Member Article

North Shields entrepreneur launches fitness business

North Shields entrepreneur Tina Shaw has launched a fitness enterprise, with help from North Tyneside Council’s The Business Factory.

Tina, 32, left her career as a property lawyer in favour of becoming her own boss by qualifying as a personal trainer and launching Northern Star Fitness, a complete guidance on health, fitness and nutrition.

Just a few months after launching Tina is reportedly growing her client base month-on-month, meeting and exceeding her business targets.

Having worked in property law for 13 years, Tina was ready for a new challenge and approached The Business Factory for guidance on how to set herself up as self-employed and launch Northern Star Fitness.

The Business Factory, funded by North Tyneside Council offers free advice and professional support to anyone planning to start a business in North Tyneside.

Since it was launched in 2010, its team of business advisors have helped more than 3000 people to consider starting their own business, resulting in over 850 new businesses, by giving practical support on the real issues facing start-ups such as marketing, sales techniques and ideas development.

Tina was introduced to business adviser, Janice Ross who advised on the legalities of self-employment, marketing and developing a robust business plan.

In additional to fitness advice, Tina offers metabolic body assessments which allow her to offer bespoke nutrition and training plans for her clients, helping them to break down mental barriers towards food.

Tina is now working towards securing a permanent base for Northern Star Fitness by leasing a commercial premise.

Tina said: “Janice’s help was invaluable to me.

“I was a complete novice when it came to utilising social media for business, hosting web domains and knowing how to present myself through my business but Janice was patient and understanding, making it an enjoyable rather than stressful process.

“Her support and motivation throughout, including the hints and tips she provided to ensure I hit my business targets have allowed me to make the strides that I have.

“My advice to anyone looking to start their own business would be to just do it! Although I’m not earning the money I was on when I was a property lawyer - I am so much happier.

“I get to make all of the decisions and I enjoy a far better quality of life and job satisfaction.

“I recommend The Business Factory to all my friends when they have a moan about their current jobs.”

North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Business Support, Cllr Frank Lott, said: “It is fantastic to hear of local entrepreneurs like Tina who have pursued their passion and launched their own business.

“Northern Star Fitness is the perfect example of how an enterprise can be born out of having the right can-do attitude coupled with the right support.

“As more people want a better work-life balance, we’re seeing an increasing amount of new start-ups around the region accessing the free services of The Business Factory.

“I wish Tina all the best in her future endeavours with Northern Star Fitness – I’m sure her tenacity will stand her in good stead to achieve her goals.”