Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan paid a visit to Loughborough University on Friday 27 September, to see how graduate entrepreneur, Becky White, has developed a thriving fitness business in three years.

Nicky’s visit to Becky – who launched onesixeight:fitness during her Sport Management degree – came just ahead of the Conservative Party Conference, at which the Loughborough MP speaks on raising women’s public profile, particularly in business.

As a keen runner and marathoner, Nicky had plenty to talk to Becky about and managed to combine business with a personal training session. The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison, also took the opportunity to find out more about Becky’s success and to take part in an impromptu mini trampoline session.

Nicky said: “Becky is a real inspiration to women of all ages to succeed in their goals.  Through dedication and enthusiasm, she’s shown how to build her business and I’m delighted that she also finds time to positively influence local school children.”

Becky opened her first private personal training studio on the University campus in August this year. Within just one month, she has achieved 75% new bookings and has taken on a team of five fitness instructors, which bodes well for her ultimate goal to branch out nationwide. Eager to help boost employability skills, Becky has just launched an internship scheme to help prepare University and Loughborough College students for careers in the fitness industry.

Becky’s enterprising talent was first rewarded in the University’s business ideas competition, where she successfully pitched for start-up funding during her trademark mini trampoline workout.  Since then, she has been recognised in the University’s Enterprise Awards and in the Pride of Loughborough Awards, where she won Small Business of the Year.

Becky is also one of eight Loughborough graduates to feature in a multimedia campaign, celebrating graduate enterprise. These Inspiring Graduates have all established thriving businesses despite the continued economic downturn.

Becky says: “It’s been hard work but so exciting to see so many people enjoying their fitness. As well as the personal training sessions, we now have thirteen group sessions ranging from running for beginners, mini trampoline workouts to indoor circuits. I’m so pleased to able to grow my business at Loughborough University, which has such a great reputation for both sport and enterprise.”

Becky is offering free group fitness sessions from 30 September.

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