Start a kayaking or climbing taster session business

Families, friend groups, stag and hen parties, schools and youth groups, and companies planning team days.

A price per person per session, with discounts for larger groups. Private and corporate bookings usually bring in more per head than public sessions.

• A recognised qualification in your chosen activity
• Safety awareness and calm decision making
• Teaching beginners clearly
• Looking after and maintaining equipment

• Public liability insurance that specifically covers your activity, plus employer's liability if you take on helpers
• In Great Britain, a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (run through the HSE) may be needed if you charge to provide certain activities, such as climbing on natural terrain or some watersports, to under-18s. Whether it applies depends on the activity and location, and it does not cover Northern Ireland, so check with the HSE before taking bookings from schools or youth groups
• Access and launch rights on water or at crags, which differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Equipment must be inspected and replaced when worn, and you need safe storage and transport
• Strong weather dependence, so plan cancellation and rebooking terms

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the activity, how much kit you buy, and how you store and transport it. These are estimates rather than quotes, so price your own equipment list.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many sessions you run, your group sizes and the weather. Treat this as an estimate, and plan cancellation and rebooking terms for bad-weather days.

Check that your public liability insurance covers your activity, plus employer's liability if you take on helpers. In Great Britain, an Adventure Activities Licensing Authority licence may apply, especially for under-18s, so check with the HSE. Also check access and launch rights.