Self-employment
Choose a delivery path, get launch-ready, and apply for your equipment grant.
Your paths
AI helper
What path suits me?
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Community fitness coaching
Deliver paid group sessions in halls, parks and centres in your area.
Income: £25–£40/hr — group rates + funded blocks
MEM helps with: Permits, intros to councils, public liability set-up
Running club / outdoor fitness
Set up a regular running or bootcamp group, monetise via subs or block fees.
Income: £8–£15 per head, per session
MEM helps with: Insurance, route plans, marketing template
Youth & schools delivery
After-school clubs, holiday camps and PE support — paid by schools or LAs.
Income: £35–£60/hr school rates
MEM helps with: DBS, school intros, safeguarding pack
Start a CIC
Set up a Community Interest Company — unlock grant funding and contracts.
Income: Grants £2k–£50k, council contracts
MEM helps with: Articles, asset lock, registration support
Combat sports / boxing
Coach in affiliated clubs or community boxing; well-funded route in many areas.
Income: £20–£40/hr + matchday/comp fees
MEM helps with: Club affiliation, England Boxing intro
Gym-based coaching
Floor instructor or freelance PT in MEM partner gyms (one option, not the goal).
Income: £12–£18/hr employed, £25–£60/hr freelance
MEM helps with: Partner gym intros, guaranteed-interview list
Launch tool
MEM Gym Kit
Every freelance coach working with MEM receives a £250 MEM Gym Kit — activewear, footwear, accessories — delivered to your door at no upfront cost, so you can start coaching immediately.
What's included
Plus your MEM coach kit
Real MEM activewear from our store — branded so you turn up to your first session looking the part.
Eligibility checklist (0/4)
Tick at least 3 eligibility items to apply.
Setup essentials
Tracker
Startup Checklist
Track every step of becoming delivery-ready.
HMRC registration
Register as self-employed for Self Assessment.
Insurance
Public liability + professional indemnity for coaching.
Business bank account
Keep coaching income separate from personal.
Invoicing
Send professional invoices to gyms and clients.
Setting your rates
Price your sessions: PT, group, and community.
Delivery readiness
Equipment, paperwork, safeguarding, first aid.
Community coaching setup
Run sessions in parks, leisure centres, halls.
Going beyond sole trader?
If you want to scale into a community organisation or formal business, explore your structure options.