A Grimsby fitness entrepreneur who launched his business at just 17 years old has spoken passionately about the opportunities available in Grimsby, describing it as “a place to flourish”.
Bailey Greetham, Managing Director of BeGreatFitness, has built a nationally recognised health and wellbeing company dedicated to improving access to exercise for vulnerable people across the UK.
The company delivers fitness and wellbeing sessions within social care settings, supporting everyone from adults with learning disabilities and autism to elderly residents in care homes.
Bailey’s journey into the industry began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally studying construction at college, he soon realised his passion was elsewhere. He said: “During COVID, I saw everybody trying to help their local communities and I thought, I’ve got to help people get moving.”
Drawing on his own background in boxing and fitness, Bailey began working with local charities and community centres, quickly seeing the positive impact exercise could have on people often overlooked.
“I started at 17 and saw that vulnerable groups didn’t quite have the access they needed to get into exercise,” he explained. “I knew how powerful exercise was and it just dominoed from there.”
Now leading a team that works across the country, Bailey says Grimsby continues to play an important role in both his life and the success of his business, saying: “Grimsby is definitely a place to stay and live. I still live here even whilst I work up and down the country. It’s a beautiful place with a strong community and people who know how to support each other. Grimsby is and can be a place to flourish.”
Bailey also highlighted the growing opportunities available to young people locally, praising the range of courses and career pathways now accessible through education providers such as Franklin College and Grimsby Institute.
“The opportunities now are incredible,” he said. “You can do anything. It’s a time where you can be anything, do anything and go anywhere.
“With the internet and with how colleges and schools are evolving, it doesn’t matter where you come from anymore. You can be from Grimsby or anywhere else and still go on to achieve the same things.”
Bailey hopes his story will inspire more young people to pursue their ambitions and recognise the potential within their hometown.
“Ten or twenty years ago, people often followed the same paths as their family,” he added. “But now there are endless opportunities out there for people willing to take them.”
Find out more about BeGreatFitness and the work Bailey and his team are doing at https://begreatfitness.org/.
For young people in North East Lincolnshire looking for support with their careers or education, speak to the Young People’s Support Service (YPSS) team by calling 01472 326294 (option 1), emailing [email protected], or texting 07795 976032. Alternatively, visit their webpage at www.nelincs.gov.uk/ypss.
For general careers advice and support, contact North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Careers Team by emailing [email protected], calling 01472 323540, or visiting the Careers Café in Freshney Place. Adults aged 19 and over can also find information about local training providers and upcoming skills events at www.nelincs.gov.uk/adult-education-and-learning.
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