This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Matt Goodall, owner of the F45 Training franchise in Harrogate.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We're a functional-based boutique fitness studio that specialises in high-energy, high-passion personal training.

There are no mirrors, no egos, just a community of like-minded individuals.

What does it take to be successful in business?

The most important thing is that you've got to love what you do – you've got to have passion.

You've also got to believe in what you're selling. I believe in F45. Just speak to our members and you'll see why.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

A lot of it's down to the people who join us, and the changes they make to their lives.

I often hear them saying they never knew they could achieve what they've achieved, and that it's changed their lives. That's really rewarding – and inspiring.

What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

Last December I bought my business partner out, so the challenge has been going from dual ownership to doing everything myself.

That said, it's not been a bad 12 months. We've refurbished the studio and brought in new staff and equipment. We try to keep up with trends, but that's made easier by being a part of the global franchise community.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

Because this is a franchise, people often think we're a multimillion-pound company, but we're not – it's just me, running a small independent business.

So because I understand the challenges involved, I admire any local independent business that tries to make a go of it in the current market.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

My partner, Brontë Mitchell. As editor-in-chief of Femme Country [the Yorkshire-based rural women's magazine], her approach has been to bring a magazine into a community, but also bring that community into the magazine.

She's very positive, very committed, and very passionate about what she does – and she's the most elegant and well-dressed person you'll ever meet.

What could be done locally to boost business?

In my professional opinion, it would be good to have more support from central government and the councils.

It can be a real battle for small businesses like mine, and some help and incentives could really help.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

The best thing is that Harrogate is a very community-driven town. Everybody seems to know everybody, and word passes around. So if you launch something new, you tend to get a lot of business through word of mouth. That wouldn't happen in the same way in a big city, and as a boutique gym, that's fantastic for us.

What are your business plans for the future?

I want to expand the business. The plan is for five studios in five years. I'm hoping to be able to open the first, in Leeds, in the first half of 2025, and then potentially others in York and perhaps Newcastle.

What do you like to do in your time off?

Brontë and I have a labrador called Walter and a miniature dachshund called Rupert, so we like to go for a long walk, followed by a pint and Sunday lunch in a pub.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

For people in my business, food is a big thing. I like to go to Papas Mediterranean in Princes Square in Harrogate, because it's quite small and intimate, so the atmosphere's good, and the food's great.

I also like Pranzo on Cold Bath Road. Ask any fitness enthusiast and they'll tell you pasta is a massive part of their diet, so anywhere that does really good pasta is fine by me.

For those Sunday walks, we like to go to the Square and Compass. It's a really cosy place for a Sunday dinner, and it's dog-friendly.

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.