Facilitated by Kirtley Co, Joe Arrowsmith is preparing to move his growing fitness business into new premises next month.
Following a successful first year of business, Joe Arrowsmith is set to move his renowned strength and conditioning gym into a brand new facility – formerly occupied by his friend and fellow gym-owner, Richie Hood.
Joe, a former electrician from Sunderland, decided to switch careers a year ago in hopes of succeeding in the fitness industry. Soon after, he secured a unit in Ashbrooke Sports Club, Sunderland, and set up his own gym – ARROW Strength and Conditioning.
In just 12 months, the gym, which helps members reach their fitness goals through exercise classes and group training sessions, has reached maximum capacity with between 60 and 70 members – motivating Joe to search for bigger premises.
From January next year, ARROW Strength and Conditioning will be moving into Kirtley Co’s Leechmere Industrial Estate, from which Joe will be focusing his efforts on improving the gym’s offering and opening it up to a greater number of Sunderland’s fitness fans.
The unit – which stretches an impressive 6,000 square feet – has been occupied by Performance Fitness Centre for just shy of a decade.
Founded and ran by Richie Hood, the multi-functional training space is home to state-of-the-art training equipment, a top-class exercise studio and more – all of which have helped it earn its reputation as Sunderland’s number one independent fitness centre.
Now, with an aim to travel down new paths, develop new skills and spend more time with his family, Richie has made the decision to close his business and pass his unit on to Joe – who he met through training, when Joe was just 20 years old.
The team at Kirtley Co ensured a smooth handover and in the coming weeks Joe will be working hard on making the space his own, before opening the doors of ARROW Strength and Conditioning’s new home to the public and existing members on January 2nd.
Commenting on the takeover, Joe said: “The move to Leechmere marks a new and exciting phase of growth for ARROW Strength and Conditioning and I’m delighted to inherit a training space that has meant so much to Richie and proved to be so successful.
“It’s a great feeling to have been handed the reigns and to be given an opportunity to make it my own.
“Richie wanted to pass the unit on to someone he trusts and I’m determined to carry on what he started all those years ago – a warm and friendly place, filled with community spirit, loads of support and a great atmosphere. An inclusive and non-intimidating gym, where everyone is made to feel welcome.
“I’ve taken ownership of Richie’s existing gym equipment, so all of that will remain, along with space for personal training and classes. Our old site only allowed for classes of eight, so to be able to offer existing members more room and more availability – along with more freedom to try new things on the gym floor – is fantastic.
“I also plan on refurbishing the on-site coffee shop and building a mezzanine floor for martial arts in the near future, as well as growing the team over time.
Richie, who has worked in the fitness industry for 20 years, said: “It’s never easy to walk away from something you love and have worked hard for, but it feels like the right time to start a new chapter and move on – and I know I’m leaving the site in good hands.
“Joe has the same dedication, energy and passion for the industry as I did when I was starting out and I’m sure he’ll do great things.
“When we met, I had just move into the unit, shortly after having my first child. Now 10 years later, Joe is moving his business into the same building, after having hisfirst child. Our parallels between our professional and personal journeys are so similar – and I wish him luck for the future.
Alex Kirtley, MD at Kirtley Co, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with both Richie and Joe and we look forward to welcoming ARROW Strength and Conditioning to our Leechmere site in 2024.
“Richie has been a brilliant tenant – and now a friend – for the last 10 years, growing from a small unit to one of our biggest at Leechmere. He’s enjoyed a hugely successful career and it’s fantastic to now see Joe paving the way in his new and growing venture from the same space.”
ARROW Strength and Conditioning, Unit 5, Leechmere Industrial Estate, Carrmere Road, SR2 9TW. For more information, contact Joe on 07722 024720