New Sunderland gym packs a punch

A Sunderland-based boxing and fitness gym has opened its doors.

Joe Hodgkinson, a three-time national boxing champion, has launched Joe Hodgkinson Fitness, with a mission to empower individuals to reach their personal best.

Located in Ryhope, the gym offers one-to-one personal training and boxing sessions, quickly becoming a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts. 

And having been in the boxing ring since the age of 11, Joe has turned his passion into a business venture with the support of North East BIC’s expert advisers.

Joe said: “Training has been a huge part of my life and I’m keen to pass on what I’ve learnt, from training camps and coaches onto others who are working on themselves.

“I wanted to create a space that encourages people to take that first step in improving their physical and mental health and opening a gym is a great way of doing just that.

Through the BIC, Joe received support through networking events and recommendations from fellow entrepreneurs, expanding his reach and client base. 

He added: “I found out about the BIC through my mam and reached out for some advice. 

“I then met with Hina who just made the whole process seamless from start to finish.

“From getting registered as a business to developing my website, the BIC has been a huge help – I went to the Inspire Lab networking event and met with like-minded people, it’s just been great to be able to bounce ideas off people and learn from other start-up founders.” 

Hina Joshi, business adviser at the North East BIC, who has supported Joe, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with Joe and supporting him on his business journey.

“He’s really open to advice and ideas, and this is reflected in how the business has grown in such a short space of time.

“It’s great to see someone so young be so passionate about setting up a business, while also being so driven in his pursuit to help others.”

In addition to serving fitness enthusiasts, Joe is committed to aiding rehabilitation for individuals recovering from falls or strokes and providing space for newly qualified personal trainers. 

Plans for future expansion are also in the works, including new locations and team growth.

Joe added: “We’ll keep going and growing.

“I’d like to create more room for PTs to come in and do their own thing – we’re more than just a gym, and I genuinely think we can create something really unique for our clients which sets us apart from the rest.”

The start-up support from the BIC forms part of the Enterprising Sunderland project, which has received funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by the Sunderland City Council.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see yet another city entrepreneur thriving with their own business thanks to the Enterprising Sunderland programme. 

“Joe Hodgkinson Fitness is another great start-up in the area, encouraging others to take better care of their mental and physical well-being and I look forward to seeing the business grow further.”

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