Martial arts business defies recession to expand (From Bucks Free Press)

Martial arts business defies recession to expand

12:30pm Saturday 22nd September 2012 in News By Luciana O'Shea

A START up martial arts business in Marlow has evaded the grip of the recession to expand – and has twenty volunteers to thank for making it possible.

Genesis Gym, created by kickboxer Paul Busby, 33, has grown after a £10,000 investment.

Owner Mr Busby, who has been involved in mixed martial arts for 20 years, said the success of his new gym had gone beyond his expectations.

He said: "To expand in less than a year, that was more than I could dream of."

About 100 members joined from January to the summer and the gym, initially 2247 sq ft, is now another 615 sq ft larger.

Had it not been for helpers Mr Busby believes it would have cost him twice as much money to enlarge the Fieldhouse Lane fitness centre, which opened in January.

Mr Busby planned an expansion even before opening the gym, with the office space next door empty, but it was a long term ambition. However, with business booming and volunteers coming forward, he saw an opportunity to achieve his goal sooner than expected.

He said: "We could have never done it in such short time if it was not for the volunteers. I thought I could not miss this chance."

The work on the main gym took around a month, but the expansion itself was done in one weekend, a turnover he described as 'massive'.

In total, 20 people worked on the expansion - 16 of them volunteers. With labour money covered, most of Mr Busby’s cash was injected into new gear for the gym, including cardiovascular equipment, weights, and the creation of a new shop area.

Mr Busby has also recently helped raise over £3,000 in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK with a charity event.