Kate Henebury is set to become the eighth Little Gym franchisee this month as she opens a gymnastics centre in Harrogate. Kate explains, “I’ve had a passion for both sport and children’s wellbeing for as long as I can remember.  The Little Gym allows me to combine these passions, all day every day!  

“I loved gymnastics as a child, but quickly realised my real talents lay elsewhere!  Swimming, tennis and athletics took over as I competed at both school and county level.  The importance of sport and keeping fit has stayed with me ever since and I am convinced that regular gymnastics laid the foundations.  I went onto study Sport and Fitness Science at University where my interest continued; my final year dissertation was a study into ‘The benefits of exercise at an early age’. 

“My early career in the Army further developed my belief in the importance of sport, fitness and regular exercise as essential building blocks in the development of well balanced, confident and motivated young adults.  I spent four challenging yet highly enjoyable years seeing the world with the Royal Artillery.  Fortunately, most of my travels were due to competing in Biathlon skiing rather than tours of duty!  Since leaving the Army and settling in Harrogate, I’ve worked in Executive Recruitment, but I have always known that my heart really lay in working with and developing young people.

“I’m now a mother of two girls, Charlotte aged three and Hatty aged two.  I’ve lived in Harrogate for the last eight years. 

“I discovered The Little Gym concept three years ago and was hooked.  Charlotte, and now Hatty, have loved attending a number of trial classes.  Unfortunately, the nearest gym up until now was in London!  Three years later, I am the proud owner of The Little Gym Harrogate.  I look forward to offering local children the opportunity to develop their confidence and skills in a warm and nurturing environment, whilst having plenty of FUN!” 

Despite the current climate, new Little Gym centres seem to be flourishing, demonstrating the huge demand for a quality children’s gymnastics provision in the UK which is good news for Kate.

Founded in the United States in 1976, The Little Gym offers a progressive gymnastics programme that evolves with each stage of a child’s motor-skills and cerebral development, taking youngsters of all abilities from 4 months to 12 years.  Ranked number one in its category of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchise List – for the third year running – The Little Gym currently has over 300 locations in 19 countries.  Annette Eckhardt, COO of The Little Gym Europe, comments: “There’s huge demand for quality children’s activities across the UK, coupled with a large rise in the number of professionals looking for new careers and a better work/ lifestyle balance.   By offering a progressive programme, that focus’ on both motor-skills development and confidence building, The Little Gym brings something really unique to the table.  Meanwhile, the professional structure of the business, with its unique training programme and facilities, gives franchisees all the tools they need to build a rewarding and flexible career.”  The Little Gym currently has seven franchises in the UK, with open centres based at Chiswick, Hampton Hill, Wandsworth, Westfield London, Bishop’s Stortford, Harpenden and Stoke.  Following the opening of Harrogate in the New Year, further openings will follow in the Greater London area.  For further information regarding franchise opportunities and available territories, please contact The Little Gym on tel. 0203 2329 0080 or email franchise@thelittlegym.co.uk or visit www.thelittlegym-eu.com/franchise