Bath Spa University Students' Union

What Bath Spa University Students' Union does

Bath Spa University Students' Union (BSU) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (UK Charity Commission #1189547) and the statutory students' union for Bath Spa University, operating independently from the University under the Education Act 1994. Founded in the mid-1960s, it is governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by the Students' Union President and led day-to-day by Chief Executive Sarah Dawes, supported by a Senior Leadership Team and a broader permanent staff of approximately 57, alongside elected sabbatical officers and student helpers. It serves primarily the university's full-time student population across its Bath (Newton Park, Locksbrook, Sion Hill) and London campuses, with all registered students receiving automatic free membership and a limited associate membership tier (£25/year) available to alumni, partners, and external students.

The Union's core products span three buckets: (1) student voice and representation, delivered through four sabbatical officers (President, VP Education, VP Sports & Activities, VP Inclusion), a Course Rep system, Student Community Leaders per school, and a democratic election process; (2) an independent Advice Centre providing free, confidential support on academic matters, housing, wellbeing, sexual health, and a Safe Taxi Scheme (Veezu partnership, up to £20 fare); and (3) commercial services that subsidise charitable activity, including The Barn bar/restaurant, an on-campus gym (temporarily closed for 2025/26), branded merchandise, event space hire, and advertising/sponsorship sales. The organisation runs over 70 student-led clubs and societies and supports a fundraising platform via Give As You Live.

Revenue is generated through a mix of commercial operations (bar, gym, merchandise, space hire), advertising and sponsorship sales targeting the student population, club and society activity fees, an associate membership subscription, and external affiliations (NUS, BUCS, Advice UK, FOBRA). There is no proprietary technology platform; the Union relies on Unitu for student feedback and SUMS for website infrastructure. All surplus is reinvested into student services, consistent with charitable status.

Name

Bath Spa University Students' Union

Legal name

Bath Spa University Students' Union

Website

https://bathspasu.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Bath Spa University Students' Union is an independent UK charity providing democratic representation, advice services, and commercial amenities (bar, gym, merchandise) to Bath Spa University students across Bath and London campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Student Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

University/College Club Sports Programs (MPAKACAK)

Keywords

• Student representation
• Student welfare services
• Clubs and societies
• Student advice centre
• Higher education support

Headquarters

HQ city

Bath

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Commercial Services - Bar and Gym: Operates The Barn bar/restaurant and gym facility. All profits from commercial services go back into the Students' Union to provide services and activities supporting the student experience.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sells branded merchandise including hoodies, sweatshirts, water bottles, stickers, scarves. Products designed by students for students.
3. Space Hire: Event spaces available for hire at Newton Park campus for both internal and external bookings.
4. Advertising and Sponsorship: Marketing services to companies seeking to reach Bath Spa University students. Generates income supporting student activities and services.
5. Associate Membership: Annual fee of £25 for non-student associate members (alumni, partners of students, students at other institutions). Grants access to clubs, societies, facilities, gym, and events.
6. Club and Society Activity Fees: Clubs and societies may charge additional joining and activity fees for trips and equipment.
7. External Affiliations Subscriptions: Affiliated with NUS (£11,850), BUCS (£2,600 estimated), FOBRA (£50), and Advice UK (£263) for subscriptions and fees paid annually.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bath Spa University Students' Union is a student-led charitable organization that provides democratic representation, free independent advice, and over 70 clubs and societies to Bath Spa University students. It also operates commercial services including The Barn bar/restaurant, an on-campus gym, and branded merchandise sales, with all profits reinvested into student services.

Product overview

Bath Spa University Students' Union operates as a multi-service organization providing student representation, welfare support, commercial services, and recreational facilities. The core offering centers on student voice through Sabbatical Officers and a Course Rep system, combined with an Advice Centre offering free confidential support across academic, housing, wellbeing, and sexual health matters. The Union runs commercial operations including The Barn bar, the Students' Union Gym, and BSU Merchandise, all of which generate income reinvested into student services. Student life is enriched through over 70 free-to-join Clubs and Societies, fundraising support, a Student Participation Fund, and the Safe Taxi Scheme. Additional commercial services include space hire for events and advertising opportunities for external organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Clubs & Societies Over 70 student-led clubs and societies covering sports, academic interests, faith, culture, and special interest groups. Free to join for all Bath Spa University students, with committee structures led by elected student members.
• Advice Centre Independent, free, confidential advice and support service covering academic matters (appeals, complaints, exceptional circumstances), housing (tenancy agreements, landlord disputes), wellbeing support, and sexual health guidance.
• The Barn On-campus bar and social space at Newton Park serving hot drinks, alcoholic and soft drinks, with pool tables, table football, and food including pizza and Hash Tubs. Also offers study and social space.
• Students' Union Gym On-campus fitness facility exclusively for Bath Spa University students, staff, and associate members. Features Life Fitness cardiovascular and strength equipment, Olympic barbells, free weights area, and Synergy multi-station training zone.
• BSU Merchandise Branded merchandise including sweatshirts, hoodies, water bottles, stickers, scarves, and 3/4 zip jumpers. Designs created by students for students, available for Newton Park, Locksbrook, London, and Sion Hill campuses.
• Sabbatical Officer Representation Full-time elected student officers (Students' Union President, Vice President Education, Vice President Opportunities, Vice President Welfare and Community) representing student interests to the University and externally.
• Course Rep System Student representation system with Course Reps for each course and Student Community Leaders for each school, gathering feedback and representing student academic interests.
• Safe Taxi Scheme Partnership with Veezu (formerly V Cars) providing safe transportation for students who may be vulnerable on nights out, offering rides up to £20 fare covered by the Union within 48 hours.
• Wellbeing Support Services Guidance and signposting to mental health services, GP registration, disability support, Gender Expression Fund (up to £100 for gender-affirming products), and free period products across all campuses.
• Housing Support Services Independent advice on housing matters including tenancy agreements, deposits, landlord disputes, council tax exemptions, and guidance on the Renters' Rights Act 2026.
• Sexual Health Services C Card scheme venue providing free condoms (latex and latex-free external and internal), dental dams, and STI testing kit distribution. Partnership with Safe BANES for sexual health resources.
• Space Hire Event spaces for hire at Newton Park campus, suitable for professional gatherings and celebrations, with on-site parking and scenic countryside views.
• Advertising & Sponsorship Marketing services for companies targeting Bath Spa University students, including email mailouts, website advertising, sponsorship, and promotional opportunities.
• Rhino X BSU Merchandise Partnership Licensed merchandise partnership with Rhino for matchday fits and leisure wear, offering club colours and branded products at discounted prices.
• Fundraising Services Support for student fundraising initiatives for local charities and Students' Union clubs and societies, including event planning, risk assessment guidance, and access to collection buckets and card machines.
• Club & Society Setup Support Assistance for students establishing new clubs and societies, including help with constitution writing, risk assessments, website setup, committee training, and funding opportunities.
• Associate Membership Annual subscription of £25 for non-student associate members (alumni, partners of students, students at other institutions). Grants access to clubs, societies, facilities, gym, and events, but excludes voting rights, officer positions, welfare/representation services, BUCS competition, and restricted evening events.

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Larkhall Athletic FCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between Larkhall Athletic FC and Bath Spa University Students' Union designed to strengthen links between higher education and grassroots football in the Bath community.
• RhinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive matchday fits and leisure wear partnership bringing BSU licensed products at unbeatable prices.
• TOTUMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUK's #1 student discount card and app offering access to over 250 discounts online and in-store including food, fashion, and luxury items.
• National Union of Students (NUS)coreOthersAnnual affiliation subscription of £11,850 (2022/23). Required under Education Act 1994 for reporting purposes.
• British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)coreOthersAffiliation for university sports participation. Estimated annual fee of £2,600. Associate members may not compete in BUCS competitions.
• Federation of Bath Residents Association (FOBRA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership with annual subscription of £50. Addresses community relations between students and local residents.
• Advice UKminorOthersMembership for the Advice Centre providing access to resources and support for independent advice services. Annual fee of £263.
• Student Community Partnership (SCP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForum comprising Bath and North East Somerset Council and representatives from University of Bath, Bath College, Norland College, and Bath Spa University. Addresses accommodation, transport, welcome, community relations, community safety, and environmental issues.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Union of Students (NUS): Umbrella body that Bath Spa SU is affiliated with (£11,850/yr). Operates at sector level providing national representation, discount services (NUS Extra/TOTUM), and policy advocacy — a broader incumbent in the same ecosystem.

Direct peers

• UWE Bristol Students' Union: South-West UK university students' union with similar charity status, elected officers, advice services, commercial venues, and BUCS-affiliated sports — directly comparable regional peer.
• University of Exeter Students' Union: Another South-West UK university students' union with elected officers, advice services, commercial venues, and broad club/society activity. Operates under the same NUS/BUCS affiliation framework.
• Plymouth University Students' Union: South-West UK university students' union with the same operating model: sabbatical officers, advice centre, commercial venues, merchandise, and 70+ clubs/societies. BuCS-affiliated with comparable membership scale.
• University of Bath Students' Union: Students' Union for the University of Bath, located in the same city of Bath. Operates the same model of student representation, commercial services (bar, nightclub, shop), advice centre, and 100+ clubs/societies — the most direct structural comparable.
• Falmouth University Students' Union: UK creative-arts university students' union with comparable small-scale operations, charity structure, representation services, and commercial student facilities — particularly analogous given Bath Spa's arts-focused positioning.
• Cardiff Students' Union: Major Welsh university students' union operating under the same UK regulatory framework (Education Act 1994, CIO structure), with comparable commercial and representation services.
• Bournemouth University Students' Union: Regional UK university students' union with similar charity/CIO structure, BUCS-affiliated sports clubs, commercial services, and elected sabbatical officer governance — comparable in scale and operating model.
• University of Bristol Students' Union: Large UK university students' union with comparable service portfolio including representation, advice, commercial venues, and extensive club/society network. Same UK Students' Union operating model with similar regulatory and funding structure.

Others

• SUMS (Students' Union Management Software): Technology and back-office services provider specifically serving UK students' unions. Powers Bath Spa SU's website and operations per their footer attribution — an enabling infrastructure partner in the SU ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bathspastudentsunion

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bath Spa University Students' Union