It’s a tough call competing for business in the fitness industry with large groups and boutique gyms expanding on to your doorstep at a greater rate than in the past decade.

But one firm is making its mark.

Launched two and a half years ago, the Gravesend-based NRG GYM is totally community focused and by offering a no fee, no contract membership with extensive opening hours at a reasonable £11.99 per month, has managed to attract a lot of business.

Head of operations Peter Symons said the Garrick Street premises was the only budget gym that married high-end gym equipment, customer service and large space at an affordable price, making it accessible to everyone.

With 13 staff, there are numerous classes such as Zumba, circuit training, power hoop, boot camp and personal training on offer.

Facilities in the gym include a new studio area, cardio zone, female zone, functional zone, resistance machines, strength zone and spinning zone.

Mr Symons is also proud to be backing a number of local schemes and supports the Under-21 UK athletic Olympic hopefuls’ team with discounted membership, training programmes and a uniform to allow them to train and enhance their abilities.

It is also the main sponsor of the Under-21 Kent County Football League which supports the development of grass roots football across the county.

NRG was the main and founding sponsor of this scheme which has successfully grown to more than 20, complete, under-21 football clubs.

Additionally the gym works in partnership with local health and wellbeing charity The Gr@nd, providing free health assessments for the elderly and those keen on aspiring to a healthier lifestyle, by providing free admission throughout the course duration.

It also offers in-house training for junior staff and promotes fitness qualification training for the unemployed for those wishing to seek it on a personal career basis which can result in their employment upon completion of the Level 2 fitness course.

The company has undergone rapid expansion and there are two other premises within a couple of miles radius of Gravesend.

There are more expected to open throughout Kent and seven more nationally in the near future.

NRG Gym has entered this year's Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, which are supported by the Messenger, and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and on our website.

This year’s award sponsors are Dartford council, Gravesham council, Barnes Roffe, Kent Business School (University of Kent), the KM Group (Dartford Messenger and Gravesend Messenger), Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Edinburgh House, University of Greenwich and Mid Kent College.

The closing date for entries is now Friday, August 7. Visit www.dgbawards.co.uk