Former Olympian receives Small Business Loan for ninja inspired gym

Press Release: 

Bootle-based ninja training gym and fitness centre business, HC Ninja Training has received a £10,000 loan from the Small Business Loans fund provided by Regional Growth Funding together with Unity Bank and managed by River Capital.  

HC:Fit – Ninja Training was established in 2016 by current Taekwondo World Champion and former Team GB Olympian Henry Cookey, with the assistance of an MSIF facilitated Start-Up Loan, the business has seen consistent growth in membership and now has more than 40 paying members and steady stream of regular walk-in clients.  

Designed to make fitness fun, practical and accessible to all, the 4000 square foot facility features a ninja-style obstacle course, a fully equipped gym and a separate training area. It is a local version of the popular television series Ninja Warrior UK, in which Henry competed in three series.  

Henry intends to use the recently acquired funds to increase the gym’s marketing presence via digital channels and add prominent outdoor signage to drive further membership numbers. As well as making the gym environment more welcoming with some new and bright decorations. 

River Capital Investment Manager Andy Jones said:  

It is a pleasure to help such a committed motivated and impressive business owner who we have supported before with funding to further grow and develop his business. Ninja Training is a unique type of health and fitness training, so different from the competition and with Henry’s own personal success, knowledge and experience, this will mean his customers will be getting the very best opportunity to reap the full impact and benefit.    

Henry Cookey added: 

“Working with River Capital to get my business off the ground was a great experience; they were so helpful and so supportive and made it possible to make my dream a reality.  Looking to take HC:Fit to the next level, the decision to get back in touch was a no brainer. Working with River Capital and Andy Jones has once again been a brilliant experience. I’ve been helped and supported every step of the way, not only making sure I had the best chance of getting the funding, but also making sure I had the best chance of being successful with the use of it and taking my business to the heights I believe it can get to. I’d like to say thanks for believing in me and making this possible” 

As a provider and member of Responsible Finance, this small business loan showcases the impact River Capital has on businesses looking for support when this is unavailable from traditional lenders.  

 ENDS