Fast growing clothing and sportswear business Gymshark has hit the expansion trail again – helped by property agents John Truslove.
Last year it announced a new headquarters, thought to be the biggest letting in Redditch for five years.
Launched by former Aston University students Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan, the business took 7,814 sq ft at Unit 1, Brooklands, fronting Moons Moat Drive.
It accommodates design, e-commerce, administration and customer service.
Now they have added 5 Brooklands, renting 4,832 sq ft on a five year lease.
It is housing the company’s creative arm – photography, brand, social media and the product team.
Gymshark offers a range of exercise apparel for men and women which has been developed and expanded to include the likes of workout t-shirts, gym bags, running jackets, stringer vests, hoodies and leggings – all emblazoned with the company’s distinctive shark logo.
It serves the 18-25 youth market.
Mr Francis and Mr Morgan co-founded the business when they were still teenagers.
Mr Francis is chief brand officer, Steve Hewitt is chief executive officer, Paul Richardson is chief strategic officer but Lewis Morgan has since left the company to pursue other interests although he is a minor shareholder.
Started in 2012, Gymshark now boasts 100-plus staff and international customers in 180 countries, selling over the internet and competing with the likes of sportswear giants Adidas and Nike.
Mr Francis said: “Gymshark is a fitness apparel and accessories brand, manufacturer and online retailer, supported by an ever-growing, highly engaged social media following.
“It has gone from a screen printing operation in a garage, into one of the fastest growing and most recognisable brands in fitness. This growth comes from a devotion to producing innovative, effective performance wear and a commitment to the Gymshark vision.”
Manufacturing to Gymshark’s own designs takes place abroad, mostly in China.
Ben Truslove, a director of John Truslove, said: “It continues to be a remarkable retail success story of which Redditch can be proud.
“We have built a healthy professional relationship with the team at Gymshark, since letting them their HQ.
“As a result, we were able to agree this deal ‘off-market’, which completed simultaneously with a lease surrender of an NHS Call Centre.
“Gymshark is a fantastic operation which goes from strength to strength.”
Gymshark currently boasts a £13 million turnover but predicts it will hit £40 million-plus in the current year.
Mr Richardson said: “We are taking on three people a day at present, 5 Brooklands is 80 per cent full, and we are already looking for more space in the locality.
“It is down to massive growth in the US and Europe – particularly Germany and France. It is about providing what 18-25 year olds want when they go to the gym.”
He went on: “Redditch works for us because it has good motorway connections and many of our staff live in the area.
“The ethos is the same – making unique, fitted sportswear and accessories to help people reach their true athletic potential.
“Gymshark is dedicated to creating the best fitness products available anywhere.
“We are very passionate about helping people improve themselves, change their lifestyles and reach their goals and we will continue to push ourselves to do so.
“Despite the success we have had I believe we still have a long way to go. I’m very excited about the future.”
