What is Venue Hire?

Venue hire is the cost of renting the physical space where you deliver your activities. For most children's activity businesses, venue hire is the single largest operating cost, typically accounting for 25-40% of revenue. The type of venue you need depends on your activity: swimming pools, sports halls, gymnastics facilities, dance studios, church halls, community centres, school halls, and outdoor spaces all have different availability, cost structures, and suitability.

Key factors when selecting and negotiating venue hire include: the hourly or sessional rate (and whether this is negotiable for regular, long-term bookings), the maximum capacity (this directly determines your revenue potential per session), the condition and suitability of the space and equipment, parking and drop-off facilities for parents, storage for your equipment, changing and toilet facilities, heating, lighting, and ventilation, the venue's cancellation policy, and the notice period required for ending the arrangement.

Smart venue management can significantly impact your profitability. Negotiating off-peak rates, booking back-to-back sessions to maximise the value of each hire period, sharing venues with complementary businesses, and gradually moving to your own premises as you grow are all strategies used by successful activity businesses. Always have a written venue hire agreement that covers your responsibilities, the venue's responsibilities, insurance requirements, cancellation terms, and any restrictions on your use of the space.