About – Business Gym

About the Business Gym

The Business Gym was born from a simple but powerful idea: every business, no matter its size or stage, deserves the opportunity to succeed.

What is the Business Gym

Somewhere you can get business fit by using the tools available. These include an online knowledge room, on demand masterclasses, events led by business experts and 121 mentoring.

Starting at just £45pm join our community, find inspiration and get the guidance and support you need.

We’ve also partnered up with a range of specialists so you can access tailored solutions for business growth including website development, book keeping, grant writing and specialist insurances.

Business boost is for members looking to grow rapidly and scale. Our team of experts will get you investment ready from discovery days, bootcamps and 90 day action plans to a 3-5year business plan and pitch deck. Get infront of our business gym angels to secure investment and achieve your ambitous growth plans.

Our story

Our co-founders, all experienced in running and selling successful businesses, have lived the entrepreneurial journey themselves. They’ve navigated the highs and lows of business ownership, from starting up to scaling up and bring their wealth of knowledge and passion to the Business Gym.

We noticed that many early-stage companies and established businesses lacked the necessary support, guidance and resources all in one place. Inspired by this need, we set out to create a unique platform that combines expert advice, a supportive community and access to potential investors – all under one roof.

Just like a fitness gym where people go to strengthen their bodies, the Business Gym is a place where businesses come to strengthen their operations, strategies and growth potential. We provide a comprehensive suite of tools designed to be accessible and affordable, starting at just £45 a month.

But we didn’t stop there. Recognising the importance of specialist assistance, we’ve partnered with a range of experts to offer tailored solutions.

For those ready to scale rapidly, our Business Gym Boost programme provides intensive support, from discovery days and market reviews to creating 3-5 year business plans and pitch decks.

Our mission is to make high-quality business support available to everyone. Whether you’re a startup with big dreams or an established company aiming for the next level, the Business Gym is here to help you every step of the way. Join us, and let’s get business fit together.

Business Gym co-founders

Tim is a digital media entrepreneur from the West Midlands.
He specialises in virtual reality, leveraging the UK’s video game industry expertise. Tim has led regional innovation programs for the UK Government and helped establish university institutes researching 3D environments for education. He mentors new entrepreneurs, sits on the Telford Business Board, and advises the DiT Global Entrepreneur Programme.

Nigel is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. From 2020 to 2023, he endorsed over 75 entrepreneurs for the UK’s Founder and Innovator Visa. At the University of Wolverhampton, Nigel supported global entrepreneurship, helping 50 new businesses in South America and Eastern Europe. Nigel has held roles as Regional Innovation Advisor for Innovate UK, Operations Director at Fujifilm, Quality Director at Westomatic and Manufacturing Manager at Rolls Royce. He has trained over 320 businesses, supported 120+ business ideas, written 110 business plans and taught startup courses to over 700 people.

Jim Cockburn defied his critics to transform foster care and made millions in the process. His journey began in the West Midlands, where he opened newsagents and later bought supreme racehorses in a bid to win the Derby. Despite facing challenges, he built a successful business, eventually buying out his fellow directors for £25 million. Jim’s ventures have helped provide foster care for 45,000 children worldwide. He’s also an art collector, poet, and philanthropist.

As the Co-Founder and Executive Officer of the Martin James Network, Ayyab is a dynamic businesswoman who champions transformation. With a career dedicated to project management and change leadership she spearheads the Martin James Network’s ambitious agenda. Passionate about fostering a progressive work environment, she believes in the power of collaboration and disruption. Ayyab inspires businesses within the network to push boundaries, redefine markets, and drive cutting-edge innovation.

Business Gym coaches

Dr. Rob Harris is a seasoned marketing expert with over 30 years of experience. He was a principal lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton (2001-2019), specialising in helping SMEs develop effective marketing plans. He has published extensively on improving SME marketing through collaboration.

As an Innovate UK assessor Rob won a knowledge transfer award and supported over 60 partnerships with SMEs in the West Midlands. He has presented at numerous conferences and directs his family business, Harris Filters, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges SMEs face.

Raj Kaur is a business consultant with 18 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business coaching and project management. She founded the award-winning India Gates Restaurant and held pivotal roles at business support organisations like Business Link and People Plus.

Raj is skilled in financial forecasting, strategic planning and business plan writing. She is CIMA, AAT and Prince 2 trained and integrates personal development and mindfulness into her work, making her a valuable asset for driving business success and growth.

Oliver is an experienced Agile project manager and technology lead for several startups. He excels in source control, managing multiple projects, design and implementation, consulting and delivery.

With extensive knowledge in web development, mobile apps, games, 3D simulation, VR/AR and AI Oliver helps early-stage startups create technical specifications, advises on costs and deployment and shapes tech-based business plans.

Gurinder K. Powar is a forward thinking, international leader who believes mindset and confidence form the core of building an individual’s potential. She has over 15 years’ experience working with Senior Management Teams, in SMEs and MNCs across a multitude of industries.

Gurinder started her career in Finance, devising investment and pension strategies for High Net individuals in London. She then worked in Singapore, Hong Kong and New Delhi as a Strategic Planner helping businesses achieve their goals

Over the course of working with a breadth of businesses she felt a real passion for helping people develop their capabilities as people form the backbone of an organisation. She has since branched out into creating a wellness business focused on helping individuals develop their potential, achieve their goals and enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle.