Young entrepreneur invests £250,000 to expand gym business

Former Leeds Beckett student Beth Johnson has invested £250,000 to create Lift Club, a 3,000 sq ft gym in Thirkill Park, Pannal, near Harrogate.

She originally started the business in 2023 at Harrogate West Business Park in Killinghall but was keen to find a larger space where she could grow her portfolio of classes and create a more diverse offering.

Johnson said: “I wanted to provide an environment for total social health and wellbeing.

“I truly believe that by building a functional fitness base, we can lock in our future health. I set out to create a community where everyone can feel comfortable, achieve the fitness they want as well as enjoy a place to meet and relax.”

The 24-year-old has a degree in Sports Nutrition and studied Sport & Exercise Science at York College. She also has eight years of personal training under her belt.

The main gym area at Lift Club houses a range of equipment for both class and individual use.

Johnson and her team offer a personal service with guidance for newcomers and provide one-to-one support.

Upstairs there is a six-bed Reformer Pilates room and a relax and recovery area complete with sauna and ice bath.

Lift Club will be fully operational from 17 February with a pre-opening taster day on 15 February.