£20,000 loan helps fitness club take ‘next step’

A Newcastle health and fitness operator is flexing its growth ambitions after securing £20,000 of backing to expand its community-focused gym.

NE1 Fitness Club, founded by Josh Hall, has received a loan through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, with support from Business Enterprise Fund North East (BEF North East).

The funding has enabled Josh to relocate to larger premises just minutes from the club’s original home, while investing in new facilities and 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.”

Since making the move, NE1 Fitness Club has surpassed 100 members and reached its year-end turnover targets ahead of schedule.

Two part-time employees have also joined the business to support daily operations and improve the experience for members.

Josh launched the club after moving away from a career in youth coaching and mentoring.

Having previously worked at summer camps in the US, his plans to pursue a permanent coaching career were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Josh subsequently qualified as a personal trainer and began building NE1 Fitness Club through group training sessions, with growing demand eventually prompting the move to a bigger facility.

Rowan Green, associate investment manager at BEF North East, added: “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.”

Josh added: “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.”

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.” 

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