Fit for business

Bernie Doran always craved the independence of being her own boss and after years of dreaming she finally made the decision to put her fitness credentials and ambition to good use by opening BD Fitness, a women-only gym in Ballymena. Now, after only one year in and with the support of Northern Ireland's Go for it programme, she's opening another outlet.

"It's been a great success," said trained fitness expert Bernie.

"My team of instructors are exceptionally friendly and really take time to talk to their clients, to listen, and to help them achieve their goals. The 'female only' environment works really well and our new, top-of-the range equipment and facilities attract new customers all the time."

A fitness trainer for over a decade, Bernie admits that going out on her own was a bold move and one that she didn't take lightly.

"It really has been a lot of hard work and the hours can be long, but I love keeping busy and I'm thrilled to be my own boss now. I have the freedom that I wanted and the experience to make things happen."

With her business on track, Bernie is looking forward to new, exciting developments ahead. Since opening BD Fitness at Ballymena Business Centre last year, she already upgraded much of the equipment with the latest gym technology. Plans for a second outlet are also under way.

"From the success and feedback I've had, I know there's a big market out there for what I can offer, particularly in this area. Expanding makes sense and I'm really starting to make progress – even in this tough climate."

Despite plenty of reading and investigating online, Bernie knew she needed something different to challenge her learning and help her develop the business and her staff.

"The Go for it programme was exactly what I needed," says Bernie. "Right from the start, I knew I had to take my ideas forward and I learned so much in a very short space of time. I wouldn't be where I am without it," she adds.

Bernie also believes that by learning from others on the course, the shared, supportive experience gave her more confidence and the skills and know-how to make things work. "The course encouraged everyone to believe in themselves and to make practical use of all that passion that's needed to get a business up and running – and to start making you money!"

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.