LATEST NEWS
£ 32K BATHGATE DEAL BRINGS FITNESS FRANCHISE TO BROMBOROUGH
West Kirby-based business finance specialist , Bathgate Business Finance , has brought fitness franchise , Transform Hub , to Wirral , with a £ 32k own-book deal .
Transform Hub ’ s Bromborough site opened in October 2023 and is the first to open in the borough , with two more sites planned for the CH postcode in the next two years . The £ 32K funding for Bathgate was secured to purchase equipment including free weights , resistance , and cardio machines .
There are currently 20 Transform Hub gyms in the UK , primarily in North West England , but with some locations in Greater London . The Wirral sites will be led by Directors Nick Hodson , who boasts more than 25 years ’ experience running a family-owned healthcare recruitment business and as a business consultant , and Jamie Leighton , who has been a personal trainer and Professional Coach since 2009 .
Transform Hub offers personal training in a group setting , nutritional advice , a fun and community-focused environment and compassionate coaching to provide accountability and help clients stay on track . As a franchise model , Transform Hub , also offers potential business owners the chance to purchase its method of setting up and running a successful fitness business .
Director Nick Hodson said : “ We sought external funding to support the launch of our first Transform Hub in order to preserve some headroom for working capital , which is always a challenge with a new business .
“ We approached three different funders and Bathgate ’ s process was the simplest by far . Once approved the cash was in our account and ready to use when we needed it . Bathgate ’ s reputation is second to none for SMEs looking for finance and we certainly had an excellent experience .”
Director Jamie Leighton added : “ Transform Hub is unique in that we ’ re not targeting ‘ gym bunnies ’ but rather people who have tried lots of different diets and gym programmes without success . The funding provided by Bathgate has helped us to bring a different offer to Bromborough
Ian Adams said : “ Transform Hub ’ s business plan demonstrated a unique offer for customers , a sophisticated and considered sales process , and sound basis for a successful franchise model . Nick and Jamie ’ s extensive combined experience in both business ownership and development and the fitness sector also makes this an exciting venture for Bathgate to support . We ’ re looking forward to seeing the Bromborough site flourish and eagerly anticipate the opening of the next two sites .”
The Transform Hub deal is a further demonstration of Bathgate ’ s award-winning support for SMEs and its commitment to service excellence . In September 2023 it was named winner in two categories at the prestigious NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2023 – the SME Champion and Service Excellence award – and in October 2023 won Professional Services Business of the Year at the Merseyside Independent Business Awards ( MIBS ).
For more information about Bathgate Business Finance or to find out more about its own-book lending visit bathgatebf . co . uk , call 0151 625 7323 or email proposals @ bathgatebf . co . uk
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY : WIRRAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY GEARS UP FOR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
Wirral Chamber of Commerce has pledged its support for Small Business Saturday , a grassroots initiative aimed at celebrating and promoting local businesses throughout the UK .
The campaign , which occurs on the first Saturday in December each year , encourages consumers to prioritize shopping at small , independent businesses in their communities . Small Business Saturday is not just a one-day event but seeks to create a lasting impact on small businesses , fostering a sense of community support year-round . The campaign spotlights the successes of local enterprises and underscores the vital role they play in our communities . On this special day , customers across the UK are urged to rally behind their local small businesses , both online and in stores . It ’ s a day when communities come together to show their support , not just with words but with actions that can make a tangible difference for local entrepreneurs . The Wirral Chamber of Commerce are fully behind Small Business Saturday , as a key advocate for local businesses , the Chamber recognizes the importance of fostering a vibrant and resilient small business community .
Leader of Wirral Council , Cllr Paul Stuart , said : “ I know recent years have seen small businesses face once in a lifetime disruption and yet many of them have played a crucial role in our communities , supporting their customers and often going above and beyond . This is a fantastic opportunity to show those businesses how much we appreciate them , recognise their importance to our communities and the continuing vitality of our high streets , and is a great chance to give them more support and remind ourselves to make better use of them .”
Paula Basnett , Chair to the Board at Wirral Chamber , is calling on Wirral Communities to get behind Small Business Saturday : " This is an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate our small business community and we ’ re calling on all Wirral residents to get involved in the campaign . If everyone in Wirral were to spend just £ 1 per week on a small business , it would generate an extra £ 16.64m a year into our high-streets and small business economy . Generally , it ’ s been found that a pound spent locally , stays local and its impact on our communities is far more significant . That ’ s the message we ’ re pushing out as a Chamber and we ’ re calling on local people to help boost our small businesses this upcoming Small Business Saturday .”
In anticipation of the day , many small businesses in the Wirral area geared up to participate by hosting events and offering special discounts to attract customers . This not only helps boost sales but also creates a festive atmosphere that encourages community engagement .
Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping event ; it ’ s a celebration of the diversity and resilience of small businesses . By choosing to ‘ shop local ’ on this day and beyond , consumers can play a crucial role in ensuring the prosperity of the small business ecosystem . As the Wirral Chamber of Commerce rallies local support for Small Business Saturday , the hope is that the campaign will inspire a greater sense of community connection and encourage residents to make a conscious effort to support the small businesses that make Wirral unique .
On Saturday 2nd December , the Wirral community joined the nationwide movement , demonstrating that when small businesses thrive , communities thrive . The Wirral Chamber of Commerce , in collaboration with Wirral Council , offers a comprehensive suite of Business Support Services through the Wirral Business Support Services Contract . For more information or to book in a meeting businesses can contact the Wirral Chamber team at info @ wirralchamber . co . uk
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