Ramsay Fitness case study

Jack Ramsay and his brother, Daniel, launched Ramsay Fitness in Nuneaton in 2019 which provides a group fitness studio and personal training.

They pride themselves on offering workouts that are fast, high energy and results-proven whether that is in their classes, running clubs or its bespoke online coaching system.

The business in Alliance Close on the Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate operates seven days a week.

The Challenge

Jack had an idea to develop a new piece of equipment – an adjustable barbell – because he felt it took too long during 30-minute classes to constantly have to change the weights.

“In a group training environment, a big headache is having to adjust the weight on a bar efficiently without reducing the time of the workout too much since time is often limited,” he said. “We have found a way of solving that.

“Our product will allow trainers to eradicate that problem since it will take five seconds instead of constantly changing the weights which means people will be exercising for longer and burning more calories.”

But after having his ‘Eureka’ moment, Jack wasn’t sure where to start to turn his idea into reality.

He searched the internet for help and came across the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub.

The Solution

Jack was put in touch with CWLEP Growth Hub Account Manager Linda Savitri for advice with the development of the new product and she introduced him to numerous support programmes.

He was initially provided with coaching, commercialisation and funding support from Innovate UK Edge.

Through the Innovate UK Edge programme, Ramsay Fitness applied for a £15,000 grant from the Research and Technology Organisations, which was used to commission WMG at the University of Warwick to carry out further testing on the new product and produce specifications for its manufacturing.

Jack was also successful in applying for a £3,500 IP Audit grant and a subsequent grant of £5,000 to implement some of the recommendations from the audit targeted at protecting the new product via a patent.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technologies to Create, Active & Automate (AMTECCA) via the University of Birmingham helped with product design through £8,800 of funding.

Jas Bahra from AMTECCA added: “It was a pleasure to work with Ramsay Fitness. The company showed great commitment and provided resources for the work we completed which was to explore design concepts for a weight adjustable studio barbell using CAD.”

Based at the University of Birmingham, AMCASH provided fully funded consultancy to Ramsay Fitness by selecting materials for the components of their barbell system.

Michael Small, Business Engagement Manager at Advanced Materials Characterisation And Simulation Hub (AMCASH), said: “A key challenge for us was to select materials to achieve the mechanical strength requirements, whilst also taking into account the potential for corrosion, due to their exposure to a moist and highly saline environment – i.e. sweat.

“We’re delighted to have worked with Ramsay and applied our research fellows’ materials expertise towards an exciting innovation that will contribute to improved fitness and performance for Ramsay’s client base.”

The Result

The ongoing support from the University of Warwick has meant the barbell is progressing towards production, following the necessary procedures and processes before it is brought to market.

Jack said: “Working with the University has allowed us to take our time with everything and now we’re excited what all the planning is going to achieve.

“Once it has been proven and has IP, then we can seek investment like they do on Dragons’ Den!

“I think we will need different investors to fund the barbell to a level where it can be mass produced.

““I have been assigned Nick Burton from Innovate UK Edge as an Innovation & Growth Specialist, and we meet every month which really helps to compartmentalise everything that is happening with the product at the same time as running a business. It is really helpful speaking to someone who has done well in business.”

Linda Savitri, Account Manager at CWLEP Growth Hub, said: “Jack’s experiences highlight the many steps which need to be taken to transform a fantastic business idea into a product which could revolutionise group fitness classes.

“As well as making all the initial introductions, we have kept in regular contact with Jack because it can be an emotional rollercoaster when you are developing a new product.

“All being well the adjustable barbell will be able to be purchased in 2024 and I can’t wait to try it out!”

Nick Burton, Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist at Innovate UK Edge, added: “Jack’s energy, ambition, and enthusiasm make him a joy to work with and is a core contributor to his success to date.

“There are many challenges between having an idea and successfully bringing that idea to market, but with Jack’s leadership and willingness to engage with the innovation support resource he has access to, then he has every chance of making this product a huge success.”