Bath gym Baskervilles Gymnastics and Leisure, which was launched by two former school teachers, is celebrating 30 years in business, during which it has encouraged more than 22,000 youngsters to get involved in gymnastics.
And supported by Barclays, the firm is looking forward to more success having recently expanded its premises to create a quiet space used for kids’ parties at the weekend, installed solar panels to bring about efficiencies and set up satellite gyms across the city.
It is also considering expanding its main Englishcombe Court gym and facilities further.
Founder Robin Baskerville, who represented Great Britain as a 10m high diver in the 1968 Olympics, began sharing his love for gymnastics at Bath’s Culverhay School by encouraging pupils to join an early-morning and after-school gym club.
It was there he met his future wife Barbara and, as interest and demand grew, they took the bold decision to open their first gymnastics club. Funded with their life savings, re-mortgaging their home and money borrowed from family, the gym opened its doors at the Old Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath.
After 10 years, and with membership flourishing, the gym expanded with support from Bath City Council, and a £150,000 loan from Barclays – the only financial institution which had the confidence and vision to support the project.
They used the funding to build a bespoke, 8,000 sq ft gym in Englishcombe Lane, Bath, also keeping their original gym, although they later too up an offer to sell it, reinvesting the money in Englishcombe Court and consolidating the business under one roof.
The couple say they are delighted how Baskervilles Gymnastics and Leisure has grown from humble beginnings, exceeding all their expectations. It now employs 60 full and part-time staff.
Barbara said: “Looking back, we had no idea whether or not we would be successful but we were determined to make it work. It wasn’t easy getting the funding in place to open our first gym particularly with no track record in running a gym or business, however, our family and thankfully Barclays had the foresight to back us and the bank has continued to do so ever since.”
Baskervilles remains true to its founding principles and continues to coach hundreds of Bath school pupils – although it now also caters across the age spectrum ranging from toddlers to elite gymnasts, as well as mums, dads and grandparents.
Over the years the time and investment in the sport has paid dividends resulting in several elite gym members successfully competing at national, commonwealth and international level.
After three decades, the business has grown into a family concern, with the couple’s three children all involved.
Barbara added: “It has been a great privilege to be involved in coaching gymnastics over so many years, we have welcomed generations of families through our doors.
“We are passionate about providing first class facilities and coaching at every level and with Barclays support this is set to continue in the next phase of our expansion and growth plans. We welcome new members of any ability to come along and see for themselves the benefits gymnastics offers at whatever age and level they choose to participate.”
Barclays business manager in Bath, Steven Smitherman said: “This is a great success story and demonstrates how important it is for us to back start-up enterprises such as this which has now developed a highly regarded gymnastic and sports facility, operates a great business model and is looking to expand further. Baskervilles demonstrates Britain’s flare for entrepreneurialism and is a family firm we will continue to work with closely as they look to build on their strengths for the future.”
Pictured: Robin and Barbara Baskerville with family members Emma, Vicky and Paul and, centre, Barclays business manager Steve Smitherman. Photo by Professional Images/@ProfImages
