Carlisle is set to get a new tailor-made women’s only gym thanks to financial support from Business Finance Cumbria.
We recently provided a loan to RWA Studios, in Carlisle, to help the business buy, refurbish and equip premises on Church Street for a new gym, specially designed to meet the needs of women.
Amii Haughan set up RWA Studios four years ago to focus specifically on supporting women to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing. It has gradually outgrown its current home at the Atlas Works on Nelson Street and will move into the new site within months.
“We provide equipment and exercise which is specifically focused on women’s needs to allow them to train more efficiently and effectively,” says Amii.
“There’s also a big social element and we go beyond exercise to discuss things like hormones, financial health, social health and mental wellbeing. To have it all under one roof will just be the pinnacle for us.”
Amii turned to Business Finance Cumbria on the advice of Lindsay Farrer, from Saint and Co chartered accountants, in Carlisle, after high street banks were unable to provide the support she needed.
“The big name banks just weren’t able to lend the amount required to buy the premises and fit it out. They weren’t really interested because our business just isn’t big enough and we didn’t meet their lending criteria,” she says.
“When I spoke to Business Finance Cumbria it felt really personal. We were able to sit down and speak to them face to face. It felt like they really listened to us and made a decision based on our situation and there was a real element of trust there.
“As a small business you need someone to put their faith in you to help you make that leap. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”
Please get in touch to find out how Business Finance Cumbria can help you. Telephone 01768 867118 or email [email protected]
James Todhunter, Investment Director for Business Finance Cumbria, said he wished Amii and RWA Studios all the best for the future.
“Amii and RWA Studios are just the kind of business which we exist to support; those which are full of potential but require capital to drive them forward when they fall through the cracks with other lenders,” says James.
“It is fantastic to be able to support Amii and entrepreneurs like her to be able to push on and achieve their full potential.”
Amii hopes that in the future RWA Studios can spread its reach beyond Cumbria to open branches across the UK.
“I think we’ve got something really special here and I would love to see it grow and support even more women across the country,” she says.
