This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Pete Davis, owner of HG3 Fitness, the gym at Follifoot Ridge Business Park near Harrogate.

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

We are a community-based group training gym. All of our classes are coached, with different classes to suit each specific role or what you enjoy.

Classes include strength and conditioning, high-intensity Sweat classes, Olympic lifting, Squats & Tots for new and expectant mums, and kids' classes: Mini Movers for six- to 10-year-olds and Next Gen for 11- to 15-year-olds.

What does it take to be successful in business?

Perseverance and resilience. I didn't know much about business before I started the gym – I just wanted to create a training environment where people feel comfortable and cared about, and where they see the results that they want.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

The continuous thought that you're helping people improve their daily lives and live their potential.

I absolutely love what I do. It's like hanging out with a load of mates every day instead of going to work.

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

The general cost of running a business – which the government keeps making harder.

Also, just staying innovative so that we see the constant evolution of a good product.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

The Cold Bath Brewery, because to me they provide a really welcoming environment for people to hang out with friends.

That's similar to what we do. I know one is about alcohol and the other about fitness, but both provide a friendly environment where people feel comfortable and have fun – and the owners are really nice people!

I also love the Weetons on Leeds Road. What they've done there is nothing short of phenomenal. It's incredible.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

That's not something I really delve into. I can't answer that one.

What could be done locally to boost business?

I'd like the council to understand the implications of business rates to individual businesses. I know several businesses that are struggling because of business rates.

Unfortunately, the cost of everything at the moment is going upwards, and business rates are not helping anyone.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

The fitness scene in Harrogate is really thriving – people take care of themselves here.

The worst thing? It's a small town! But other than that, I can't think of any negatives.

What are your business plans for the future?

To continue to provide the best service we can possibly provide for the members of our community.

We're also looking to do more community and charity events.

In November, we raised £7,000 for Movember by doing a workout every hour on the hour for 24 hours.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I like to walk the dog and just spend time with my wife, family and friends.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

Pranzo on Cold Bath Road is one of my favourites – the quality of the food is fantastic.

I also like Number 35, the coffee shop near Harrogate Convention Centre. They serve great quality coffee, they always know your name and what your order is, and make you feel really welcome.

It can be quite hard these days to make feel welcome. Social media has had an effect, and a lot of people struggle with just saying hello and dealing face to face with real people.

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.