Wellness Hub grows with £10,000 Start Up Loan funding from BEF
Wellness Hub by Hampson & Co, a semi-private wellness studio designed exclusively for personal trainers and their clients, is thriving thanks to a crucial £10,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.
Founded by former personal trainer Connor Hampson, the Pontefract-based studio was born out of a clear need as traditional gyms often leave clients feeling self-conscious or intimidated. Drawing on his experience in a local gym, Connor set out to create an environment where people could focus on their fitness without the pressures of a conventional gym setting.
The start-up funding was instrumental in making this vision a reality. It allowed Connor to purchase essential gym equipment and refurbish the space, creating a high-quality, welcoming studio.
The idea for Wellness Hub by Hampson & Co was rooted in Connor’s early career. While studying at college, he worked for a local businessperson who later became his landlord. It was through their recommendation that he connected with BEF. After considering various financing options, he found BEF’s tailored approach to be the right fit.
Within just six months of opening in June 2024, the business had already reached profitability, an impressive milestone in the competitive fitness industry.
The Wellness Hub is not just about fitness; it fosters a sense of community. Connor is expanding his offering by introducing in-house seminars on health and fitness, aimed at further engaging the local community. He is also exploring partnerships with local sports teams, including professional rugby clubs, to provide training facilities and increase exposure.
“Gym equipment is expensive, and if I had to self-fund, it would have taken years to get everything in place. The funding allowed me to do everything at once, which was a huge relief. Traditional lenders were impersonal and had high interest rates, but BEF felt like a helping hand. They were willing to provide the funding if I could show I had a viable business. Christian at BEF was incredibly supportive, he was always available to answer any questions I had.”
Connor Hampson, founder of Wellness Hub by Hampson & Co
“It has been a pleasure to support Connor in bringing Wellness Hub by Hampson & Co to life. His passion for creating a welcoming, supportive environment for his clients stood out, and we were delighted to help him secure the funding he needed. Seeing the business grow so quickly in such a competitive sector is a testament to his dedication and hard work. We look forward to supporting his future growth and success.”
Christian Elvidge, Investment Manager at Business Enterprise Fund
“Connor’s entrepreneurial vision is truly impressive, identifying a niche in the fitness industry and turning it into the Wellness Hub. The Start Up Loans programme provided him with support that he couldn’t find anywhere else. It’s amazing to see businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber thrive.”
Cat Smith, senior network manager for Yorkshire and the Humber at British Business Bank
With strong foundations in place, Connor has ambitious growth plans. He hopes to expand into a larger facility, allowing for dedicated spaces tailored to different types of training. This move would enable him to support even more clients and solidify Wellness Hub by Hampson & Co as a leading wellness space in the region.
Thanks to the support of BEF, Connor is well on his way to building a sustainable, thriving business that helps both personal trainers and clients achieve their goals.