Entrepreneur Alex Ivanoff will create four new jobs when he opens Anytime Fitness on Central Square in Maghull thanks to a £350,000 fudging package from Natwest. Tony McDonough reports

Former Royal Marine Alex Ivanoff has long dreamed of owning his own gym and now he has secured the financial backing to make that a reality.

The entrepreneur will create four new jobs when he opens Anytime Fitness on Central Square in Maghull thanks to a £350,000 fudging package from Natwest.

Mr Ivanoff has been able to to purchase the franchise and turn the former Home Bargains site into a mixed-use gym complete with high end equipment and studio space. He will run the 24-hour facility and has recruited a team of four full-time members of staff.

It will also provide the space to allow up to four self-employed personal trainers to work at the gym. Membership is priced at £35 a month and will cover access to 3,000 other Anytime Fitness outlets in more than 20 countries.

Once established in Maghull, the entrepreneur plans to expand his franchise and launch up to 10 further locations over the coming years.

“Although my background is in the military, it has always been my ambition to open my own gym business,” said mr Ivanoff.

“Thanks to the funding from NatWest I have been able to turn my passion for fitness into my own business. I look forward to welcoming our first members through the door and offering them a comfortable environment to train in.”