Helensburgh fitness studio stays on top form
Following expert advice and support from Business Gateway, a Helensburgh fitness expert has opened new premises in Argyll and Bute.
Launched in 2017, Stay in Form offers traditional muscle and tendon training to all ages and abilities. Classes are based on an ancient 1,500-year-old fitness method, Yi Jin Jing, that focuses on mind, body and soul and health benefits including improved flexibility, resistance and endurance.
Originally operating from a Buddhist temple in Helensburgh, business owner Edit Makai-McKechnie found herself in a difficult situation when she had to move premises at short notice. She turned to advisory network Business Gateway who helped her on the next stage of her business journey.
Through to one-to-one support from a business adviser, Business Gateway equipped Edit with the confidence and flexibility to move her business into its own premises.
Up-to-date
Further assistance included advice to ensure that Edit was up-to-date with relevant premises legislation as she took the next step in her business journey.
The situation forced Edit to change direction but now Stay in Form is thriving in an attractive shop-front studio in the town centre.
As the only offering of its kind in Argyll and Bute, Edit has built up a loyal client base through regular engagement with the community and offers classes for five to 95-yearolds of all abilities.
Edit said: ‘When I was first told I had move premises, I was apprehensive about the future of Stay in Form. I worked closely with my adviser Jen, who offered guidance with premises regulations, including planning permission and a referral to environmental health, all things which were completely alien to me at the time.
‘The support I received from Business Gateway has been incredibly valuable, resulting in a variety of real positive impacts across my business. It was a big leap of faith to relocate to new premises, but now I work to a schedule that suits me, which has improved my work-life balance.’
Jen Smith, business adviser at Business Gateway Argyll and Bute, said: ‘One of the benefits of engaging with Business Gateway is the wide network of support we can offer. In this instance, we were able to review Edit’s business plan and guide her through the various planning requirements in the local area. Our support helped Edit secure crucial premises to continue operating.’
To find out how Business Gateway can help any business, visit www.bgateway.com.