Soho Gyms

Soho Gyms was a British chain of gyms spread out across central London.

Soho Gyms
TypePrivate Company
IndustryHealth Clubs
Founded1994
FounderJeremy Norman
Defunct2018
Number of locations
10 clubs
Area served
London, United Kingdom
Websitewww.sohogyms.com

According to filings at Companies House, Soho Gyms’ holding company Ovalhouse made a pre-tax profit of £611,000 in 2014, on sales of £8.02m.[1] In 2017 it was reported that profits were falling due, in part, to increased local competition.[2][3]

History

After visiting New York, entrepreneur Jeremy Norman was inspired to open his first gym, Power Station in Chelsea, in 1983. Following on from this and using his experience in the nightclub world Jeremy opened the Soho Athletic Club in Covent Garden in 1994. Together with fellow founding directors Derek Frost and Richard Taylor, Jeremy rebranded to Soho Gyms and then expanded to include Earl's Court, Camden and Clapham. The Managing Director, Michael Crockett joined the business in January 2003, the group has now grown to 10 gyms including Waterloo, Borough, Bow Wharf, Lewisham, Farringdon and Tower Hill.

Soho Gyms was acquired by Pure Gym Ltd. in June 2018 and the brand ceased to exist on 16 November 2018.

Soho Academy

The Soho Academy was established in 2009, and was created as a means to set a new standard in fitness training.

Charity

Soho Gyms designated AIDS Ark as their official charity. The AIDS Ark Founder Trustees were directors of Soho Gyms, Jeremy Norman and Derek Frost, while Soho Gym staff and members raised money through a variety of campaigns.[4]

They also made annual contributions to provide treatment and medical support for individuals with HIV/AIDs.[5]

References
  1. "Leisure Opportunities: Soho Gyms shrugs off takeover speculation to focus on growth". Leisure Opportunities.
  2. Bourke, Joanna (11 October 2017). "Soho Gyms in a sweat as rivals get leaner". Evening Standard.
  3. Pamben, Deven (13 Oct 2017). "Soho Gyms feels the heat from low-cost chains". Health Club Management.
  4. "» Soho Gyms". Aids Ark.
  5. "Cool places - Good and Green Guides". Good and Green Guides.
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