Based in Bath, Fitronics Ltd is a leading supplier to customers for the leisure industry, and provides solutions, processes and training packages to improve customer experience and loyalty. It has 400 customers around the world, including Fitness First, Holmes Place and Reebok Sports Club.
The company was started by alumnus Alister Rollins when in his final year of a degree from the Mechanical Engineering department. The University provided mentoring, financial support and offices for the company at its Innovation Centre in Bath.
In 2002, when Rollins was just 20, the company won the University business plan competition prize of £5,000. Since then, it has attracted funds from the University Enterprise Development Fund, bank funding and investment from the Sulis Seedcorn Fund. It also attended the University’s annual Investment Showcase event, which provides a platform for early-stage businesses to meet potential investors.
Founder Alister Rollins said: “Without the support from the University of Bath’s Innovation Centre, we would not have been able to grow so quickly and profitably.”
Ron Humphreys, Director of Bath Ventures, said: “I’m delighted that Alister and his team have been so successful, and this profitable exit for a start-up is testament to the ability of the University of Bath to help early-stage businesses develop and grow.”
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
If you enjoyed this article you might also like:
Students celebrate business success, June 2011
Graduates take Bath by Storm, Feb 2011
Students scoop entrepreneur awards, Jan 2011