How to Fast Track your business: Jon Wright, Xercise4Less

Former professional rugby player Jon Wright, 44, founded, Xercise4Less, a chain of budget gyms in 2006. It operates 34 gyms around the UK and plans to have 100 in the UK and continental Europe by the end of 2017. Funded by £12m from Business Growth Fund, it ranked at No 17 in the 2015 Sunday Times Fast Track 100, its second consecutive appearance on the league table.

What inspired you to start your business?

It was an attempt to change people’s lives, by making exercise accessible and educating people that it is available for everyone.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Getting the right property in the right locations, which we have learnt through trial and error.

What has been your best business decision?

Bringing BGF on board as an investor as they have given us the credibility to raise large amounts of bank debt.

What has been your worst business decision?

Taking too long to part with a friend who was working in the business.

Which business leader would you most like to share a meal with, and why?

The late Steve Jobs as he continually innovated his business and was never happy.

 What company do you most admire, and why?

Apple, for being innovative, adaptable and disruptive.

BGF is a sponsor of Sunday Times Fast Track and Sunday Times Tech Track.