The First Summer....2003
Having a small customer base was the life-saver for the business. It had been decided that Nick Beaven would leave his Post Delivery job and work full time for the centre. He would get a small salary. Andy and Helen would continue to be employed in their jobs and Marisa would help Nick whenever she could.
In order to get the business going the team had taken out a £20k bank loan with HSBC, and had overdraft facilities. The loan was personally secured by Andy and Helen, because they were the only ones with full time alternative employment.
The TMAC account required the joint signatures from one of either couple. It was common for Helen to request several cheque signings in order to pay bills etc. There was an air of trust and optimism despite the first summer being the hottest for years.
Up until October / November 2003, numbers of people joining were slowly increasing. By christmas 2003, there were 500+ signed up members. During the December 2003 and January 2004 period it was becoming aparent that the centre was moving towards a break even status, and would possibly get to break even within the first year of trading.
In order to get the business going the team had taken out a £20k bank loan with HSBC, and had overdraft facilities. The loan was personally secured by Andy and Helen, because they were the only ones with full time alternative employment.
The TMAC account required the joint signatures from one of either couple. It was common for Helen to request several cheque signings in order to pay bills etc. There was an air of trust and optimism despite the first summer being the hottest for years.
Up until October / November 2003, numbers of people joining were slowly increasing. By christmas 2003, there were 500+ signed up members. During the December 2003 and January 2004 period it was becoming aparent that the centre was moving towards a break even status, and would possibly get to break even within the first year of trading.
The Martial Arts Centre Ltd
The Sad Demise of....
(left) TMAC front of building and signage
Daytime classes were a major headache and despite canvassing the Park, customers were few and far between. A lot of classes were cancelled or adjusted to take into account the fluctuating needs of customers.
Finally, after a long time waiting, the centre were able to put on classes for Trowbridge College and Ashton Street School. Funding for the Ashton Street class was financed through a Millenium Commission award. The theory was that regular sessions would be included, but unfortunately the idea never materialised.
Finally, after a long time waiting, the centre were able to put on classes for Trowbridge College and Ashton Street School. Funding for the Ashton Street class was financed through a Millenium Commission award. The theory was that regular sessions would be included, but unfortunately the idea never materialised.