A PROACTIVE entrepreneur has made the leap to running his business full-time to boost Darlington's leisure sector.

Colin Carter, 43, launched his leisure property sourcing company in 2004 as a part-time project alongside his job setting up health clubs.

And now, a national boom in the number of facilities such as gyms, trampoline parks and inflatable arenas has seen Mr Carter take on his director role full-time and invest in a new office at Darlington’s Lingfield Point.

He said: “I’ve worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years, building a network of contacts and gaining a real insight into the leisure, health and fitness market.

“Over the past ten years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the amount of health, fitness and leisure facilities opening, with low-cost gyms and trampoline parks becoming really popular.

“The demand for our services in sourcing the right type of property for these ventures has enabled me to really grow the company and dedicate my time to it – you could say business is bouncing.”

Mr Carter has signed a five-year lease for offices in Lingfield House.

Eddie Humphries, estate manager at Lingfield Point, said: “Taking the final steps to running your business full-time can be both exciting and daunting, so we’re proud to be able to support Colin with the space and facilities he needs to make it a success.

“We’re already home to start-ups, SMEs and bigger businesses across a number of sectors from property and construction to financial services, drawn here by our great location, flexible spaces and fantastic customer service."