The number of fitness businesses registered for VAT or PAYE grew from 3,674 in 2019 to 5,524 in 2024, according to the ONS. Their combined turnover was £2.9bn. Many personal trainers work as sole traders below the VAT threshold and are not counted in these figures.
| 2024 | Fitness facilities |
|---|---|
| Businesses (VAT or PAYE registered) | 5,524 |
| Total turnover | £2.9bn |
| Average turnover per business | £523,000 |
| Staff costs, % of turnover | 29.6% |
| Bought-in goods and services, % of turnover | 38.1% |
| Left after staff and bought-in costs, % of turnover | 32.2% |
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey, 2024 results (published 26 May 2026). It covers businesses registered for VAT or PAYE, so the smallest sole traders are not included. Averages are pulled up by the largest firms. For sole traders and partnerships, the owners’ own pay is not in staff costs: it comes out of what is left.
Fitness businesses keep more of each £100 after staff and bought-in costs than most trades in these guides. Much of that has to cover premises, equipment finance and replacing kit, which are high fixed costs.
Fitness facilities: turnover rose 34% between 2019 and 2024, against a 24% rise in consumer prices, so it grew in real terms. The number of businesses rose 50%. Staff costs went from 28.1% to 29.6% of turnover, and what was left after staff and bought-in costs went from 30.6% to 32.2%.
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