Be Your Own Boss
By Kat McMurphy & Helen Atkins from Baby Sparks Sensory.
Six Steps to Starting Your Own Children’s Activities Business
Many of us have sat in a children’s class, watching our little one join in, and wondered, ‘Could I do this?’
If you did decide to take the plunge and set up your own children’s activity business, you wouldn’t be alone – it’s a big and growing sector, worth an estimated £17.7 billion to the UK economy!
But it’s not as simple as buying some maracas and mats, picking out a few well known nursery rhymes and hoping people want to come and join you. There’s a huge amount of planning, preparation and legal compliance required.
Having worked in this sector for 8 years, growing a small start-up into a national franchise, we’ve learned a few things! Here are our top six steps for starting your own children’s activity business:
1. Do Your Research
What’s happening in your area? If sensory play is your niche, who’s your competition? Are their classes busy? Is there demand? Identify your target audience, their interests, and where you can fill a gap. Understand your competitors’ offerings and determine your own unique selling point (USP) so you stand out from the crowd.
2. Write a Business Plan
Put your vision on paper. Think about your skills and how they’ll translate to running a business. Consider your financial needs and how you’ll fund your launch. Plan for various scenarios: e.g. What if sales are slow in the first year? A solid plan will help you stay focused and boost your chances of success.
3. Know the Legal Requirements
Starting a business comes with legal obligations. Consult with an accountant about business structures, brand protection, and budgeting. You’ll need to comply with child safety regulations, have insurance, and secure necessary licenses, like the music license (PPL). Also, research booking systems to find one that works best for you (we love Book That In!)
4. Design Your Offering
This is the fun stuff! What makes your classes unique? What will you offer, and how will you do it? Make sure your branding reflects your unique value. Consider initial investments for kit and equipment plus ongoing costs, and ensure your classes meet the needs of your target age group: too broad an age range and you risk not being able to meet the needs of your young people; too narrow and you risk limiting your sales.
5. Choose the Right Location
The right venue can make or break a class. Think about your ideal customer’s needs. Will you have a set location or work from multiple venues? Is the space safe, child-friendly, and accessible? Make sure your chosen space feels welcoming and comfortable.
6. Develop a Marketing & Launch Strategy
Visibility is key. Think about where your ideal customer likes to hang out – in person and online - and make sure you are there too. Will you need a website? It’s not always necessary, but securing your domain is a good idea. Use social media to reach your target audience but don’t forget traditional marketing methods—attend community events and talk to people. Be your brand’s biggest cheerleader!
If launching your own business seems daunting, remember, buying into a franchise can be a great option. Franchises reduce the risk involved in starting a business – you follow a proven business model and get personal support, brand protection and a supportive community, making your path to success smoother.
Kat and Helen are the founder of Baby Sparks Sensory, a successful and growing national franchise offering sensory classes for babies. If you’re interested in finding our more about their franchise opportunity, visit www.babysparks.co.uk.