European Social Fund in England

“Continuing to learn and develop is the best way to succeed.”

When gym owner Andrew Gamble wanted to ensure that his business stayed one step ahead of the competition during the economic downturn, he turned to an ESF supported training fund for help.

Andrew, a qualified sports therapist who owns the Body Basics Fitness Studio in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, decided to improve the services he offered to clients by developing his existing skills in sports therapy.

But he was concerned about the costs involved of undertaking extra training – until he found that he was eligible for financial help from the Enhancement Fund. Supported by the European Social Fund, Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Yorkshire Forward, the Enhancement Fund provides funding to businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber to allow them to improve their skills.

Andrew, who doesn’t employ any staff, received 60 per cent off the costs of two short courses in sports injuries and treatments at the Sue Lincoln School of Holistic Therapies in Filey. He covered the remaining 40 per cent himself.

He says, “I started off as a personal trainer 10 years ago, and I’ve been building the business up since then. After I opened up the gym in Kirkbymoorside, I started offering my clients more and more – like exercise classes and activities for children – and last year, I qualified as a sports therapist.

“But I firmly believe that continuing to learn and develop is the best way to succeed, especially in the current climate. In order to stay ahead of the competition, you have to get better and better at your job – and training is essential for this.”

Andrew says that the Enhancement Fund was a big support in helping him achieve his goals.

“I’d definitely recommend the Enhancement Fund to others in my position. Because I run my business single-handedly, taking time off for training means that I lose money – but having the funding makes a big difference.

“Doing these courses has also given me a passion for learning and professional development, and I’m going to continue building my skills as much as possible.”

Project information (February 2010)

The Enhancement Fund is receiving just over £14 million from the European Social Fund and runs from May 2008 to 31 March 2011.