Small children's play centre and party venue

Parents paying for sessions and parties, plus class teachers and groups who hire the space.

Session or entry fees, party packages, room hire for classes and clubs, and food and drink sales if you offer them.

• Good with children and parents
• Organising bookings and staff rotas
• Safety awareness and attention to detail
• Local marketing and social media

• Public liability insurance, plus employers' liability once you hire. Check what your insurer requires for play equipment
• Planning permission and permitted use of the premises, so check with your council
• Fire risk assessment, first aid cover and safe equipment layout. Ask about relevant safety standards for play equipment
• Safeguarding and staff checks. Check whether DBS checks apply to your staff and volunteers
• Food hygiene and registering with your local council if you serve food
• Music licences if you play music in the venue
• Rent, business rates and quiet weekday periods can strain cashflow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on the premises, the play equipment and how much fit-out the space needs. A smaller unit with basic kit sits towards the lower end of the range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £16,000, depending on session numbers, party bookings and room hire. Rent, business rates and quiet weekday periods can strain cashflow, so check your own costs against these figures.

Check the permitted use of your premises with the council, plus public liability insurance, a fire risk assessment, first aid cover and safe equipment layout. Also check whether DBS checks apply to staff, food hygiene registration if you serve food, and music licences.