Gym owner flexes his entrepreneurial muscles with bank funding

An ex-marine will realise his dream of owning his own gym after purchasing a franchise of global gym brand Anytime Fitness.

Entrepreneur Alex Ivanoff, will open the latest Anytime Fitness on Central Square in Maghull on Merseyside thanks to a £350,000 funding package from NatWest, creating up to six new jobs in the process.

It has helped Ivanoff to purchase the franchise and convert the former Home Bargains site into a mixed-use gym complete with high end equipment and studio space that will be enjoyable to all.

The former military man will run the 24-hour gym and has recruited a team of four full-time members of staff.

The facility will also allow up to four self-employed personal trainers to work at the gym.

Gym membership is priced at £35 a month and will cover 24/7 worldwide access, state of the art facilities, specialised classes and advanced technology including 640 virtual classes for out-of-hours studio training. Situated just north of Liverpool, the 5000 sq ft site also offers a convenient location for gym goers in the surrounding towns, including Aintree, Knowsley and Ormskirk.

Once established in Maghull, the entrepreneur plans to expand his franchise and launch up to 10 further locations over the coming years.

Ivanoff said: “Although my background is in the military, it has always been my ambition to open my own gym business. Thanks to the funding from NatWest and the continual support and guidance from their banking team, I have been able to turn my passion for fitness into my own business. I look forward to welcoming our first members through the door and offering them a comfortable environment to train in.”

NatWest relationship manager Sarah Bailey said: “As soon as you meet Alex his unwavering passion for his business is evident. We have enjoyed supporting him with his first business venture and wish him every success in growing his franchise in future.”