Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Personal Trainer Business in the United Kingdom

Personal trainers used to be a luxury- a thing that only the rich could afford. But having a personal trainer has become more common, and the industry has grown so much since it started. Today, people hire personal trainers to improve skills, flexibility, strength, or their general well-being. If you like coaching people to complete workout programs with a mind for business, then starting a personal trainer business is the best venture for you!

This article explains the industry practices, business registration process, and licensing requirements you need to start a personal trainer business. We want to help you successfully turn your business ideas into action with this guide to company registration in the United Kingdom.

 

What Is a Personal Trainer Business?

Personal trainers provide personalized, safe, and effective fitness programs and training. Most of the business’s clients are individuals who have had a lot of injuries from exercising in the past. Or it could also be that they were not satisfied with their progress with the previous trainer or needs one-on-one training to achieve a goal. Personal training businesses customize workout plans, provide mental and physical guidance, and ensure that clients do not get injuries doing them.

Personal Training business can take many forms. Boot camp personal trainer provides high-intensity workouts that build strength, endurance, and agility. Lifestyle personal trainers help clients maintain an overall healthy lifestyle by teaching them how to eat right and train the right way. Performance personal trainers usually cater to athletes and focus on developing workout plans that increase power, speed, and strength.

Moreover, the demand for personal trainer businesses relies heavily on economic conditions. An economy where people have sufficient income to spare for non-necessity is the best condition for starting a personal trainer business. The increasing health consciousness in the population also fuels this demand. Since 2019, there has been a surge of interest in hiring personal trainers to keep fit and healthy amidst the ongoing global health crisis.

The competitors of personal trainer businesses are gyms, health clubs, and sports facilities. To rise against the competition, personal trainers now adopt modern strategies to capture broader markets and provide less expensive training programs. Many personal trainer businesses are also now offering their personalized services through mobile applications that customers can access and perform anywhere. Virtual coaching also enables remote personal training services where trainers can monitor and assess the client’s progress and provide feedback via chat, email, or text.

 

How to Start a Personal Trainer Business

To start a personal trainer business, you have to plan the details from the location, service listing, pricing, equipment acquisition, operations, and promotions. You can start by identifying your target market. Research about what the market is looking for and that no one has still delivered. Your target market is crucial in the later decisions relating to picking a location and coming up with marketing strategies.

Next, pick a location that will make you accessible to your primary target demographics or population. For example, if you want to cater to working professionals who have very little time to work out, place your business in commercial areas near firms and business establishments. Next, choose which services you want to offer. Remember that your service offering should be within your capacity and budget. Your services will determine which equipment you need to acquire and how many employees you need to hire.

Also, research about payment schemes and methods the industry employs. You can offer installment methods by session payment or other service subscription methods. Additionally, you can start an account with PayPal, Payoneer, or Google Pay so you can conveniently receive the payments. This is a form of promotional strategy, so make sure to consider your target market and plan how you will entice them to get your services.

Finally, develop your brand and market it in different channels. Competition is rising, and you don’t want your business being overshadowed by established and rising personal trainer businesses. Plan out the details and execution of your brand to ensure the market identifies, sets apart, and remembers your brand. Then, market your brand and services through TV, radio, and signage advertisements. You can even bring your brand online by creating social media accounts and a business website.

 

How to Register a Personal Trainer Business in the UK

To register your business, you first have to consider what type of business you want to start. The most common business structures in the UK are a sole trader or self-employed, partnership, and limited company. The registration process of sole traders and partnerships is different from limited company registration. The former generally takes little time and requirements to complete, while the latter is more complicated.

To register a sole trader or partnership, all you need is a National Insurance (NI) number. In the process, you have to pick a unique business name. The business owner/s may choose to register the business name for trademark, but it is not a requirement. For partnerships, they have to nominate a nominal partner who is responsible for tasks like tax filing. And then, if you expect your business to earn an income over £85,000.

Moreover, registration of limited companies requires more paperwork as you are practically creating a new entity- the company. This is what gives the business owners protection against company debts. The owners and the company are separate and different entities. Owners register the company with the Companies House via an online application, by post, or through an agent. Self-processing the registration typically costs £12, and the application is processed within 4 hours.

To register a limited company, you’ll need to prepare the company name and business address, appoint a director and secretary (optional), and name your shareholders. You’ll have to create the memorandum of association that proves all shareholders consent to creating the company. You’ll also have to prepare and submit the association articles that detail how the company will run. Company incorporation services in the United Kingdom can make the process for you if you need assistance in completing the business registration process by yourself.

 

Licenses and Permits to a Personal Trainer Business in the UK

There is no business license required to start and operate a personal trainer business in the United Kingdom. However, the market expects personal trainers to at least be eligible in providing training services. Personal trainers can acquire certifications from NASM, ISSA, and ACE. Some certifications you can acquire are NASM-CPT for a personal trainer, NASM-CNC for nutrition coach, and senior fitness specialist certification.

Aside from the personal trainer certification, you also need first aid certification. You can take first aid courses online to get a certification that is valid for three before you need to renew it. Additionally, if you plan on keeping computerized records of your customers’ personal details, you need to register as a data user with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). And if you’re going to hold sessions in public parks and open spaces, you may need to get permission from your local authority.

Furthermore, personal trainers may voluntarily join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). The organization provides regulations for instructors and trainers that personal trainer businesses uphold the industry’s National Occupational Standards. Becoming a REPs registered trainer enhances your chances of attracting customers as it adds credibility to your being a competent and knowledgeable trainer.

You may need to look at other legal concerns in starting a personal trainer business, including consumer protection, health and safety, and equality. Personal trainer businesses must practice fair and honest trading in dealing with contracts, advertising claims, and handling clients. And you also have to set measures to ensure the safety of not just your clients but of your staff and the general public. Lastly, your practices and methods must not discriminate against age, gender, religion, race, and disabled individuals.

 

Hire Professionals to Complete Business Startup Legalities

Planning to start a business is already challenging. How much more is putting these plans into action? 3E Accounting is a United Kingdom corporate service provider that can help you deal with matters like business registration, licensing, and other legal matters on your behalf. With professionals handling these procedures, you can focus more on finalizing plans and handling startup operations. What’s more, you get incorporation services and other startup services that are economical yet efficient and hassle-free!

Experience the full benefits of company registration services from an internationally recognized service provider in the UK. Contact 3E Accounting today to get a quote for our services.