Blackpool family move mountains

Gavin and Emma Colsey-Nicholls, both 33, had lived in Blackpool their entire lives.

Emma studied a degree in Sports Science at Edge Hill while Gavin completed an apprenticeship in Electrical Installation.

Winter chalet holidays were something they found they really enjoyed and last year they decided to turn their passion into their work – and follow their dreams.

Together with sons Clayton and Cooper, they moved to France last month and set up their holiday and retreat company – The Works in Morzine.

Emma said: “We sold our house in Blackpool, both our businesses, packed up with kids and dogs in tow and decided to embark on a new adventure, one that makes us both smile from ear-to-ear.”

Gavin said: “We have been on countless winter catered chalet holidays and always knew it was an industry we wanted to get into.

“We know what is required for getting the best out of a winter holiday and this is something we aim to pass onto our guests in a resort we have extensive knowledge of.”

It was after a summer holiday to Morzine last year they made the life-changing decision to move.

Emma sold her fitness business ECN-Bodyworks, in Marton – now under new management and Gavin left his job as an off-shore electrical engineer, to embark on their brand new adventure. Their new business The Works is a luxury chalet – offering catered ski holidays in winter and fitness retreats in summer.

Emma said: “I’m excited to bring my knowledge of health and fitness to the mountains and provide fitness holidays in the summer and of course, lots of skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

“Having lived in Blackpool my entire life and worked in many hotels and cafés in my time, I suppose hospitality is kind of in my blood – though I’m loving the challenges of having a business which is in a different sector from my previous ones.”

The family is now settling into new life and getting used to the language and culture change.

They have also recruited some homegrown staff too. They got a great response to a social media campaign, which was shared by many people on the Fylde coast and successfully recruited two university graduates from the resort.

Emma said: “They felt like a really good fit for our company and we really liked the idea of taking on staff from our home town.”

Gavin added: “Our aim is to provide holidays which really focus on guest and providing the personal touch. We have been skiing and snowboarding for many years and in fact, we love a ski holiday more than sitting on the beach.

“We want to share that passion for adventure and help more people to explore the mountains, as we believe it’s truly a magical place and creates such unforgettable experiences.”

Visit theworksmorzine.com