Self-defence school with its own studio

Local adults, teenagers and families paying monthly memberships, plus people booking courses or private sessions.

Monthly memberships make up the core, with extra income from private lessons, grading or course fees, holiday camps and kit sales.

• Strong, recognised training and teaching experience
• Running a small business and managing a timetable
• Marketing and building a local community

• Lease commitments and rent, so read terms carefully and take advice
• Planning permission or change of use may be needed, check with your council
• Public liability, premises and instructor insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire coaches
• Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding policy if teaching children
• Fixed costs mean a slow start can be hard, so keep some cash in reserve

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the unit, mats, equipment and insurance. Fixed costs mean a slow start can be hard, so keep some cash in reserve.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on memberships, courses and private lessons. Rent and other fixed costs come out of that, so plan for a slower first few months.

Check lease terms and take advice, and ask your council whether planning permission or change of use is needed. Check public liability, premises and instructor insurance, employer's liability once you hire coaches, and enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding if teaching children.