From small beginnings in Belfast in 2012, BLK BOX Fitness equipment installations can now be found around the world across a diverse range of sectors, from corporate gyms and educational institutions through to fitness clubs, luxury hotels and wellness centres.
But there’s one particular sector where BLK BOX is capturing the market with its specialised and bespoke strength and conditioning equipment and sophisticated gym layouts and installations – the world of elite sport and athletic training.
BLK BOX founder Greg Bradley – himself a former Gaelic Football player – says serving elite athletes is embedded in the DNA of the company.
“I spotted a gap in the market 14 years ago, when a new gym at my club, funded by a government grant, resulted in an underwhelming result,” Bradley says.
“That’s what planted the seed for me. I couldn’t find the right equipment to train with myself and I knew many other clubs were facing the same problem.”
Since then BLK BOX – operating from a world class HQ and manufacturing base in Belfast – has become a go-to supplier for elite teams around the world.
Serving elite athletes is embedded in the DNA of BLK BOX
Expanding into sport
Its first big contract came in 2014 for Brighton and Hove Albion FC, which has been a returning customer ever since. A foothold in professional Irish rugby came around the same time, with the past decade bringing expansion to a diverse range of sports, such as cricket, golf, rowing and hockey.
BLK BOX can now say it’s worked with around 90 per cent of English Premier League clubs and with its customisation capabilities and personalised approach, every fit-out is unique.
Bradley says: “The process of working with a club starts with us listening closely and asking questions. We gather as much information as we can, speaking not only to managers and coaches, but also to physios and other specialist staff. We need to know the pain points before we design and build.
“For example, if we saw a high degree of a certain type of injury, this could affect the flooring we’d recommend.”
The fact that BLK BOX provides a custom-branded end-to-end solution from design through to manufacture and installation puts it in a strong position when dealing with tight timescales and restricted spaces.
Customisation by BLK BOX results in a distinct look and feel for elite facilities
“Many installations need to be done in the off-season, which means a turnaround of just a few weeks. Clubs have the confidence we can deliver, so that there’s no disruption to their pre-season training,” says Bradley.
“In addition, our customisation capabilities result in a distinct look and feel and we always maximise the use of available space, which comes at a premium in many sports facilities.”
The right mix
BLK BOX also works with a select number of specialist equipment suppliers, such as Concept 2, Woodway and Wattbike, to ensure clubs get the best equipment for their needs.
“It’s important to acknowledge that no single company can be best-in-class for all equipment, and our clients trust us to assemble exactly what they need, whether that’s our equipment, or kit from another leading brand,” says Bradley
BLK BOX’s work with elite sport is looking as busy as ever, with recent fit-outs for Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Centre in Austria and its satellite facility in Cortina, Italy. Projects for Rangers, Manchester United and Liverpool FC have also recently been completed.
Outside elite sports, Bradley is encouraged by the rise in demand for more athlete-focused fit-outs in health and fitness clubs.
“With the growth in popularity of competitive fitness events such as Hyrox and ATHX, the equipment and space needs of health clubs are changing,” he says. “With its elite sports insights, BLK BOX is perfectly placed to deliver these athlete-focused installations.”