When she was just 14, Lauren Caffrey’s goal was to open her own gym in Liverpool and, less than a decade later, the dream is about to become a reality. Tony McDonough reports

Personal trainer Lauren Caffrey is opening a new 2,000 sq ft training facility in Liverpool.

Called The Zone, the Wavertree business sees a dream turned into reality for Lauren who set a goal of opening her own gym when she was just 14. Now, less than 10 years later, her venture will launch in April, subject to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Already the owner of her own business, The Zone Personal Training, Lauren will offer bootcamp style classes, yoga sessions, group and one-to-one personal training. She will open up the gym at weekends for those who want to drop in and do their own workouts.

The Zone will employ 15 to 20 people and will be located in Mill Lane Trading Park and is currently undergoing renovations with Liverpool-based Calvey Restoration, Lauren and her team, as they build an entire second floor.

Once complete in April, the new facility will be home to a floor dedicated to the gym itself which during Monday – Friday will be used by The Zone’s 10 personal trainers who will be putting their one-to-one clients through their paces.

Lauren is also creating The Zen – a yoga studio upstairs in Unit 10, which she says will encourage yogis to get “in their Zen” with the studio helping clients to reach their goals both physically and mentally.

The Zone is complete with shower facilities. It also offers physio sessions, botox treatments and up-and-coming gym wear brand Sporty Lula which is available to purchase on site.

Before the pandemic, Lauren was personal training as well as coaching clients online. When COVID-19 took hold and shut gyms down across the country, she was well-prepared to take her entire business online and keep going. She also received help from the Liverpool City Region Enterprise Hub, via The Women’s Organisation.

“I set my sights on owning my own gym at just 14. My parents have had their own business since I was born and watching them as businesspeople and seeing their work ethic made me want to be my own boss,” she said.

“After building up my clientele and working so hard to make my dream a reality, I’m absolutely ecstatic that I’ve found the perfect facility for The Zone – Unit 10.

“I found it right in the middle of the pandemic and to say that people think I’m crazy is an understatement – a new gym during the most difficult time for businesses? But I know that I can make it work and I can’t wait to prove everyone wrong.

“Finding the perfect space has been amazing and I know that opening The Zone is a huge achievement – my passion is to get my clients into the best mindset and shape of their lives and Unit 10 will allow me to help so many more people.”

If you are thinking of starting a business in the Liverpool city region or have a new business under three years old, you can speak to the Enterprise Hub team via enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or 0151 706 8113. Enterprise Hub is part funded by European Regional Development Fund and is free to access.