Shipston-based JymSpace looks to flex its muscle in hotel industry
TAKING away the fear of having to compete with others at the gym and allowing people to exercise at their own pace is the raison d’etre of a Shipston-based business.
Since launching just over a year ago, JymSpace has gone from a concept in Tilemans Lane to designing and building custom gyms for people to exercise or simply relax. And now JymSpace is expanding its offering into hotels with the aim of going country-wide.
Founder and director Neil Davis, owner of storage firm Tilemans Park and Fosseway Tool Hire, told the Herald that it was in June 2021 when the idea to form the new business came about.
“My wife, Sally, and I wanted to exercise but we wanted to do it in a private space,” he explained. “I already had a private space available at Tilemans Park so I turned that into a nice environment with nice equipment. Archie (Walker) and I started refurbing what I built in November that year and we opened to the public earlier last year and people really like it. They like the privacy and freedom to exercise and relax.
“They can enjoy a nice big screen, a nice sound system and it’s easy to access.”
On how the name JymSpace came about, Neil added: “I wanted something to distinguish ourselves from other providers and it’s about doing things at your own pace instead of feeling that pressure of being in the gym where people are looking at you or you’re trying to compete with their efforts. That is everything I don’t like about gyms. I want to maintain my exercise without the pressure from everyone else and that’s what JymSpace offers.”
Archie, who can be seen playing for Stratford Cricket Club during the summer months, joined as a director in January 2022 to refurbish JymSpace One – as Neil fondly described it. On why he got involved, Archie said: “From my degree in sports science and the sports I have been a part of, JymSpace proved to be an idea that would integrate the fitness industry with people who may not have the chance to exercise or feel like they’re not accepted. The business opens up the doors to that dynamic of people and that’s a powerful and great thing to offer.”
Two months later Andrew Guthrie joined the team as technical director. He developed the technical blueprint for JymSpace that brought all the modern smart technologies together to give the public secure, safe and managed access.
“I’ve known Neil for decades and Archie since he was born,” he said. “I have worked with Neil for many years with his businesses so we already had a professional and personal relationship. When I saw JymSpace I went ‘wow’. I’m not a big gym fan but this is the perfect space, just that alone was enough to get me excited to be involved.
“I’ve got a passion for technology and JymSpace comes with an integrated broadband connection, internet security camera, emergency intercom, facial recognition for access and much more. It’s got everything you possibly need.”
From humble beginnings, the business is now venturing into the hospitality industry by offering its services to hotels. Designed with a unique assembly, each JymSpace is fully portable and can be installed or taken down within an hour.
Neil added: “As the new JymSpace was created with a computer aided design, it can be replicated easily so we know we can manufacture these economically and profitably for our clients.”
He added: “From a business point of view, the hospitality industry is a large market and exercise is a very fashionable subject. What we’re offering is an opportunity for a hotel to have a gym for not only its guests but also to the wider public.”
So what are the future hopes for JymSpace?
“I think we’d like to see a lot of them around the country,” said Neil. “The possibilities are endless. I’m a bit of a dreamer and I think we can take JymSpace anywhere.”
