Independent community gym

Local people who want a more personal alternative to a big chain, such as beginners, lifters, older adults and shift workers.

Monthly memberships by direct debit, plus day passes, joining fees, induction packages and optional extras like classes or personal training rented to self-employed coaches.

• Welcoming and good with people
• Basic fitness knowledge
• Budgeting and managing a lease
• Local marketing and selling memberships

• Lease terms, rent reviews and any personal guarantee you are asked to sign, ideally have a solicitor read it
• Check with your council that the unit is allowed to be used as a gym, plus any noise or opening hours limits
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• A health and safety risk assessment, first aid cover and a plan for emergencies (many gyms keep a defibrillator)
• Music licences if you play music, and data protection rules for member details and any CCTV
• Membership churn and quiet summer months, so keep a cash buffer
• Business rates and VAT, check what applies to your unit and turnover

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around £40,000 to £150,000, depending on the unit, lease terms and how much equipment you buy. Ideally have a solicitor read the lease, including any personal guarantee you are asked to sign.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your membership numbers and prices. Membership churn and quiet summer months can affect income, so keep a cash buffer.

Check with your council that the unit can be used as a gym, plus any noise or opening hours limits. Also check public and employer's liability insurance, a health and safety risk assessment, first aid, music licences, data protection, business rates and VAT.