Joe Hodgkinson opens gym in Sunderland after boxing career
Joe Hodgkinson launched Joe Hodgkinson Fitness in Ryhope, Sunderland, offering personal training and boxing training for all abilities.
Since opening, it has seen a ‘steady stream’ of fitness enthusiasts walk through its doors.
Mr Hodgkinson, who began boxing at 11 years old, decided to transform his passion into a business with support from North East BIC and its business advisers.
Joe Hodgkinson (Image: Creo Comms)
He said: “Training has been a huge part of my life and I’m keen to pass on what I’ve learnt, from training camps and coaches, onto others who are working on themselves.
“I wanted to create a space that encourages people to take that first step in improving their physical and mental health and opening a gym is a great way of doing just that.”
He also aims to support those who need rehabilitation, including individuals recovering from falls or strokes.
Additionally, he offers a platform for newly qualified personal trainers to hone their skills.
Before starting his business venture, Mr Hodgkinson sought guidance from the BIC on becoming self-employed and found their Inspire Lab and networking events beneficial.
He said: “I actually found out about the BIC through my mam and reached out for some advice.
“From getting registered as a business to developing my website, the BIC has been a huge help – I went to the Inspire Lab networking event and met with like-minded people, it’s just been great to be able to bounce ideas off people and learn from other start-up founders.”
Joe Hodgkinson Fitness has also attracted interest from charities keen on conducting fitness sessions at the gym.
The young entrepreneur is keen on expanding his team and opening more locations in future.
Hina Joshi, business adviser at the North East BIC, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Joe and supporting him on his business journey.
“He’s really open to advice and ideas, and this is reflected in how the business has grown in such a short space of time.”
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Councillor Kevin Johnston also praised Joe’s venture as part of the Enterprising Sunderland programme.
He said: “Its impact on the city’s economy has been really positive as we make sure that entrepreneurs and businesses in the area have the necessary tools to grow.
“Joe Hodgkinson Fitness is another great start-up in the area, encouraging others to take better care of their mental and physical well-being and I look forward to seeing the business grow further.”