Funded business support strengthens fitness and wellbeing startup

A Blackburn business specialising in rehabilitation for neurological and physical needs has secured a pilot project with East Lancashire NHS Trust and plans to expand its workforce after support from Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.

Founded in 2022 after a company name change and relaunch of services by Charlotte Kershaw, Mind2Muscle Academy’s mission is to advance the health, wellbeing and fitness for people affected by conditions impacting their nervous system, and to enhance their independence and quality of life. 

The academy offers accredited qualifications and rehabilitation services and provides training for clinical practitioners and sports coaches. It includes several unique certifications not available elsewhere in the UK. The business currently employs three full-time staff, supported by a team of six subcontractors.

Looking to explore sustainable, commissioned work with providers such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the NHS, Charlotte contacted the Manchester Growth Hub, and her enquiry was forwarded to Boost. After speaking with the Boost Business Advice team, Charlotte was recommended to join Boost’s Flying Start service.

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and is led by Lancashire County Council. It has received £2.6m from the UK Government for its current programme of business support through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund contributions of ten local authorities in Lancashire, in addition to funds from Lancashire County Council and the Department for Business and Trade.

Boost’s Flying Start service is for early-stage businesses and aspiring individuals with a great business idea. The service focuses on building business and financial acumen and the core skills to establish a new business and drive sustainable growth.

Charlotte recognised that the challenges her business faced stemmed from the complexity of securing sustainable commissioned work and ensuring the academy was contract-ready.

She received tailored support from Flying Start advisers Lynn Trickett and Chris Trickett, including several two-hour one-to-one sessions.

Charlotte said: “I can’t thank Flying Start enough for the support they have given me. I’ll always remember the very first meeting with Lynn and Chris. I’ve never stripped my business right back to the bones like that before, right back to basics! It was the best business meeting I’ve ever had.”  

Lynn and Chris refined Charlotte’s proposal documents and delivery techniques. They also examined her service-level agreements and worked on improving her readiness to enter new project contracts

Working closely with Charlotte, Lynn and Chris also helped her develop a long-term business strategy, including exploring opportunities with DWP and NHS providers.

The support has been instrumental in helping Charlotte to secure a pilot project contract with East Lancashire NHS Trust. She is now also planning to create two new roles to meet potential contract requirements.

Further contract work is expected to safeguard existing jobs within her team and increase overall productivity and revenue for the academy.

With the support and advice from the Boost Flying Start business advisers, Charlotte now has ambitious plans to develop a marketing strategy and implement an online booking system for training candidates. She will also hold further discussions with DWP to finalise her service-level agreements.

Mind2Muscle Academy is continuing to receive support from Boost business adviser Chris Trickett to refine its business operations. Charlotte has also had an introduction to Boost’s Access to Finance service with regards to professional, specialist advice. 

Throughout her career, Charlotte, now a senior practitioner, has made a massive impact on many people’s lives. Through her work, she has given people from all walks of life a new start by improving their wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. With the support from Boost, she can continue to do so, grow her business and reach even more people who can benefit from her specialist services.

She added: “Boost support has taken Mind2Muscle Academy from strength to strength while addressing barriers that prevented our services reaching their potential across Lancashire. We have now completed financial planning, business development and have been introduced to organisations that can contribute to our growth and business management. 

“Boost has demonstrated an outstanding clear vision, mission and core values with continued support when required towards M2M becoming very successful in its future growth.”