We interviewed Healthi who received our support in 2019 as they started the business. They have provided professional personal training and sports therapy to a growing list of loyal clients. With services tailored to meet the needs of their customers, the Healthi team use their wealth of experience and expertise to help people achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle. From 1:1 personal training and group sessions to exercise and nutrition guidance, Healthi Marske develop health plans that suit clients’ lifestyles.
The business landscape never stands still. But just how do changes within the economy, politics, technology and more serve to shape the way companies start and grow?
In a new series of interviews we’ve consulted with some of the established businesses that have received support from TEDCO through the years.
This time we caught up with Luke and Holly, Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist at Healthi Marske respectively, to find out more about what running a successful business looks like in 2024.
Hi Luke and Holly, thanks for sitting down with us. How would you say the business landscape has changed for North East organisations over the years you have been trading?
Luke: Technology has played a huge part in how the landscape has changed. A lot of businesses seem to be moving to a fully online approach, or, in the case of gyms, going 24/7. Accessibility is a high priority for today’s consumers.
What do you know now about running a business that you wish you’d known when you started out?
Holly: You can’t please everyone, and that’s ok! There will be people who your business is not suited for, and there will be those who find it to be the perfect fit. If you try to please everyone, you will end up not pleasing anyone.
What was the best piece of advice you received as you were starting up your business?
Luke: Money management is essential, especially early on. I’d say keep overheads as low as possible and make sure you take a wage. To make the business viable, you need to take a wage, and this wage can be increased over time.
Do you think there are any things that make starting up easier in 2024 than when you began trading? If so, what are they?
Holly: Local authorities offer a lot more help than they did before the pandemic, so it’s important to research your options. There are plenty of people to contact if you have a query.
Do you think there are any things that make it harder to start a business in 2024 than when you began trading? If so, what are they?
Luke: The increases in cost of living have left people a lot more sceptical about spending money, which you can understand. From a business perspective, this means we have to make sure we’re delivering something people really want and are committed to before we try to entice them to purchase.
What role has business support played in your organisation’s journey?
Holly: Business support has played a huge role, like the support we received from TEDCO. Even now, five years in, we are continuing to learn each day. There are always questions we don’t know the answers to, but we can usually find the person who does know!
If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self about to start a business, what would you say?
Luke: Just go for it! Don’t expect overnight results, and remember that you are responsible for your business’ success. You have to ride the wave because there could be a worldwide pandemic thrown in there too!
Where do you hope to take your business in the next 5 years?
Holly: Our main goal is to explore opportunities to open as a members-only gym. This will allow us to scale up the business whilst keeping the personal, ‘Healthi’ touches, rewarding our loyal clients.
Get in touch with the team at TEDCO Business Support today and find out how we can help you start planning or growing your business. Give us a call on 0191 516 61 02 or drop us an email at hello@tedco.org. Watch out for more interviews with some of the established businesses that have received support from TEDCO through the years.