Highland fitness fanatics are racing to use the services of two sporty businesses, which have set up with advice and assistance from their Local Enterprise Company.

Keep-fit enthusiasts in need of a push to go that extra mile can now turn to David Buchanan from Evanton for one-to-one training and motivation.  His new business, True Potential Health and Fitness, provides gym instruction, fitness classes and advanced personal training.

Having worked as a fitness instructor for both Highland Council and Averon and Invergordon Leisure Centres, he identified a demand for professional one-to-one training and turned to Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) for advice.

Following guidance from a RACE business counsellor, he applied for HIE Starts allowance - a programme aimed at helping new businesses by providing a regular income in the first few months of trading - and a £500 grant towards health assessment and personal training equipment.

Mr Buchanan is pleased with the interest in his services so far:  "I offer everything from body pump and kick aerobics to rehabilitation programmes and advanced personal training, and have clients of all abilities from all over the Highlands.  Because I am trained to assess health and fitness levels, I can set achievable goals for my clients and devise individually tailored regimes to help them reach their targets quickly and safely.

"Thanks to the funding from RACE I can now provide personal training and health assessments at my clients' homes as well as at leisure centres."

Meanwhile Alness businesswoman, Fiona Ross, aims to ensure Ross-shire sportswomen are the best dressed in the Highlands.  Her new venture, Jill & Co Ltd, provides high quality, specialist sports clothing and footwear through an outlet in the Old Victorian Station in Strathpeffer.

Stocking clothes from Scottish labels such as Global Activewear and Endura, as well as Mothers in Motion from Texas and Prana from California, Ms Ross caters for sporting activities including yoga, aerobics, running and cycling. 

She is in the process of having a website designed and built by Ross-shire Voluntary Action, which will eventually allow her to take internet orders, but in the meantime she is happy to accept telephone and mail orders.  She has been assisted by a £500 grant from RACE towards the cost of her computer, and she is also receiving a weekly income for six months in the form of a HIE Starts allowance.

Miss Ross said:  "The assistance I have received from RACE has been invaluable.  They have been on hand to offer information, training and advice through their various departments since I first thought of this business idea.  The HIE Starts allowance allows me to concentrate on establishing the shop while guaranteeing me a basic wage.

"I had problems for several years to find suitable, good quality sportswear and I hope to fill this niche market.  The response from local sportswomen has been very positive and encouraging, with many customers travelling quite a distance to shop here."

Gordon Cox, chief executive of RACE said:  "The health and fitness industry is a growing sector and it is pleasing to see these businesses capitalise on this as it improves the diversity of services available in the area. We are glad to be able to offer advice and financial support to David and Fiona while their businesses become established."