Leisure franchises in the UK

This can include products and services in sectors such as recreation, entertainment, sports, and tourism.

Trends in modern, advanced societies that value concepts such as ‘quality of life’, ‘work-life balance’ and ‘family time’ all play into the idea of making the very most of how we spend our non-working time.

For the franchise owner, running a successful leisure franchise still involves the same commercial realities as any other business. Though for those attracted to this kind of lifestyle, the working environment has many desirable features.

So, here's what owning a leisure franchise actually involves.

Sector overview

One of the more common leisure franchise opportunities like a gym franchise, taps into contemporary understandings of the important relationship between regular exercise and good physical and mental health.

Franchise owners can provide new franchise operators with assistance in areas such as staff training, design of premises, health and safety requirements and marketing tactics. 

For those who are looking for a less active franchise, you might be interested in travel consultancy.

This kind of opportunity is often scalable to accommodate a franchisee’s expectations – for example, this could work equally well as a one-person home business or on a larger scale as a more prominent high-street presence.

Would-be travel consultants can take advantage of training, ongoing support and advice from an experienced travel-business mentor. 

The martial arts field is another leisure field in which it’s usually possible to secure a leisure franchise.

Often a low-cost start-up which requires less equipment than a standard gym enterprise, the martial arts field covers kick-boxing, karate and judo as well as more specialist pursuits.

Modern media coverage has made martial arts a popular fitness option which consistently proves a fun and engaging hobby. Interested franchisees can be sure to receive ongoing training and support to hone their business approach. 

Go-karting action never loses its leisure appeal, and a mobile go-kart franchise with the emphasis firmly on fun also represents a fun party experience for kids.

However, this opportunity can easily be extended to cover more than just parties. Enterprising franchisees could also think in terms of shows, fêtes, fairs, carnivals and more.

This type of business can be run all year round, requires no previous experience, and can be run on a full-time or part-time basis. 

The leisure business predictably attracts those who love meeting people and enjoy sporty, active pursuits – often in the open air and sometimes in a country or even a wilderness setting.

However, be prepared to work unsocial hours, including weekends, and be happy to work through peak holiday periods too.

Whilst customers are often fellow enthusiasts and can be extremely rewarding to coach and support, those working in leisure are expected to remain ultra-enthusiastic, supportive and endlessly sympathetic at all times.

And there are bound to be occasions when, even for the most avid enthusiast, these can be daunting demands to fulfil. 

As with any business, there will also be essential administrative and business-management tasks to complete, equipment to put away and premises to secure long after the fun itself is over. 

What type of person would do well in the leisure franchise industry? 

Physical fitness, a strong interest in sport and leisure, and an appreciation of the health benefits of leisure activities are all must-have attributes.

And in addition, an ability to coach those who wish to participate at higher levels is undeniably beneficial.

But it is even more important to understand that, while the vast majority of customers will be in a relaxed positive mood, many will derive immense enjoyment simply from participation itself and being in an active environment. 

Some leisure franchises may demand little more than good people skills and efficient management abilities.

However, others may demand good sports performance abilities (e.g. for demonstration purposes), coaching badges, and also leisure industry or sports science qualifications. 

So, if you are interested in seeking a leisure franchise opportunity and feel you can meet the above requirements, why not take a look over the range of attractive options available here.