Council grant helps fitness firm develop

Michelle Farnhill puts a client through her paces during one of her high-intensity interval training sessions. (S)

HiitSessions was set up by fitness fanatic and entrepreneur Michelle Farnhill when she identified an opportunity to set up a potentially scalable brand using the principles of High Intensity Interval Training, commonly known as HIIT training.

But needing help with funding to buy essential gym equipment, she applied for – and won – a Business Booster Grant from the council, which allowed her to invest in the business.

“The grant provided just the injection of capital I needed to buy the new equipment, which the website, photo-shoot, video series and clothing could all then be based on.

“Without this cash injection it would have been very difficult to provide the variety and depth of sessions now available,” said Ms Farnhill.

“HiitSessions has been very well received and this year I want to expand the range of sessions, grow the brand across Yorkshire, and develop an clothing sideline.”

Business Booster Grants of between £500 and £2,000 are available to businesses between six months and three years old through HBC’s Enterprise Gateway.