Aberdeen PT grows business with new premises and £3K grant

About the business

Marcus Lee, founder of Hybrid Performance ABZ, helps health-conscious locals improve their well-being through a holistic offering that includes private one-to-one personal training, small group workouts, online coaching, nutritional advice, and therapeutic services such as sports massage, dry cupping and assisted stretch therapy.

Inspired by his time as a personal trainer at commercial gyms like Sport Aberdeen and Bannatyne Health Club & Spa, Marcus launched his business to offer bespoke alternative services without a need of traditional gym memberships. Since then, his client base has steadily grown, fuelled by word-of-mouth referrals and digital marketing, particularly among women looking for a more personalised approach to fitness.

With the business thriving, Marcus is now looking to support even more people by launching postnatal classes for new mums in the local area, alongside introducing additional functional classes such as HYROX in the near future.

How Business Gateway has helped

Marcus reached out to his local Business Gateway in the early stages of setting up his business and has been supported throughout his start-up journey by adviser Keith Smith, who has provided expert one-to-one guidance, business planning assistance, HR and support and funding advice.

Through Keith’s signposting, Marcus was able to apply for the Aberdeen City Council Start Up Grant, where he was granted £3,000 in funding. This let him secure his own premises and create a bespoke gym and treatment area for his clients.

Marcus Lee, Hybrid Performance ABZ owner, said: “Working with Business Gateway has been incredibly helpful. Starting a business of this magnitude can be daunting but having Keith’s guidance every step of the way has made a huge difference.

“Securing funding to open my own premises has allowed me to bring my full vision to life - a welcoming space where clients can work on both their physical and mental wellbeing.”