Ian's A/S Business Blog: AS Business Homework for 05.02.20

Marvin – Mr Motivator!

As a teenager, entrepreneur Marvin Burton battled with his weight. By the time Marvin left school he was 16 stone (100 kgs), so he decided to work in the fitness industry to try and help overcome his weight problem. Marvin worked in a number of roles from gym receptionist, aerobics instructor and personal trainer. Marvin studied and often undertook training in areas such as sports massage therapy, diet and nutrition.

In 2008, Marvin started his own fitness company, Advanced Conditioning Ltd as a private limited company. This helped him raise the share capital he needed. He often worked with professional sports people on a one-to-one basis. Marvin also ran group exercise classes. Since much of his work required him to be flexible, he set up an office at home. When Marvin needed a fitness studio or large equipment for his clients, he simply hired it, often from well-known health club chains, such as Virgin Active.

Since 2011, Marvin has teamed up with four other self-employed professional sports trainers, a masseur and a chef, to provide exclusive well-being stay away breaks. The team, operating collectively as Fitness Retreat Ltd, hire luxury countryside venues such as The Lindens, in Dorset. The Lindens is a fabulous 18th century manor house which has a heated swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts and acres of amazing woodland and gardens – the perfect setting for a great fitness getaway.

Fitness Retreat Ltd offers its breaks across the UK for four or seven days. Those who attend learn about exercise, nutrition, motivation, recovery and general well-being. The team use well-proven methods to achieve great results in weight loss and fat burn.