Here’s how a Leeds business promoting feel-good fitness is growing from strength to strength

Beth Cotton founded BFIT Personal Training with a simple mission: to make fitness inclusive and accessible.

The business began when she was just 22 years old and she started offering personal training sessions in the park.

As the pandemic forced the UK into lockdown in 2020, the one hour of outdoor exercise permitted per day became Beth’s “golden time” to create an open exercise class people around Pudsey could look forward to.

Word of mouth spread and soon Beth was teaching fitness-focused and fun group classes to clients who kept coming back.

Six years on, BFIT’s Personal Training classes have moved to a spacious Stanningley studio, the business has been nominated for several awards, and it is growing beyond Beth’s wildest dreams.

“Exercise is something I've always enjoyed and wanted to help more people get the same enjoyment I felt,” Beth told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“I've always been into sport. I found that my way of helping people was through that because it was something I was passionate about.”

BFIT Personal Training now offers classes to groups of six or less to help them achieve their specific fitness goals.

Beth’s dad Ian is a senior coach at the studio and he sees the small group format as a perfect balance between one-to-one training and a larger gym setting.

Ian said: “There's a good environment, good community, people feel welcome around like-minded people.

“At the same time we've got that very close personal touch with all of our clients in making sure that what we deliver is tailored to them and what their specific needs are.”

Beth added: “Even though you're working with a small group, everything's specific and bespoke to that individual. It’s set up to help them succeed.”

Now based in the ABS Business Park in Stanningley, BFIT Personal Training has expanded its timetable so even more people can access their classes.

The gym also offers a trial period and induction session to help ease any nerves which come with trying fitness for the first time.

Beth said: “We understand people and we get that whilst they probably come to us because they want to solve certain issues they've got with their health and fitness, it's still a factor that maybe one of the reasons they've not gone to a big gym is because of how it can feel for someone new.

Ian added: “The first thing we do this with every single member when they walk through the door is make sure they are welcomed.

“We get them involved, introduce them to everyone else who is super friendly and supportive, so in the first 30 seconds they can relax and know it’s a safe place to be.”

The BFIT Personal Training formula is working well for Beth and Ian and this year they have been named as finalists in six categories at the 2026 UK Small Business Awards, including Best Family Business and Best Gym.

Ian said: “It’s still a small family business led by Beth so it’s a huge accolade to get recognition on the national stage, not just in terms of fitness but also as a business in its own right.

“It testifies to why we’re good at what we do.”

For Beth, now 29, there is one award nomination that is particularly poignant: Best Customer Service.

The reason? It represents the very reason she started the business.

“Best customer service is not as a gym, it’s the whole of every industry as a country. When a client walks in, no matter if it’s their first or hundredth session, they are greeted by name.

“To be able to be recognised for the little things we do that make a big difference is really, really good.”