NEWS
ONEGYM FIGHTING FIT FOR THE FUTURE AS IT OPENS NEWEST FACILITY
David Thomas , investment director at NEL Fund Managers ( left ) with OneGym regional manager Sean Ebdon .
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gym business is coming out of lockdown in good shape after opening its biggest ever fitness facility with the help of a six-figure investment from the North East Growth Capital Fund Loan Fund , supported by the European Regional Development Fund .
OneGym has launched a new 20,000 sq ft fitness facility on the UK Land Estates-owned Portrack Lane Retail Park in Stockton to add to its existing branches in Newton Aycliffe , Bishop Auckland , Redcar and Thornaby .
The new 24 / 7 gym is already more than half way towards its membership target – and the OneGym management team is now working on plans to open two further gyms in North- East locations before the end of 2021 .
Each of the firm ’ s previous openings have been backed by investments secured through regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers .
And it has worked with NEL once again to bring in a £ 250,000 Growth Capital Fund investment via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to enable the new Stockton facility , which includes a range of state-of-the-art fitness equipment , studio space , saunas , sunbeds and changing rooms , to open .
Eight new full-time jobs have been created in the new branch , taking the total number of people employed by OneGym to 40 , and more will follow once the ongoing easing of coronavirus restrictions allow it to offer fitness classes . Brothers Paul and David Pearson set up OneGym nine years ago to offer users access to all the latest fitness equipment and classes without costly add-ons like swimming pools that they don ’ t necessarily want to use .
The North East Growth Capital Fund has been designed to create around 790 jobs in more than 70 regional firms over the life of the programme and offers unsecured investments of up to £ 500,000 to established businesses looking to realise their growth potential .
The overarching £ 120m North East Fund will provide financial support for more than 600 businesses , creating around 3,500 jobs and delivering a legacy of up to £ 80m for further investment into the region .
THE COLONEL ’ S ORIGINAL RECIPE FINALLY LANDS IN AYCLIFFE
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long-anticipated new KFC coop has finally opened in Newton Aycliffe – bringing one of the nation ’ s favourite fried chickens to the local area .
The Colonel ’ s new restaurant at Forrest Park – a new development on Aycliffe Business Park , just off the A1 – has created 45 new jobs in the process .
The new eaterie is now open for business – so , whether you ’ re a local fan or just driving through , your favourite fried chicken is available for drive-thru and takeaway , with delivery also coming soon .
The restaurant will also see all of the usual responsibility measures put in place , including extended hygiene procedures , Perspex screens , gloves and designated kitchen zones .
Face masks will be worn by team members and contactless payment is encouraged .
Brian Evans , from franchisee Eurogarages , said : “ The opening of this new restaurant leaves no doubt about our commitment to the North-East .”
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 21