Euphoric about business

Ryan proves he is fit for business!

Joining a gym to get fit and healthy is a goal many of us aspire to – but Ryan Clarke and his business partner Mark Pollock went one big step further than that and opened their own health and fitness club in Carrickfergus.

The pair, who opened 'Euphoria Fitness' in November 2008 with the support of Invest Northern Ireland's Go for it programme, said that despite the tougher economic climate, business is brisk.

"When we took over the club, the recession was very much here," said qualified fitness instructor Ryan. "However, we've just recently celebrated our second anniversary and our business is continuing to grow."

Ryan said their success has largely been down to the personal approach they bring to the business. "Every member will agree that we have a positive and 'homely' atmosphere at the club and with the dedicated, friendly and professional staff we have here, we can give more care and attention to our members that some of the larger gyms can't."

Though the hours spent at work can sometimes be long, Mark says they have no regrets. "It's made a huge difference to both of our lives," he said. "We have a very 'hands-on' approach and work shifts mean we are here a lot of the time. Having said all that, we wouldn't have it any other way!"

"Owning our own business has always been a passion of ours, and when the opportunity came along to get this club up and running, we couldn't let it pass," added Mark.

However, before the pair signed the lease, they signed themselves up for the Go for it programme ensuring they had the know-how and advice they needed to get their business plans moving.

"The Go for it programme was a key stepping stone for us," said Ryan. "We got all the information, advice and help we needed to draw up a solid, credible business plan and the practical guidance that now allows us to easily take care of all the important bits like managing your cash flow, paying tax and marketing."

"On top of that, taking part in the programme gave us an excellent opportunity to get out and meet lots of new people in a similar position to ourselves. We really benefited from that and have managed to build up new friendships and potential new business opportunities as a result."

Looking head, there appears to be little time for rest and relaxation at Euphoria Fitness. We've got great plans," said Ryan.

"Over the next 24 months, we aim to have modernised the club and given it a brand new look. We also want to upgrade some of our machines and include a hair salon in the range of services we offer. Perhaps after all that, we can look at opening another club!"

The Go for it programme is provided by Invest Northern Ireland and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund. For details, log on to www.goforitni.com.