What the UK’s Proposed Budget Means For Your Club

Kate McCann
January 23, 2025

The UK’s 2025 budget promises to reshape the financial landscape, with significant implications for clubs across the nation. As operational costs rise – from utilities to taxes – and a lot of clubs adopting a more business-like approach, it is crucial to consider the impacts the budget may have. While managing finances and keeping members engaged and happy can be difficult, there are strategies to make it manageable. Club Assure is here to help your club adapt and thrive by identifying areas for optimisation and securing savings.

What Does the Budget Mean for Your Club?

The Autumn Budget 2024 has outlined significant changes that will impact the sport and recreation sector. Since the pandemic, Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) businesses have received relief on their business rates bills, with the aim to ‘support the businesses that make our high streets and town centres a success and help them to evolve and adapt to changing consumer demands.’ However, for 2025-26, this relief will be reduced from 75% to 40% in the current financial year. The relief applies on top of any mandatory relief a premises receives, such as Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) or charitable relief, but is capped at £110,000. To learn more about RHL relief and if your club is eligible please click here.

With clubs now having to operate more like businesses, it’s also important to note the upcoming increases in National Insurance (NI) and the National Minimum Wage. Forecasting for these changes is crucial, as they will directly impact payroll costs. By planning ahead and identifying savings elsewhere, such as energy or waste management, clubs can mitigate these rising costs effectively.

These changes emphasise the importance of efficient financial management and strategic planning. Clubs that take proactive steps now to optimise their budget and operations will be better positioned to handle these changes. Leveraging expert support, can help to mitigate financial pressures and identify new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

How to Mitigate the Effects of the Budget

Reduce Energy Overheads

Rising energy prices are a concern for all organisations, and clubs are no exception. Ensuring that you’re not overpaying is a critical first step. Our experts can carry out bill validation, checking your invoices for errors, and ensuring that you’re only paying for what you use. If there are any discrepancies, our customer care team will go directly to your supplier and fix the issue on your behalf. Additionally, our expertise in energy procurement helps to secure competitive rates tailored to your club’s usage. By negotiating with trusted suppliers, we can help you lock in competitive tariffs and aim to help you protect your finances against market fluctuations. We can also provide insights into energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading to smart energy monitoring tools, which can drive down consumption and costs over time.

Consider a Change in Water Supplier

Did you know that most clubs in England and Wales can now switch water suppliers? The deregulation of the water industry in 2017 has opened up opportunities for savings, but many clubs remain unaware. Beyond securing different rates, our expert team at Club Assure can review your water tariffs to ensure they match your club’s consumption patterns. For clubs with high water usage, such as those with sprinkler systems or extensive grounds maintenance, even small percentage savings can make a significant difference to your budget. We’ll also help you understand charges like the return to sewer allowance, ensuring you’re not overpaying for services you don’t need.

Optimise Waste Management

Proper waste management is not only environmentally responsible but also cost-effective. Club Assure offers tailored waste services to help you streamline your processes and reduce expenses. From recycling programs to hygiene waste solutions, we ensure compliance with regulations while identifying opportunities for savings. On average, we save our customers around 50% on their waste bills, freeing up valuable funds for other essential operations. Optimising your waste management strategy can make a significant difference to your club’s bottom line.

Preparing for the Future

The challenges posed by the budget can feel overwhelming, but they also present an opportunity for clubs to modernise and optimise solutions. By focusing on key areas like energy, water, and waste management, your club can navigate these changes with confidence. With Club Assure’s expertise, you’ll have a trusted partner to navigate these changes and secure a sustainable, financially viable future.

Is your club ready for change? Make the budget an opportunity rather than a challenge. Contact Club Assure today to start optimising operations and save!