Fitness tycoon joins MP in urging youngsters to follow their passions to succeed in business
A fitness tycoon hailed the West Midlands "the region of opportunity" at an event to mark careers week.
Ben Francis, who founded the £1 billion-pound business Gymshark, discussed the rise of his firm during a live virtual Q& A session with young people.
The 28-year-old from Bromsgrove founded his firm, which sells fitness clothing and accessories, in 2012. It has gone on to become one of the fastest growing businesses in the world.
At the event, which was run by West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards, Mr Francis told how his experience as a young entrepreneur in the West Midlands shaped his career, and advised viewers to follow their passions to be successful in the business world.
He said: "I don’t just think the West Midlands is a region of opportunity, it’s the region of opportunity."
After the event, he said: “It was great to chat with Nicola about the Gymshark story and the opportunities here in the West Midlands. It's an incredible region full of brilliant people.
"Congratulations to Nicola and all she is doing, and I want to wish all the best to everyone headed back to school this week."
Ms Richards said: “Young people have borne a disproportionate burden during this pandemic and we can't have a generation left behind.
"Young people need to know what options are out there for them – especially from young, inspiring, local business champions like Ben Francis.”
