A DORSET entrepreneur is living his dream after launching a brand new fitness and health club.

Manoj Patel, a chartered physiotherapist, has more than 12 years’ experience with the NHS, Army and the health and fitness industry, including the Rackets & Health Club and David Lloyd Leisure. He secured crucial funding from Barclays Urban Health and Fitness, which has opened on Christchurch High Street recently.

The first floor, 2,000sqft premises, has been refurbished to provide state of the art exercise studios and gym equipment together with physiotherapy, chiropractor, nutritionist, masseuse and acupuncturist services.

Mr Patel said: “I’ve been looking to fulfill my ambition for some time now of running my own fitness centre.

“I was excited when these premises became available and I was delighted that Barclays has seen the massive potential in my business plan to provide the funding required to refurbish the venue and turn it into a fitness centre.

“The diverse classes which will be on offer will provide an opportunity for everyone to take part, whatever their fitness level, and by incorporating the well-being element into the same premises, it will provide a natural extension of looking and feeling good all under one roof.”

The business is working with a number of local self-employed specialists to provide well-being services.

Alex Douglas, business banking manager at Barclays, Christchurch, said: “It’s been very rewarding joining forces with Manjor and seeing him progress his business idea and develop his strategy.

“Urban Health and Fitness is a great example of an entrepreneur using his experience and expertise to take the first steps in running his own business.”