An all-women’s gym aimed to empower women has been shortlisted for The Best Business Women Awards 2019.

AbFabFit Club on Esgors Farm, Thornwood, opened in April 2019 where over 100 members now attend weekly sessions to improve their fitness and healthy eating.

The awards ceremony celebrates female entrepreneurs who not only run successful businesses but, in many cases, also juggle the needs of their families.

Jaine Alderson, founder of AbFabFit Club has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best New Business category.

Speaking about her nomination, Mrs Alderson said: “Myself and the team I have created, are dedicated to helping local ladies feel good about themselves through an exciting, fun and varied exercise programme along with a supported nutritional service.

It’s all about making sure the environment is safe and non-judgemental, along with personalised care for each and every member.”

Central to Ms Alderson’s philosophy is that the gym should be a non-judgmental zone.

New members begin on an eight-week course consisting of at least three classes a week, from weightlifting to circuit training, before they decide whether to continue.

Not only does the gym have a wide variety of exercise facilities, meal plans cooked by chefs are available for those wanting nutritional support.

Debbie Gilbert, organiser of The Best Business Women Awards said: “This is the fifth year of these prestigious awards.

“We were delighted with the number of entries this year, which came in from all over the UK. This is a tough competition judged by business experts.

“To be a finalist is a major achievement. Finalists have been selected for their business acumen, determination, creativity and tenacity.

“Well over 80 per cent of start-ups fail in the first 3 years and all our finalists are all shining examples of being successful entrepreneurs who have proved their success to our judges.”

The Best Business Women Awards will be held on Friday, October 11 at The Tower Hotel in London.