there are two main types of pet transport business.

First there is the local uber for cats and dogs. So, travelling locally, taking pets to the vets, salon or grooming appointments. Or, maybe dropping them off at the kennels or cattery if the owners are going away on holiday.

The second type could be international transport for family moves abroad.

You need to make sure you understand the implications of each type of business.

Transport – van or car?

You will need dedicated transport and so you need to decide whether you want to use a van or car for transporting. A car means less animals being transported at once but could be stress-free for the pet. Or you could use a multi cage van to pick up and drop off.

It’s a business not a hobby

Remember, this is going to be a business. You will need a business bank account and may need to register with the HMRC as well to ensure you get off on the right foot.

Marketing

A company survives or thrives on your ability to market your business. In today’s online world, you will need a website to showcase your service. You can also explore social media methods to drive traffic.

If you are looking at serving locally, you might want to consider local advertising in nearby vets and pet shops, newspapers and free directories.

Pet business transport insurance

Our Pet Taxi Insurance protects you and your business against the unexpected. Having this insurance will also give your customers reassurance that their pets’ well-being is front of mind. We also offer dog walking business insurance, insurance for dog groomers and several other pet businesses.

Next steps

Running any type of business is a big undertaking. This article highlights some of the things you need to consider if you want to start a pet transport business. It is highly recommended you do a lot more research before taking the plunge. But if you do decide to, it can be a very rewarding and fun business.

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11:39:54 GMT • 14 January 2025

Top Property Investing Podcasts for 2022

20 April 2022

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

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Whether you are experienced property investor or just set foot in the investor property world, our curated list of top UK property podcasts will help you find the best source of information for all things property investing related.

About Us

We offer a Rent Guarantee Insurance which is designed to protect landlords against loss of rental income for up to a period of 24 months should a tenant fail to pay their rent whilst still living in the property. We also include Legal Expenses Insurance – covering the costs associated with pursuing legal action against your tenant – as well as providing a 24/7 Landlord Legal Helpline.

Progressive Property Podcast

Publisher: Kevin McDonnell

Total Episodes: 257

Ranked as the UK’s #1*, The Progressive Property Podcast is another weekly and well-established podcast which focuses mainly on property investing and is advertised at “buy & hold investors, flippers, deal packagers or multi-letters”.

It features a great variety of guests, so you’ll hear from millionaire property investors and keep up to date with the latest market trends, laws and regulations for free. What could be a better inspiration than hearing the stories of those who have succeeded sharing their personal journeys, answering hotly debated questions and providing you with key takeaways?

Property Hub

Publisher: Rob Bence and Rob Dix

Total Episodes: 461

Whether you are just starting out, or managing a large investment portfolio, the Property Podcast from Property Hub is the one that everyone could listen. Rob Bence and Rob Dix share their opinion on a variety of property topics and property news each week, passing on their knowledge and advice to the listeners. They are also both investors, so they have experienced the UK property market first-hand.

In addition to the latest industry news, conversational advice, and essential resources you’ll also hear a few bad jokes, so you won’t fall asleep. You certainly don’t want to miss the popular “Ask Rob & Rob”, where they answer questions from listeners like you.

Inside Property Investing

Publisher: Mike & Victoria Stenhouse

Total Episodes: 354

Mike & Victoria started the Inside Property Investing podcast with the intention to document their ups and downs of creating their property portfolio, which now represents a single resource for news, advice, and industry insights to help you succeed on your property journey.

If you tune in, you can listen to the stories of some of the most inspiring and successful property investors, developers, and entrepreneurs in the UK.

Property Magic Podcast

Publisher: Simon Zutshi

Total Episodes: 187

Simon Zutshi is a professional property investor with over 2 decades of personal experience. In his podcast you can dive deep into his investor mindset and listen to property investing strategies from his book, Property Magic.

Simon also shares first-hand Property Investing tactics, hints and tricks, which he also discusses at various educational programmes. Wherever you are on your property investment journey, the Property Magic Podcast will equip you with essential knowledge and practical tips.

The Property Talk from RWinvest

Publisher: RWinvest

Total Episodes: 17

Don’t be deceived by the number of podcasts, The Property Talk from RWinvest has been featured in the Entrepreneur and ranked as one of Feedspot’s “Top 5 Property Investment Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021”.

By tuning in you can listen to general discussions from experienced investors, critical marketing predictions and specific investment topics.

The latest episodes have been dedicated on the UK’s post pandemic property market, tips on buying a rental property and creating a property business plan.

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Last updated by

11:38:27 GMT • 14 January 2025

A Guide on Starting a Market Stall

2 March 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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Have you noticed that some market stalls seem to attract crowds of eager customers while others languish with barely a visitor? What is the key difference between them? Let’s take a look.

About us

We know a thing or two about market stalls. That’s thanks to our expertise and experience in arranging insurance for events like food markets along with stallholder insurance. We also offer many tailored policies including cancellation insurance for events, all of which can be tailored to your needs as a small business or event organiser.

Your pitch – planning

Successful market stalls are usually not conjured up by chance. They are the product of careful and meticulous planning and research. If you want to attract the crowds and sell to them, you need to know just what the crowds want, what will convince them to buy, and how much they will be prepared to pay.

Planning will encompass your choice of a market stall – is it part of a permanent market, for example, or a one-off, one-day event? Perhaps it’s a weekly street market or even a farmers’ market – which might influence the kind of products you sell. A car-boot sale might be one of the easiest ways of testing out your initial stallholder skills.

Insurance

Some fairs will require you to hold Public Liability as standard practice and upon booking your stall, you may well be asked to provide a copy of your certificate.

Public Liability Insurance for stallholders protects you if a third party makes a claim against you for injury or damage for which you are found to be responsible for. Consider also getting insurance cover for your products and equipment in case they get damaged whilst at the Craft Fair.

Research

Just as you would for any other kind of enterprise, you must ensure there is demand for the type of products you are selling.

Ask yourself how that demand is also met by competing outlets – such as shops, supermarkets, online stores, and so on – so that you can develop a unique selling point for your stall.

For example, you might want to emphasise that your products are locally sourced, are fresher than your competitors, or are cheaper than customers will find elsewhere.

Setting Up

Once you’ve completed your planning and research, it’s time to buy the goods you’ll be selling.

Stock control will be an important measure of your success as a stallholder – too much in hand and you will have spent more than necessary. Not enough and you will be unable to meet your customers’ demands. Neither situation will help the bottom line of your business.

That is where a business plan will come into its own – showing you when you’re best placed to buy the products you want to sell and how much stock you might need to keep in hand and store. Those questions will also be influenced, of course, by the availability – or cost – of the necessary storage space.

Also, you may need to think seasonally – if you are planning on selling clothes, for example, then buy in clothes for the current and perhaps the next season.

By its very definition, a market stall is unlikely to require much at all in the way of equipment. Whatever is necessary – food-slicers, scales, or the like – you can probably start off with the very minimum and add further pieces of useful equipment as the business grows.

Now you’re in business

Once you’ve set up, running your market stall will require ongoing marketing – to attract new customers and reassure existing customers that you’re still in business offering even better deals than ever.

Your operations will also need to comply with whatever regulations, bylaws and legislation apply to your particular line of business.

Trading from market stalls, for instance, is regulated through licensing systems operated by the relevant local council. The size of your stall, its location, and when you can run it are all questions set out in your licence – and the details, of course, vary from one local authority to another. Whether your licence allows you to trade permanently or on a temporary or casual basis is also made clear in your licence.

Consult the official website to find out which local council grants market stall trader licences in the area in which you are interested.

Successful trading

Market stalls offer a unique and relatively easy introduction to trading. Follow some of the steps we’ve described, and you might be on your way to creating a successful grass-roots business.

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