Newcastle Fitness Club, also known as NE1 Fitness Club, has secured a five-figure business loan to support its expansion. The club, launched three years ago by Josh Hall, has grown from a small unit to a kitted-out warehouse near the city centre, and now boasts over 100 members.
Funding and Growth
The £20,000 loan was provided through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, with support from Business Enterprise Fund North East (BEF North East). The funding enabled Josh to move into a new site on Spring Garden Lane, just minutes from the original location, invest in facilities and equipment, and create space for a growing team and membership base.
Since relocating, the club has surpassed 100 members and topped its turnover targets ahead of schedule. The business has also created new employment opportunities, with Josh bringing two part-time staff members to support daily operations and enhance the member experience.
From Youth Coaching to Fitness
Josh, a qualified personal trainer, was inspired to launch a community-focused gym after starting his career in youth coaching and mentoring. He had worked at summer camps in the US and planned to pursue a permanent coaching role, but his plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. After qualifying as a personal trainer, he launched NE1 Fitness Club and grew the business through group training sessions.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Josh plans to continue investing in the club’s growth, with ambitions to recruit a head coach within the next 12 months. The expanded gym will also introduce additional classes and improve its equipment.
Josh said: “In March 2023, I took a leap by moving into a small unit and focusing on growing my group training sessions. Over the next two years, the business continued to grow, and we reached a point where we needed a bigger space to support our members and future plans.
“When the perfect location became available, I had some funds saved, but I wanted to do things properly rather than cut corners. The Start Up Loan gave me the additional funding I needed to make the move and invest in the business with confidence.
“The application process was thorough, but the support I received from Rowan and the team at BEF North East was fantastic. Whenever I needed guidance, they were there to help, and that made a huge difference throughout the process.”
Rowan Green, associate investment manager at Business Enterprise Fund North East, said: “NE1 Fitness Club is a fantastic example of a business that has grown organically through hard work, dedication and a strong connection with its community.
“Josh had already built a loyal customer base and a successful business model. The Start Up Loan provided the additional support needed to help him take the next step, expand his facilities and create new opportunities for growth.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to support entrepreneurs like Josh, whose ambition and commitment are helping to strengthen local communities and contribute to the North East economy.”
Louise McCoy, managing director, Start Up Loans Products at the British Business Bank, added: “Josh’s journey demonstrates the resilience and determination that so many entrepreneurs show when building a business. NE1 Fitness Club has grown from a passion for helping people into a thriving community-focused business, and it is great to see how the Start Up Loans programme has supported that growth, including job creation.”
