Supporting The Gym Group’s revolutionary fitness model with tailored IT solutions

Founded in 2007, The Gym Group has redefined the UK fitness industry by disrupting traditional models with 24/7 access, low-cost memberships, and no-contract terms. From the launch of their first site, they recognised the crucial role technology would play in enabling their innovative business model. To manage this, The Gym Group entrusted Nomical with overseeing their connectivity and IT infrastructure. Since inception, our partnership has flourished, evolving alongside advancements in technology and the growing demands of their business.

the challenge

The Gym Group was a pioneer of the low-cost gym model in the UK and sought to operate efficiently, without sacrificing service quality. To achieve this, they removed traditional reception desks, relying on automation to support their 24/7 business model. A key priority was ensuring secure, seamless enrolment through self-service kiosks, allowing new members to join effortlessly and existing members to manage their accounts independently.

Ensuring reliable and cost-effective connectivity was vital; for the various internet connected services, from the kiosks and access control systems to CCTV, emergency help points, and vending machines.

the solution

Nomical delivered a comprehensive, end-to-end IT solution tailored to The Gym Group’s unique operational demands, designed for scalability as the business expanded. Recognising that any disruption could severely impact operations, Nomical introduced a robust connectivity strategy, including cellular failover, to ensure continuous, uninterrupted service.

To ensure seamless operations and proactive management, we implemented a helpdesk for real-time remote support, complemented by on-site engineers for installations, troubleshooting, and urgent technical requirements.

Central to our solution was our data centres, which provided a secure yet scalable network, enabling The Gym Group to maintain uninterrupted services around the clock.

The implementation process varied across each location that The Gym Group opened across the UK. Some sites required rapid deployment due to construction delays or new internet line installations, and our team was always ready to adapt, often working through the night to ensure tight deadlines were met and operations launched smoothly.

technological growth

As technology evolved, so did our approach. We transitioned The Gym Group from physical servers to cloud-based infrastructure, using a multi-cloud strategy to enhance flexibility and scalability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we swiftly implemented secure VPNs to support a shift to remote work, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. To address connectivity challenges in more remote locations, we explored advanced solutions like high-use cellular connections (including 5G) and satellite enabled connectivity.

Our commitment to continuous innovation remains strong. This adaptability has been crucial as we’ve scaled our services in line with The Gym Group’s growth, from a single site to over 240 locations, always anticipating and meeting both immediate and future technological needs.

strategic IT partnership

Throughout our long-standing partnership, we’ve supported The Gym Group during key milestones, and our role has evolved alongside The Gym Group’s growth. Working in close daily collaboration with their IT team, we provide expert consultation, evaluate solutions, and handle the implementation of new projects that align with their long-term strategy.

This synergy between The Gym Group’s IT team and Nomical’s deep technical expertise has been key to driving innovation and maintaining operational excellence, allowing the business to thrive in a fast-evolving market. Together, we ensure their systems not only support current demands but are future-ready, positioning them for continued success.

ongoing collaboration

Central to our collaboration with The Gym Group is the long-standing and trusted partnership we have developed over the years. More than half of our team has worked with them for over six years, with some team members supporting The Gym Group since inception. This continuity has fostered a deep understanding of their business, allowing us to anticipate their needs and deliver tailored, responsive solutions. Our 98.6% customer satisfaction rating in ticket resolution reflects the strength of this relationship and our commitment to maintaining high standards.

Nomical has supported The Gym Group through every key milestone, from their earliest days to their evolution into a leading fitness brand. As they continue to innovate and expand, we remain a close partner, collaborating with their in-house IT team to ensure their technology infrastructure not only meets current demands but is aligned with their forward-thinking, ambitious goals.

“Being part of The Gym Group’s journey from day one has been incredibly rewarding for all of us at Nomical. We’ve watched them grow from an innovative concept to a household name, and it’s been a pleasure to support them through each step of their expansion. Working on so many exciting projects together and seeing their commitment to embracing new technologies has been truly fulfilling. We’re proud to have played a part in their success and feel like we’re part of their team. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey and tackling whatever comes next!”

 

Jon Dunning, Co-founder and CTO at Nomical.