West Midlands personal trainer nominated for prestigious national award
A personal trainer from Bromsgrove, has been nominated for a prestigious UK Coaching award in recognition of his coaching success as a personal trainer.
Ian Northcott, 60 and founder of Mercian Fitness, has been announced as a finalist for the UK Coaching Change a LifeAward sponsored by Sport England, which recognises trainers who have empowered and inspired individuals through great coaching.
Reacting to the news, Ian said: “I’m incredibly proud and quite humbled to be recognised. Coaching has never been about accolades for me; it’s about people. To see the impact of my work acknowledged on a national stage is really special because it reflects the courage and consistency of my clients.”
Ian first started coaching in 2015 with Nordic Walking classes before moving into personal training during the Covid-19 pandemic. His client base is made up of over 20 people, mostly in their 70s, to help them “find themselves again”.
Many of his clients manage long-term health or mobility issues, and Ian focuses on improving their quality of life through heart rate training, including heart rate variability, to ensure safe and effective exercise. “We help them improve their fitness so their life is better,” he outlined.
The fitness sector often overlooks the older generation, who Ian admits don’t always feel comfortable in public gyms and prefer outdoor exercise, but that’s why he started becoming a personal trainer.
He admitted: “My work focuses on finding ways to do the things younger people do, but making it safer for the older generation. I show them it’s never too late to get stronger, healthier, and more confident, no matter where they’re starting from.”
With a full online programme and one-to-one coaching, Ian, who was named UK Coaching Online Coach of the Year in 2023, has helped improve the lives of countless clients, he added: “Many of them came to me believing their best days were behind them, and watching them regain confidence, strength, and independence has been life-changing for them and me,”
Ian was previously a member of the British Army and the police force before he retired in 2015. Throughout his life, he has always looked to give back to the community, whether that’s through charity work in the police or now working with the mental health text service ‘Shout’ to provide support for people struggling.
It’s in his DNA to help people, which is why he loves being a coach. “I’ve seen how life-changing it can be,” he said.
“Great coaching can completely change the direction of someone’s life. It’s not just about improving fitness, it’s about restoring confidence, identity, and independence. The right coach can help someone move from fear and self-doubt to possibility and pride.
Ian's list of achievements is remarkable. He's helped clients walk Hadrian’s Wall, climb Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and even led one client to victory at the Age Group British Rowing Indoor Championships. He’s incredibly proud, but seeing his clients’ progress matters most.
“Grandparents have come to me and said they can’t get down onto the floor to play with their grandkids and it’s ruining their relationship. They then follow my plan, and their mobility is improved. That’s massive and now their quality of life is much better,” he said.
The UK Coaching Awards is regarded as the most prestigious event within the coaching community, established to recognise the invaluable role coaches play in building a happier and healthier society.
Previous award winners include Judy Murray and Aston Moore (Lifetime Achievement award), Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman (Great Coaching Moment of the Year), and the coaches behind Lucy Bronze and Katarina Johnson-Thompson's path to success (Coaching Chain award).
UK Coaching’s CEO, Mark Gannon, reflecting on the breadth of coaching talent announced as this year’s finalists, added: “We are excited to announce the finalists of the 2025 UK Coaching Awards. Each year, we recognise some truly remarkable coaches from across the UK at every level, and it is always a challenge to select our finalists from an incredible group of nominations.
“Coaches across the nation can all be proud of the valuable contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of the nation.
“Following a phenomenal summer of women’s sport this year, there has never been a better time to celebrate coaches who make it all happen.”
The awards will be held on December 4 at The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds.
