Fitness entrepreneur launches Stockport gym with five-figure startup loan

A gym specialising in fitness classes for adults and kids has launched in Stockport with the help of a five-figure startup loan.

Entrepreneur Dave Perrin set up Seven Movement with a £10k loan from Business Finance Solutions (BFS), the North West delivery partner for the Government’s multi-million pound Start Up Loans programme.

The firm, which said it centres around a more personal exercise concept that encourages better movement and nutritional habits, plans to expand by opening five sites across the North over the next five years.

Seven Movement’s new Stockport facility, the first of the five, is targeting a younger customer base with its Superhero Fit exercise class, which is designed to get kids aged four to 13 interested in fitness and healthy eating.

Commenting on his new venture, Dave, who has worked in the fitness industry for 12 years, said: “What the loan from BFS has enabled us to do is to create a health and fitness brand and environment which promotes healthy living through a balance of exercise, healthy eating and long term behaviour change.

“The growth in budget gyms in the health and fitness market has seen gym memberships rise by over 20% in the last five years but these gyms also have a 50% attrition rate, meaning that half their members will let their membership lapse after 12 months.”

He added: “This is where Seven Movement comes in because we can deliver a long-term and effective personalised service for customers.”

BFS is part of the Manchester Growth Company, a group of firms focusing on driving economic growth across Greater Manchester.

Alex Mearns, BFS loan officer, commented: “What Seven Movement have created is a great example of the kind of innovative, game-changing businesses that Start Up Loans has become known for supporting, and they already have a plan in place to replicate their model across the country.

“Dave and his team have both the passion and the expertise to make Seven Movement a huge success and at BFS we are delighted to support a venture with such strong growth potential.”

Manchester Growth Company chief exec Mark Hughes said: “The availability of accessible finance for start-up businesses like Seven Movement is crucial if we are to encourage entrepreneurship in Greater Manchester.

“The fact that this business will be promoting healthy lifestyles for young people and adults makes it all the more worthwhile.”

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