Social media training proves fit for boot camp bosses' purpose

Floriane Rodriguez, left, and Barbara Tennet have seen demand for their boot camp rocket thanks to social media training.

The South Shields fitness entrepreneur is shaping up for success with a new venture that has doubled in size thanks to skills gained on a free business improvement course.

Barbara, who runs her own boxing training venture, formed ‘Kickstart Your Summer’ after meeting pilates teacher Floriane Rodriguez on a ‘Boost Your Business’ course.

Floriane Rodriguez, left, and Barbara Tennet.

Now the pair have boosted interest in their boot camp after launching their venture using newly-acquired social media and digital marketing skills.

Led by North-East Enterprise Agency (NEEAL), ‘Boost your Business’ is part of a £1million package of training support being rolled out to local organisations as part of the regional skills and enterprise programme Go>Grow funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Barbara said that her and North Shields-based Floriane’s social media skills have ‘flourished’, paving the way to increased bookings through better and more targeted online marketing.

“The course provided a real strategic insight into running a small enterprise, and the skills and confidence we gained have helped us get customers onboard very quickly,” she said.

“We’re really excited about our prospects and can’t wait to build further on our initial success.”

‘Boost Your Business’ training is delivered by North East Enterprise Agency Ltd (NEEAL), which is a pan-regional group of enterprise agencies designed to help businesses grow.

Adam Clemerson, NEEAL’s skills project manager, said: “Barbara is a great example of how people benefit from these courses. They provide entrepreneurs with the new skills to thrive through relevant and bespoke training.”

Ivan Jepson, director of business development at Gateshead College, which manages the Go>Grow programme said: “Free training offered through Go>Grow is opening new doors and opportunity for North East entrepreneurs.

“It’s great to see that this course has been a big boost for Floriane and Barbara, inspiring them to start up a new friendship as well as a new business venture.”

Go>Grow is backed by the North East LEP and NE England Chamber of Commerce.