Case study: A personal trainer who lives her dream

Jun 20 2007 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

UP UNTIL August last year, personal trainer Sue Short had built up a good client base among Liverpool’s professionals, but at that time was paying commission to a gym operator for referrals.

She believed she could cut out the middle man and start taking clients on directly, so she set up City Personal Training.

Using money she raised herself she set up her own gym in Castle Street in Liverpool.

“I think the hardest part was finding all the equipment at the right price,” she said. “Gym equipment is expensive but it is important to be properly equipped.

“I suppose the other thing I initially found hard work was the amount of paperwork involved, setting up a company and all the legal stuff that goes with it.”

Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, and Sue not only has her only personal client list but also offers referrals to two other trainers, from whom she earns commission.

She added: “One of the guys is a boxing coach who I started working with in January and that has proved really popular, so all in all the business is going really well.

“I would definitely say to anyone, if you think you have a good idea for a business then go for it – live the dream.”