Mike Lindsay, 34, from Perth set up Club 300 exclusive gym last year, specialising in personal and group training.
Q How and why did you start up?
A I wanted to offer an exclusive gym for 300 members, as well as personal and small group training that is friendly and comfortable.
The main aim would be to encourage people to train more effectively using equipment they were confident and comfortable with, while educating them on nutrition.
Q How did you get where you are?
A I was a fitness instructor and leisure club manager for 10 years and worked as a freelance personal trainer. Whilst working as a personal trainer, I received feedback from clients about why they were reluctant to join a gym.
I felt I could offer something that would appeal to people, and put together a business plan and a vision for the gym that focused on an approach which didn’t treat members just as numbers.
Q Who has helped you?
A Business Gateway offered a lot of support through my adviser as well as free workshops. The tips and information are really important.
Even though I’ve opened Club 300 I’m still accessing support – especially HR advice, which has been vital.
Also, my family and friends have been great.
Q Your biggest achievement?
A Getting the gym opened.
I’m also very proud that we are ahead of our projections in terms of members. Our aim was to have 100 members after year one and we’ve already hit 150, which is fantastic after such a short time.
Q What do you hope to achieve?
A The main objective is to reach 300 members, but I also want to educate more people about nutrition through community seminars and workshops.
We run free Sunday sessions once a month in which we bring the community together, and in the summer we hope to climb some Munros as part of this. You needn’t be a member to get involved. I want to create an atmosphere that is fun yet educational.
Q Do you want to recruit?
A We have five members of staff including myself and a few freelance personal trainers as well as a sports massage therapist. As we attract more members we will need to take on more, and I see that happening by the end of the year.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A I wanted to jump in 10 years ago and launch my own gym but lacked experience and my business plan wasn’t feasible. My advice would be to plan as much as possible and do it when you feel the time is right.
Also, speak to Business Gateway as the support and advice you can receive, from an outside expert, will play a huge part in helping you.
The free workshops Business Gateway provide are also useful, and I would recommend them to anyone in business.