A Bishops Lydeard businessman who took "a calculated risk" at the age of 20 a decade ago has double cause for celebration, writes Phil Hill.
Ten years ago, Tom Auton took over a gym in Taunton – two days before his 21st birthday.
Such was his drive to make a success of Activate Fitness that he worked 15-hour days, seven days a week for the first six years.
His hard work has paid off as the gym, at 30A Bridge Street, has gone from strength to strength.
Ironically, Tom did whatever he could to avoid putting on his trainers and PE kit while a student at Kingsmead School in Wiveliscombe.
"While I was at school, it was beyond my wildest dream to think I’d be running a gym one day," he said.
"I hated sport then, but now my job is my hobby."
After going on to complete his education at Bridgwater College, where he passed three A-levels, Tom was unsure what the future would hold.
He added: "I did odd jobs, including a kitchen porter in the Lethbridge pub, in Bishops Lydeard, and a house assistant at Dunkirk Memorial House for four months.
"I was offered a place to study psychology at Plymouth University three times.
"But instead, I started working four hours a week in this gym as a receptionist when it was under new ownership.
"I have no regrets about not going to Plymouth, and I soon started working full-time in the gym.
"I did my training qualifications and a leadership and management course at Richard Huish College, and I ended up as a fitness instructor."
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In early 2016, the owner closed the business, which is when Tom seized his opportunity.
He said: "I was still only 20 and it was a bit of a calculated risk at the time.
"I put together a business plan and discussed with the landlord putting the lease back on after the gym had been closed for seven weeks.
"I started with 40 members, but there’s a really strong membership now.
"For the first six years from April 2016, I was working 15-hour days seven days a week.
"There was an enforced break during Covid, but in the summer of 2022, I decided to open the gym 24 hours.
"That transformed my personal life as it meant I didn’t have to work silly hours.
"Membership went up dramatically, and the gym was refurbished with lots of new equipment.
"It was the best thing I’ve ever done for the business.
"There’s always someone working out here, whatever time of day or night.
"It doesn’t feel like work, and I’m really grateful to be able to do what I love."
Members’ ages range from 16 up to people in their eighties, while over-14s can use the gym so long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Among those working out at Activate are beginners through to the super fit, including Paralympian runner Hannah Taunton and boxer Pawel August, who won his fight on the undercard to Tyson Fury last Saturday.
(Full details of Pawel's bout appear elsewhere in the Gazette and online at somersetcountygazette.co.uk)
There are also well-attended circuits, boxing and yoga classes for all abilities on weekdays.
"I’m so lucky to have so many fantastic people as members," said Tom.
"There’s a really friendly, happy atmosphere.
"We do it without forcing anyone to do anything.
"It’s completely natural, and people feel part of it.
"I support the members by making sure they are offered guidance and a programme.
"If they like, I spend time with them, otherwise they can just do their own thing if they wish."
Outside work, Tom’s main hobby is CrossFit, in which he competes for fun.
Last month, Activate was one of the sponsors of the Taunton Half Marathon.
Tom’s old sports teachers would have been pleasantly surprised to hear that he competed, along with a number of gym members, and clocked a creditable time of one hour, 46 minutes and 42 seconds – without putting in any training.
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