Young entrepreneurs open Wrexham focussed fitness training centre
Young entrepreneurs and fitness buddies Conor McKeo and Alex Lloyd opened their first training center with a microloan from the Development Bank of Wales.
Conor, 24, and Alex, 30, are qualified personal trainers and share a love of helping others get fit, feel healthier and lose weight. Having previously worked together as self-employed, the pair have now opened Focussed Fitness – a 3,200 sq ft premises with 2,000 sq ft of gym space on Rhosnesni Lane in Wrexham.
Alex Lloyd and Conor McKeough, Focused Fitness
With a range of functional equipment, Focussed Fitness offers classes and small group training. All sessions are run by one of three coaches with a maximum of 100 members.
Alex Lloyd said:
“Opening our first fitness training center is a natural progression, but it’s a big step to set up a business for the first time. As young entrepreneurs, we were really happy with the help we got to start the business. Both Connor and I admit that we simply could not have done it without the support of the Development Bank. It’s a constant learning curve, but they’ve been with us every step of the way, making the whole process quick and easy so we can open our doors ready for the new year.”
Conor McKeogh said:
“We’re here to help local people achieve their fitness goals. We are focused on building a community of people who help each other improve. We know all our customers personally and that means we have an inclusive and supportive community of people of all ages and abilities. It’s a great way to feel healthier, fitter and lose weight.”
Assistant Chief Investment Officer Charlotte Price added:
“Connor and Alex have helped hundreds of people in the community achieve their fitness goals and improve their mental health and well-being through their training. Their ambition to open their own fitness training center and run their own business as young entrepreneurs is really exciting, so we’re delighted to be able to support them with funding to get the business off the ground, especially as supporting young entrepreneurs is a key focus for us this year.”
Micro loans between £1,000 and £50,000 are available from the Development Bank of Wales with repayment terms ranging from one to ten years. Small businesses, sole traders and social enterprises based in Wales or looking to relocate here can apply for funding, which includes a fast-track service.
