A YOUNG entrepreneur who opened a gym at just 19 will officially launch his second this week.

Scott Leman, 22, of Bradford Street in Braintree, will open his second gym – Leman’s Fitness – on Saturday.

The former Notley High and Colchester Institute student was initially supported by The Prince’s Trust and Essex County Council when setting up his business three years ago.

After completing a training course, writing a business plan and pitching to a panel he was awarded a grant to cover his start-up costs.

Mr Leman, a qualified personal trainer, said: “As a young entrepreneur, I would like to motivate others looking to take a risk within business.

We run gyms out of quirky buildings, the new one is 60ft in length and about 14ft in width. People’s first reaction when they come in is wow there’s a lot in there.

“When I opened my first gym I had help from the Prince’s Trust and went in front of a panel – it was a bit like Dragons’ Den.

“I have no business qualifications, my family isn’t business-orientated either. I had moral support from them but not financial – I was still young and they said I was crazy.”

Leman’s Fitness, based in Notley Golf Club, will open a second branch inside Braintree Hockey Club in Church Street.

Mr Leman, who works six days a week, often for 15 hours a day, said: “It could have all gone wrong, but it could also have gone really well and it did. With a gym you are open from 6am to 9pm so you have to be able to cover the cost of that and the rent.

“We employ four people at the moment and we are looking to employ another for the new gym.

“I will definitely open more gyms and get bigger and better. I’ve had people joke about me being the next Bannatyne.”