Press Office

Northern Ireland's First Minister Addresses Esporta Belfast's 'Fit for Business' Breakfast Networking Meeting

Esporta Belfast - 2 April, 2008 - The First Minister, Rev & Rt Hon Dr Ian R K Paisley MP MLA, was special guest speaker at this morning's meeting of Esporta Belfast's 'Fit for Business' Breakfast Networking initiative.

Addressing members of the local business community and Esporta health club members, Dr. Paisley gave an insight into his personal faith, his career and thoughts on the Northern Ireland economy, and his views on the importance of health and fitness. In particular, he highlighted the forthcoming USA Trade and Investment Conference, scheduled for May in Belfast, which is expected to bring increased investment in Northern Ireland to help improve business education and strengthen the skill-base of the workforce.

Dr. Paisley also stressed the importance that he attributes to exercise, especially at 81 years of age, and how he always makes time to fit his swimming routine into his very busy schedule, providing him with quality thinking time.

Glenn Timms, Esporta's CEO said: "I was delighted to welcome the First Minister today, who honoured us by launching this year's series of 'Fit for Business' meetings, a forum held at Esporta Health Clubs that enables individuals to build business contacts in the local community, helping to drive business success and personal career progression. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that Esporta's premium health club environment, incorporating our coffee bar/restaurants with WiFi and newspapers, is rapidly becoming the business club and indeed job centre of tomorrow, facilitating people launching the next stage of their careers."

Over 60 delegates attended the event at the Esporta Belfast Club, including Glenn Ross, Britain's Strongest Man (1999, 2000, 2001, and 2006), and the Club was also the venue for this year's Ulster Strongest Man competition, which was held over the Easter weekend.

Pictured from left to right: Glenn Timms, Esporta's Chief Executive Officer; Cathy McAleer, Esporta Belfast's General Manager, Dr Ian Paisley, The First Minister, and Dr Richard Horton, White Rose Consulting and Chairman of the 'Fit for Business' meetings.

Notes to editors:

Rev & Rt Hon Dr Ian R K Paisley MP MLA

Born in Armagh in 1926, the second of two sons, Rev & Rt Hon Dr Ian R K Paisley MP MLA preached his first sermon at the age of 16 years, and after studying in the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Hall and Barry School of Evangelism, Wales, was ordained into the Ministry. He is the founder of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and was its Moderator until January 2008. He entered Parliament over 40 years ago and remains the Member for Antrim North. He served as leader of the opposition in what was the old Stormont. Parallel to this, for 25 years he served as a Member of the European Parliament and was the Dean of the Non Iscrit Group. In May 2007 at the age of 81 he became First Minister of Northern Ireland.

About 'Fit for Business'

Fit for Business is a fortnightly business breakfast networking initiative run by Esporta Belfast which brings together Esporta members who are part of the local business community, with an aim of helping them raise awareness and develop their businesses by widening their network of business contacts. The events involve special guest speakers from business, politics, sport and fitness, providing insights on topics relevant to the local business community, and reinforcing the link between fitness, personal and business performance. 'Fit for Business' is chaired by Dr Richard Horton, C. Eng., founder of White Rose Consulting, a NI-based international technology consulting practice, and Director of Courtyard Foods, a recently formed NI-based food technology venture.

About Esporta

Esporta Health Clubs operate 55 premium health and leisure clubs in the UK. Facilities range from club to club and include state-of-the-art fitness arenas and exercise studios; indoor and outdoor pools; spas, saunas and steam rooms; vibrant restaurants and bars; health and beauty areas; indoor and outdoor racquets facilities and a vast range of children's activities.

Renowned for the quality of its Tennis Academy, Esporta was the first commercial operator in the UK to be awarded High Performance Status by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), and had more LTA accredited than any other UK club organisation.

For further information, please contact:
Jonathan Colbourne
Communications and PR Manager
Jonathan.colbourne@esporta.com
Tel:0118 912 3500