In September 2022, Tim Colston co-founded a business in Cardiff, Wales, UK, with Glen Taylor that looks a bit different from most health and wellness businesses. Superyacht Fitness seeks to offer wellness services to those on super yachts, whether it be the owners and their guests or the crew. Many of their clients are royalty, high net worth families, professional athletes and movie stars.
The path to better well-being is holistic, according to Superyacht Fitness, and encompasses mindset, movement, performance and strength. The company delivers that by offering design services, equipment sourcing and personal training to its clients aboard their yachts.
With 35 years in the fitness business, Colston, who also serves as director of Superyacht Fitness, is the latest to respond to the questions posed in Club Industry’s Follow the Fitness Leaders series, which shares insights from fitness leaders who will be attending Sibec EMEA Sept. 26-29 in Sorrento, Italy.
Q: During the past three years of adversity, what did you learn and how are you applying that knowledge to your business today?
A: The main thing I have done is to keep in close contact with my network. This has allowed me to get a good understanding of what is happening in the industry and to let people know what I am doing. Communication has been difficult in the pandemic and people have got used to online meetings so to get people back to face-to-face meetings has been hard. Face-to-face is by far the best way to do business, which is why Sibec has been the go-to event.
Q: What successes has your company had in the past three years, and what helped you create these successes?
A: The company has had to be adaptive, and to this end, we have looked at our client base and developed a sister business to complement our existing work. New suppliers have allowed us to keep abreast with the latest tech and innovation, which has opened new markets.
Q: We often learn most from our failures. From what failure have you learned the most, and what did you learn from it?
A: Failure is not in my dictionary. The question is right that you learn from not achieving what you set out to do. We did not hit our company sales forecast during lock down for obvious reasons, and we saw many health clubs going out of business, which was very sad. What I have learned is that you may think you are having a difficult time until you see what other people and businesses are going through. So roll up your sleeves and get on with it with a smile on your face.
Q: What trends are you noticing in 2023 and how are you adapting to these trends?
A: Tech is still leading the way in my area of the health and fitness industry. My clients are looking for the latest equipment that will future-proof their facility. For us, gym sizes are a premium, and we are seeing new products coming into our space that take up minimal room without losing functionality.
Q: If you had the ability to oversee the whole European fitness community, what would you change to move more people to exercise and to ensure governments understand the essential nature of this industry?
A: Provide more incentives for people to exercise. Rewards in supermarkets, insurance and utilities. Government subsidies to support the health club operators and sports clubs.
Q: What are the top three most important criteria you look for when securing a supplier?
A: Hard work, honesty and friendship.