Andrew White has worked in the corporate world all his life, where he rose to the rank of corporate accounts manager. Now 38, he has decided to make a career change. Commented Mr. White, 'After 20 years I wanted to go it alone and was eager to look a various business options.'
With this in mind, Andrew attended The National Franchise Expo in October 2006 and saw the Attiva stand. After a one-hour consultation with Attiva Managing Director Craig Farman, Andrew was convinced that Attiva was perfect. He was thrilled to have found a business model that would combine a life-long passion for fitness with his wealth of practical business know-how.
To prepare for the Andover club opening, Andrew has been taking Attiva's six-week training course on business and operational management. The company considers itself a 'gym-in-a-box' business model, and has developed an intense training program in the Attiva operation model to prepare franchisees for success. The program includes coursework in business management, accounting, marketing and promotion, health and safety, human resources, and equipment operation. Additionally, Andrew participated in a job share at the Attiva club in Malvern, which provided him with real-world preparatory experience. He has also just qualified as a level II fitness instructor.
Andrew found Attiva's support extremely helpful and recently said, 'I was uncertain about starting a business completely by myself. I gave up a nice comfortable job and salary to make a leap of faith with a new business, but I've been very pleased with Attiva. Unlike some franchise models where you are left alone, I'm receiving top-notch attention and expertise. I get on very well with Craig Farman and [Operations Director] Richard Noble, and I feel like they are my business partners.'
With over 35 years of experience in the fitness industry from management and operations to interior design, the team at Attiva ensures all franchises are thoroughly supported throughout the entire process from start to finish. Their support ranges from finding and kitting out premises, to helping secure a business loan to the recruitment and training of staff and beyond.
Andrew is excited about his new life with Attiva: 'I was looking to do something that inspired me, something meaningful. Working in the health and fitness industry will let me make a real difference in people's lives, which is very satisfying. The Attiva model appeals to me because it is perfect for market towns like ours. We don't have any affordable, appealing fitness facilities in Andover, and I'm thrilled to bring a high-quality health club to my hometown that will be accessible to all. We see our relationship with Attiva as a progressive one, and aim to expand to two or three clubs in the future. '