Newcastle-based gym operator PhysiquePro has secured six-figure funding to open its third location, marking the latest step in its rapid expansion across the North East.
Six-figure investment fuels Ponteland launch
The company, founded by Ryan Bolton, received backing from the North East Raise Fund, managed by FW Capital. The money will cover the fit-out and launch of a new gym in Ponteland, with doors set to open on August 17.
Bolton, a finalist in the Rising Star category at this year’s North East Business Awards, said the new site would cater to those seeking a “luxury fitness experience.” The facility will introduce exclusive four-person group classes alongside a schedule of 40 weekly workouts.
“We’re excited to bring PhysiquePro to Ponteland,” he said. “It’s been designed for those who demand the best in every aspect of their lives.”
From one site to three in under two years
PhysiquePro opened its first gym at Bakers Yard in Gosforth in August 2024, followed by a second location in Great Park in December 2025. The Ponteland site will be its third in less than two years.
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Matt Elliott, senior investment executive at FW Capital, called the company’s expansion “an exciting next chapter.” He praised PhysiquePro’s brand loyalty and premium offering, noting that the boutique fitness sector is evolving quickly.
The North East Raise Fund, part of a £100 million regional investment framework led by North East mayor Kim McGuinness, aims to support start-ups and growing businesses.
The rise of boutique gyms has reshaped the fitness industry over the last decade, shifting focus from big-box chains to smaller, specialized spaces. While membership fees at these gyms often run higher than traditional clubs, they tend to attract dedicated customers willing to pay for exclusivity, personalized training, and premium amenities. For operators like PhysiquePro, that loyalty can translate into faster expansion, even in competitive markets.
Bolton’s vision for the Ponteland gym includes not just equipment and classes, but an experience that aligns with the lifestyles of its target demographic. The four-person group sessions, for example, suggest a push toward intimate, high-energy workouts—something that could set the new site apart from larger, more impersonal alternatives.
The official opening is scheduled for August 17.