Member Article

Entrepreneur’s business bounces from strength to strength

A proactive North East entrepreneur has made the leap to running his business full-time, thanks to growing opportunities in the leisure sector.

Colin Carter, 43, launched his leisure property sourcing company ProActive Leisure in 2004 as a part-time project alongside his role setting up health clubs.

And now, a national increase in the number of facilities such as gyms, trampoline parks and inflatable arenas has seen Colin take on his director role full-time and invest in a new office at Darlington’s Lingfield Point.

Colin said: “I’ve worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years, building a network of contacts and gaining a real insight into the leisure, health and fitness market.

“Over the past ten years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the amount of health, fitness and leisure facilities opening, with low-cost gyms and trampoline parks becoming really popular.

“The demand for our services in sourcing the right type of property for these ventures has enabled me to really grow the company and dedicate my time to it – you could say business is bouncing!”

Colin has signed a five-year lease for offices in Lingfield House, an impressive Art Deco-style building which houses business big and small.

Eddie Humphries, estate manager at Lingfield Point, said: “Taking the final steps to running your business full-time can be both exciting and daunting, so we’re proud to be able to support Colin with the space and facilities he needs to make it a success.

“ProActive Leisure joins a growing number of regional, national and international firms choosing to join our business community.

“We’re already home to start-ups, SMEs and bigger businesses across a number of sectors from property and construction to financial services, drawn here by our great location, flexible spaces and fantastic customer service.

“We’re delighted Colin has found a home for his business here and we’re excited to see what’s next for ProActive Leisure.”

Colin added: “The appeal of moving into our own offices so close to Darlington town centre, as well as having really good meeting spaces, really drew me to Lingfield Point.

“There’s also some great facilities on site, such as the meeting rooms, breakout areas and the café – they really do make a difference.

“We source property nationwide for clients, so I’m often up and down the country. Lingfield Point is in an ideal location, close to transport links and just a short drive from Darlington train station – making the trip to London easy.

“I guess working with property every day, I recognise a great business base when I find one.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lingfield Point .