Full-time judo club with its own dojo

Families with children, teenagers and adults who train regularly, plus people joining beginner courses.

Monthly memberships, grading fees, beginner courses, holiday camps, kit sales and sometimes unit sharing with other classes. Rent and rates are the main costs.

• Advanced judo coaching qualification and teaching experience
• Running a business: budgeting, marketing, managing staff
• Building a friendly club community

• Commercial lease terms and business rates, so get advice before signing
• Planning permission or change of use may be needed for a sports unit. Check with your council
• Public liability, participant accident and buildings or contents insurance, and employer's liability if you hire coaches
• Enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding policy and first aid cover for all coaches working with children
• High fixed costs mean a slow start can be risky, so keep some cash reserve

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, lease terms, permanent mats and fit-out. Check commercial lease terms and business rates, and get advice before signing anything.

Check whether planning permission or change of use is needed for a sports unit by asking your council. Also check insurance, including public liability and employer's liability if you hire coaches, plus enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding and first aid cover.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on membership numbers and class fees, with at least 25 hours a week. High fixed costs mean a slow start can be risky, so keep a cash reserve.