Funding deal will enable Wirral openings for gym franchise

An established gym brand has opened in Bromborough, with two further sites proposed for the CH postcode, following a funding deal by West Kirby-based Bathgate Business Finance.

The £32,000 own-book deal is for Transform Hub, which opened in Bromborough this October.

The funding 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.

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.”

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.”

Bathgate’s 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.”