Cheshire couple aiming to improve health with climbing venture
18 April 2018
A Cheshire couple are hoping to build on the early success of their new business to inspire families to get fit and active.
With the support of Avenue Services, Sam Oxford and Ant White, from Chester, are on a mission to improve the health of local people through their innovative climbing venture.
The pair are about to launch Boulder Hut, a large indoor facility which provides a climbing wall for adults as well as smaller boulders for toddlers.
The couple have been working on their business plan with Chris Leicester, the Neighbourhood Partnerships Manager at Avenue Services, receiving advice on premises and funding.
Chris has met regularly with the pair, guiding them through the start-up process and helping them seek marketing opportunities for their business to thrive.
Sam and Ant’s dream has since been turned into reality by raising £386,200 through Crowdcube, a website where the public can support a business idea by investing in it.
Based at the Olympic Park in Poole Hall Road, Ellesmere Port, Boulder Hut offers a range of climbing activities for all ages as well as individual and group training sessions.
Statistics from Public Health England show one in six deaths in the UK is down to inactivity, while 20 per cent of children are obese when they start school.
Sam Oxford said: “Climbing is great fun, suitable for all ages, and has many health benefits so we are really excited about the launch of Boulder Hut.
“The support from Chris and Avenue Services has been invaluable and it was a great feeling to know that we’ve hit our funding target.”
Chris Leicester commented: “Sam and Ant have a real passion to introduce climbing to young people to improve their health. They’re a commercial company but they have intense social values.
“Avenue Services work with a wide range of local businesses, providing support and advice, and it is fantastic to see this venture come to fruition.
“Our Enterprise Service offers business support to people who need it most and we would encourage anyone who thinks we can help to get in touch.”
Avenue Services, which is a not-for-profit organisation, is a joint venture between Sanctuary Group and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Entrepreneurs and small businesses can speak to trained advisers at the Parade Enterprise Centre in Blacon for support with a range of issues including finance and business growth.
It is a free service which has been successfully running since the centre opened in 2015 as part of a £15 million redevelopment of the Parade.
To find out more about how your business can benefit, call Chris Leicester on 0300 123 1741.