matt stirland - entrepreneurs - ifwecanyoucan.co.uk - inspiring entrepreneurship in the north east

-Member Profile Challenge Winner >

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Name:: Matt Stirland
Business:: Playhouse
Web site:
Years in business:
Number of businesses:

Challenge Entrant

My background is in the health and fitness industry, but at the moment I’m a fireman. I miss the industry which is why I’ve come up with a idea...

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my background>

" My background is in the health and fitness industry. I started off as a fitness instructor, then a lifeguard and worked my way up to health club management. At the moment I’m a fireman but I miss the industry which is why I’ve come up with an idea that after all my research, I believe is unique and isn’t happening anywhere else in the country. My business, Playhouse, aims to make fitness fun for kids. I’ve got a great passion for thinking of ideas and seeing them born, and this is a project that I believe so much in. When I was 21 I wanted to find the right idea- that light bulb as it were, and I set up a business which unfortunately failed. But I learnt so much from that experience that it kept me going. I know I’m about to experience more stress, I’ll have to overcome more challenges, but I also know that I’m going to have more fun. My friends and family have been very supportive of what I’m doing; they know how enthusiastic I am about my idea so they’ve got behind me 110%- that really helps me along the journey. "

why i want to win>

" When I was 21, I set about creating a children’s youth club. My other ambition, besides wanting my business idea take off, is to take kids off the street. The first day we opened, we brought 90 kids in and I actually won an award from Middlesbrough Council for that. That feeling was amazing, and to get that recognition from the Challenge- knowing that all the hard work, effort and ambition I’ve put in has been seen and noticed by others- it will mean so much to me. I would put the prize to great use- what’s better than to go to someone who’s already been there, has made all the mistakes and be able to learn from them? I want my business to grow, I want to do things better and that support really would be invaluable. "

why i'm sure i'll suceed>

" I’ve always wanted to help people, and all my jobs in the past have had something to do with that, so I believe that my genuine passion for getting kids engaged and doing something to help themselves whilst still having fun will be mirrored in the business’ success. I’ve also noticed a gap in the market; no one else in the country is doing what I’m doing. There’s similar ventures, but I want to make my idea bigger and better; I definitely want to see it grow. I don’t see this as a lifestyle business, it’s scaleable and can be produced around the country. Recently I’ve out together a business plan and a presentation and I’m really looking forward to getting the business off the ground. I’ve learned from the mistakes I made with my previous business- I picked myself up, dusted myself down and said, “What did I do wrong there?” Now, I’m ready to take Playhouse forward. "

my blog>

Tue, 10 Jun 2008

I feel that Matt's idea is a superior one and a great way forward to overcome the possibility of the future breeding inactive children.
S. Rye, North Yorkshire

posted at 08:54:00

Mon, 09 Jun 2008

Matt has everything he needs to succeed, but to win such an award would give him the acknowledgement of all his hard work in a business that he is so passoionate about.

posted at 08:30:00

Mon, 02 Jun 2008

Having read Matt's story what stands out is that he is so enthusiastic about what he wants to do for kids to get them interested in keeping fit. Having 2 kids of my own I know it can be a challenge in itself to get them to go for a bike ride round the block! So I admire his drive to actually get up and try and get motivation going amongst youngsters. Good luck! Jackie P

posted at 08:27:00

Mon, 02 Jun 2008

Matt's passion, commitment and enthusiasm for this project holds no bounds. I believe he is a worthy winner.

Guy Burley.

posted at 08:26:00

Tue, 27 May 2008

If we can, you can challenge

Being a finalist in the challenge has really motivated me to take my business idea to the next stage. I have business plans and presentations to show investors. I don't have the money to do this myself so I am hoping to gain investment by using the challenge to generate exposure. It is so exciting developing the idea.
A local school has approached me to possibly work with them on an entrepreneur work shop for the kids. It would help motivate the children and teach them what being an entrepreneur means. I think it is a great idea and hope to be involved. It is an honour to be asked and I hope to do more work like this in the future.
The challenge has given me the stepping stone to proceed with my business idea and I can't wait to get going.

posted at 13:33:00

Tue, 27 May 2008

Matt is so passionate about what he wants to achieve that he deserves the opportunity to try to put his ideas into practice. I really wish him luck.

Glenys

posted at 08:21:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

What better business than to take 'kids of the street'. As a teacher of secondary children, he has hit the nail on the head with the 'gap' in the market. The government talk about taking kids off the street - Matt is actually doing it!!!

More power to him I say - he makes our jobs much easier and has a genuine passion for his business - a real case of 'putting something back'.

Julie Phillips

posted at 08:33:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

I am voting for Matt Stirland for his Playhouse health clubs for kids idea. Its just what kids and parents need!!
Tony Hardy

posted at 08:32:00