The social enterprise promoting wellbeing in south London

Meet Dragonfly Yoga Studio, a social enterprise supporting the physical and mental health of young people in Sydenham and Brockley.

Offering a wide range of yoga and Pilates classes in south east London, Dragonfly Yoga Studio was launched by Mark Lancaster in 2016 – as part of a fundraising effort to support another enterprise, registered charity Gmax Trackstars.

Gmax Trackstars supports young people with access to sports such as running, jumping and throwing. Following on from the legacy of the 2012 London Olympics, the academy aims to provide coaching to young athletes, many of whom are trying to compete at national level.

This massive undertaking is supporting vital athletic talent in London, ensuring that Great Britain sees success at future national and international sports events.

To support this effort, Mark set up Dragonfly Yoga Studio to fundraise for Gmax Trackstars – with 100% of the profits from the yoga and Pilates classes going to support athletic programmes for local young people.

Dragonfly Yoga is a well-known brand to people in south East London, with more than 20 qualified teachers and an established local presence in Sydenham.

Read on to find out more about the company's growth journey and its founder's advice for other SMEs trying to build community in their local areas.

What or who inspired you to launch your business?

First, the 2012 London Olympic Games – a global event that brought the UK together in a remarkable celebration of human potential. It showed us how sport can truly unite and uplift communities.

Second, we're profoundly moved by the words of Nelson Mandela, who so powerfully captured the essence of our mission when he said:

"Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does."

This message continues to guide our work at Gmax Trackstars and Dragonfly Yoga Studio. We believe that sport is more than physical activity – it's a catalyst for social change, personal growth and community transformation.

How did you discover Grow London Local and how has it supported you?

In 2024, Gmax Trackstars was honoured to be selected as the winner at the Lewisham Mayor's Business Awards – a proud moment that brought our work into the spotlight.

It was through this achievement that we were introduced to Grow London Local, thanks to Deputy London Mayor Howard Dawber.

Since joining the Grow London Local community, our organisation has experienced a transformational shift. Grow London Local has not only introduced us to a broader network of strategic relationships, but it has also empowered us with the confidence and tools to scale up our vision.

For the first time, we feel we've broken through the "glass ceiling" – gaining visibility, validation and new opportunities to grow our impact.

The support, encouragement and practical help – including using Dragonfly Yoga Studio as a host venue for the Grow London Local Coffee Friday – has given us both exposure and connection.

These gatherings have become a valued platform for collaboration, and we're passionate about making them a regular fixture in the community calendar.

Why would you recommend Grow London Local to other small businesses?

We wholeheartedly recommend Grow London Local to small businesses, especially those navigating the challenges of recovery and growth in today's uncertain climate.

The team saw the viability, potential and social value of our work and empowered us to persevere and scale. Their belief in us has been both affirming and energising.

Gmax Trackstars and Dragonfly Yoga Studio are more than a sports club – these are community platforms dedicated to transforming lives through structured "playground to podium" athletics, positive mentorship and health education.

Through consistent, measurable and aspirational programming, Gmax is nurturing the next generation of athletes, leaders and role models to create a lasting movement and legacy.

Recognising the strength of our vision and community impact, Grow London Local connected us with high-growth SME acceleration programmes run by MSDUK, BUD and HATCH.

These partnerships have opened doors to leading corporates that are eager to collaborate with Gmax, not only to support our youth development initiatives but also to help achieve their own corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

What advice would you give other small business owners in London?

• Understand your market – London is diverse so tailor your products or services to specific demographics or neighbourhoods. Do market research to identify your niche and customer base.

• Use local networks – join local business associations (like the London Chamber of Commerce), attend networking events and collaborate with nearby businesses to boost visibility and referrals.

• Stay within the law – keep on top of regulation!

• Build your online presence – invest in a well-optimised website and actively use social media. London customers often research online before buying, even from local businesses.

• Manage costs – London is expensive. Negotiate with suppliers, shop around for utilities and software deals and consider co-working spaces or shared retail spaces to reduce overheads.

• Seek funding and grants – look into local council schemes, Innovate UK or the British Business Bank for funding options tailored to small businesses.

• Think about the customer experience – in a city with lots of competition, excellent service and a personal touch can set you apart.

What do you love about being your own boss?

You set your own schedule, choose your projects and decide how to work giving you better control over your time and energy. You also get to shape your business the way you envision it, from branding and strategy to customer experience and values.

Every decision you make directly influences your success. That sense of ownership can be both motivating and deeply satisfying.

Running a business forces you to learn a wide range of skills from marketing and finance to leadership and negotiation – and creating something from scratch and watching it grow, especially in a competitive place like London, brings a unique sense of accomplishment.

Aligning your work with your passions or purpose makes your career more meaningful.

What is your favourite business book?

"Start with Why", Simon Sinek's first and most popular book.

Which entrepreneur inspires you the most?

Guyanese-born entrepreneur Mark Dalgety, CEO of Dalgety Teas, who was celebrated as a winner in the prestigious Black British Business Awards 2024.

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