Dorset: Entrepreneur launches Urban Health and Fitness club with funding from Barclays

A Dorset-based entrepreneur is living his dream having launched a new local fitness and health club with funding from Barclays.

Manoj Patel, a chartered physiotherapist by profession, has more than 12 years’ experience working within the NHS, Army and the health and fitness industry, including the Rackets & Health Club and David Lloyd Leisure.

Urban Health and Fitness launched on September 15 on the 1st Floor, 71 High Street, Christchurch, having been totally refurbished to provide state-of-the-art exercise studios and gym equipment together with physiotherapy, chiropractor, nutritionist, masseuse and acupuncturist services.

Patel now aims to bring his extensive knowledge and experience to residents offering a brand new modern and uniquely designed well-being fitness centre at new 2,000 sq ft premises, which will be in keeping with urban living and life.

He said: “I’ve been looking to fulfill my ambition for some time now of running my own fitness centre. I was excited when these premises became available and delighted that Barclays has seen the potential in my business plan to provide the funding required to refurbish and turn it into a fitness centre. The diverse classes which will be on offer will provide an opportunity for everyone to take part, whatever their fitness level, and by incorporating the well-being element into the same premises, it will provide a natural extension of looking and feeling good all under one roof.”

The business is working with a number of local self-employed specialists to provide the well-being services, which will enable gym membership to be kept to a minimum, while at the same time providing a holistic healthy lifestyle approach.

Alex Douglas, business banking manager at Barclays, Christchurch, said: “It’s been very rewarding joining forces with Manoj and seeing him progress his business idea and developing his strategy. Urban Health and Fitness is a great example of an entrepreneur using his experience and expertise to take the first steps in running his own business.  We wish Manoj every success in the future with his new business venture .”