Partner Article

The BIC’s perspective on shaping up and keeping fit

With markets contracting in many sectors for start ups, we asked business advisers at the enterprise coalface of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) if there are any positive trends they see developing for today’s entrepreneurs…

“Whilst the tough economic conditions continue to burden businesses of all shapes and sizes, there are certainly indications that pockets of growth exist in areas that I don’t think anyone would have predicted prior to the recession,” says Chris Craig, business adviser at the North East BIC. “For example, at the BIC we have seen something of a boom in the amount of sports coaching businesses we have assisted in 2011.”

One of the sport-related businesses which the BIC has helped to get up and running is ‘Sport TrainER’, which provides bespoke programmes for both individuals who participate in sport and exercise and experienced athletes. After a successful sports career spanning over 20 years, Director Ivor Harkin focuses on evolving concepts of traditional training methods and providing innovative services based around individualised, achievable goals and sound scientific principles, taking a holistic approach encompassing nutrition, stretching and evaluation of fitness.

“When I originally began competing in athletics as a middle distance runner, I constantly queried the prescribed coaching schedule and the lack of individuality in the sessions, consequently I spent a considerable amount of my time either injured or having upper respiratory tract infections,” says Ivor. “I am now aware that I spent my career as a college athlete both over reaching and over training. As a result, I try to ensure that all the clients and athletes under my care build solid foundations to improve performance consistently over time.”

Having previously worked with the Lawn Tennis Associations Academy players to introduce them to the concepts of sports specific training, and the need to integrate sports sciences including biomechanics, sports psychology, physiological evaluation and strength and conditioning, Ivor presently works as a sports scientist at Sunderland University, which he will continue to do alongside growing his burgeoning business.

“I’ve been delighted with the response to my business thus far, and I do believe that timing has played a part as both casual and professional sports people are currently very responsive to bespoke services at affordable rates. I am already working with a range of clients, from competitive triathletes, to fun runners with eyes on the Great North Run, and individuals recovering from surgery to people who just wish to tone a little for the festive season.”

Chris Craig has worked with several other health and fitness related businesses over past months, including Armageddon Fitness. He draws a direct correlation between the recession and a shift towards customer interest in traditional one-to-one sports coaching, which until recently had become marginalised by corporate gyms and large-scale providers.

“Gym memberships and other expensive hobbies have become less sustainable for the average spender as the recession has continued to deepen,” continues Chris. “As the Olympics approach people want to be involved in sport, and what I think we are seeing here is a return to more traditional and affordable access to leisure and competitive activities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .