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The health and wellness sector is big business in the UK and it’s estimated that the industry is worth £6.4 billion as of 2022. Spas have certainly become extremely popular in recent years, offering people the chance to escape for a couple of days or even just an afternoon, taking some time for themselves and enjoying some quiet rest and relaxation.
There’s certainly plenty of competition when it comes to spa resorts in the UK, but that shouldn’t deter any budding business owners from setting up their own venture. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, however. Running a spa is a huge commitment and requires lots of careful planning so with that in mind, here are four key considerations before you get started.
Funding
Unless you’re fortunate enough to be blessed with significant cash resources, chances are you’ll need some financial support to help you get off the ground. As a new business, you could look at applying for a start-up loan – but make sure you have a full understanding of all the terms and conditions before you sign up to any agreement. If you struggle to make the repayments in full and on time, it could cause a major financial headache and leave your business in a place where it can’t recover.
Documentation and health and safety
To run a spa, you’ll need to get organised with plenty of paperwork. You’ll need to obtain a massage and special treatment premises licence, not to mention cover such as public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. These policies offer protection in the event that something happens to your customers or staff.
There are plenty of potential hazards within a typical spa environment, so you need to think about health and safety too. For example, the floors must be properly coated in the correct materials and kept clean, dry and tidy at all times to limit the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Marketing
Spas offer services that lend themselves to lots of visual marketing, so you should look to build your brand through your website and social media profiles – especially Instagram. As a new business, you could promote introductory offers to encourage trade and your USPs should underpin your entire marketing strategy. What makes you stand out from the crowd? Focus on these factors and you’ll be more likely to spread awareness among your target audience.
Equipment
It will depend on the services you offer, of course, but you’ll need to assemble a fairly extensive collection of equipment. The likes of massage tables, jacuzzis, linen, washers and dryers do not come cheap – and that’s before you take into account any furniture for your reception or relaxation areas. Make a list of what you need and prioritise those which are essential before slowly adding more equipment as your business grows.
