New Report Finds UK Fitness Sectors Among Least Indebted in Business Landscape

Data from over 50,000 businesses reveals low average debt across sporting industries, but opportunity for strategic growth remains strong.

A new report¹ by the UK business funding platform, Swoop Funding, has revealed that professional sports coaching and fitness businesses are among the least indebted sectors in the UK.

Analysing the financial data of over 50,000 businesses, the Swoop Business Debt Report 2025¹ found that professional sports coaching businesses average just £3,657 in business debt, with fitness centres and health clubs reporting under £100,000 in debt.

The wider sports industry also remains financially lean, averaging £125,864 in total debt, far below sectors like wholesale and retail, which carry over £2.7 million.

Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop Funding, comments, “Sport and fitness enterprises are in a strong financial position. These businesses typically launch with relatively low capital expenditure and scale in a controlled manner.

However, we’re also seeing untapped potential. Businesses can use strategic debt to accelerate their growth, particularly in high-demand areas such as boutique fitness, personalised training, and women’s sport.”

Why Sporting Businesses Carry Less Debt.

The report shows that the lean debt profile of sports coaching and health clubs is underpinned by a few key factors:

• Low setup costs: Many coaching businesses launch with minimal overheads and avoid large equipment or premises costs.
• Predictable revenue: Health clubs and gyms benefit from recurring membership income, aiding cash flow and reducing the need to borrow.
• Asset-light models: Especially among independent coaches and boutique operators, fixed assets are often minimal, limiting exposure to long-term loans.
• High profitability potential: For well-positioned businesses, particularly in affluent or urban markets, margins can be strong – reducing the reliance on debt.

The data coincides with the broader growth of the sports industry, particularly in segments such as women’s sport, wellness, and digital fitness. A recent PwC report² notes an annual growth rate of 7.3% in global sports revenue, with significant opportunities for UK-based businesses to capitalise on this momentum.

Top tips for utilising business debt for growth:

Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop Funding, shares her tips for entrepreneurial success within the health and fitness industry.

1. “Business debt isn’t inherently bad. In fact, business loans are vital for growth as you are borrowing to invest in your business; the debt you take on when used correctly will repay you multiple times over.”
2. “Your bank is not the only source of funding. Many business owners go to their bank to borrow, but there are many reasons why a bank will say “no” that have nothing to do with whether your business is viable. Through Swoop, you can explore thousands of products that may be suitable for your needs, often with lenders who are more flexible and keener to lend than your existing bank.”
3. “Cash flow is vital to your business. Borrowing may be essential to ensure that you are able to pay invoices, payroll and utilities on time. Look for products such as VAT funding that are built to address a specific need and keep your finances afloat.”
4. “It’s easy to let small loans accumulate over time. Keep on top of what you owe and consider consolidating borrowing. You may be able to include these smaller debts on a commercial mortgage which will mean simpler repayments as well as purchasing a major asset for your business.”
5. “Borrow responsibly. How much you can borrow – and what it will cost you to do so – will depend on your credit score. If you have a low score, you may struggle to find a lender as you will be considered a high risk.”

For more information on the report, please visit https://swoopfunding.com/uk/business-debt-report/