Midlands start-up finds gap in kids keep-fit market

16 09 2008 United Kingdom

A new range of mini exercise kit has been designed for schools and community centres by former PE teacher from Sandwell, near Birmingham

Complete Kidz is the brainchild of Jo Haydon who has started up her own business with a range of pint-sized gym equipment specially for kids of primary school age.

The aim of Complete Kidz is to improve the health and well-being of these younger children by offering increased opportuntites for physical activities that are safe, meaningful and fun.

Jo explained: “When I worked as a PE teacher there wasn’t any gym equipment for the children to use. When they get a bit older and taller they can use the adult-sized equipment at gyms, but why should the younger ones miss out in the meantime?”

Jo believed she had spotted a gap in the market and worked with a business adviser at Sandwell Women's Enterprise Development Agency (SWEDA) to find out how how to research, market and finance a business. She completed a business plan and financial forecast and went on to secure £5,000 to fund more of the miniature keep-fit equipment.

Children can choose from tiny tread mills, bikes, rowing machines and stepper, which have the added benefit of being powered by the kids’ own movement, rather than being motorised like their adult-sized counterparts.

“I go out to several schools across Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley and to community centres,” says Jo. “I take the equipment to them, head the sessions and train teachers on how to supervise the children. They can then either buy the equipment or hire me each time.”

“Not only can the primary aged children get the most of a workout, I am also passing my knowledge on to the staff. Now I’ve been able to buy the extra equipment, I’ll be able to take on more venues and there will come a point when I need to take on some extra staff.”

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