Fitness business is on the verge of cash windfall

A Renfrewshire business owner is desperate to land a share of £1 million.

Dance and fitness instructor Karen Dickson has made it to the final rounds of Sir Richard Branson’s Voom competition.

The business magnate is on a mission to find six entrepreneurs worthy of a cut of a £ 1 million investment and professional mentor.

Since taking over Burlex Fitness in May last year, Karen has expanded the company, bringing classes to Renfrewshire, the rest of the UK and beyond through online courses.

Combining fitness sessions with burlesque routines, the 41year-old from Renfrew told the Express the money would make a massive difference.

“I can’t believe we have made it so far,” she said. “To win this money and a mentor from Richard Branson would be amazing.

“It would allow me to employ more instructors and bring Burlex to more people locally, across the UK and other countries. Fingers crossed we make it to the final.”

Every week hundreds of people head to Burlex Fitness classes organised by Karen from her home in Renfrew.

Several of these sessions are local, with classes in Johnstone, Houston and Renfrew.

While the aim of Burlex is to improve the fitness of those who take part, Karen says they gain so much more.

“Seeing people’s confidence improve through Burlex is just amazing,” Karen said.

“Some people are really nervous to begin with. Months later they’re performing the routines they learn in class to huge crowds as part of our regular shows.”

Plans to take the project further afield is something the Voom cash boost could turn into a reality.

“At the moment we have everything in place to go global with Burlex but need to get the wheels in motion,” she said. “Winning the Voom competition would allow us to do that.

“It’s come such a long way in just under a year.”

Beating hundreds of other enterprises to get to this stage, team Burlex are now relying on the public vote to make it to the interview stages next month.

From there, the final interviews are with Richard Branson himself.

“The thought of a public vote is really nerve- racking,” Karen added.

For more information or to vote for Burlex Fitness visit www. voom. virginmediabusiness. co.uk/pitches/burlex-fitness-1