Kenilworth Gym Doubles Membership with Business Support | CrossFit Time Keeper Success Story

A Kenilworth fitness studio has seen its membership double in recent months after receiving business support to refine its marketing strategy and financial planning.

CrossFit Time Keeper, established three years ago by Jack Hill and Steve Turbit, specializes in CrossFit training at its facility on Farmer Ward Road. Hill, a former teacher, launched the business leveraging his background in sports science and martial arts. While the gym initially attracted a core group of members, growth stalled due to ineffective marketing, according to Hill.

Seeking assistance, Hill connected with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and worked with business advisor Marie Stephenson through the Project Warwickshire Business Support Programme. The program, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Warwickshire County Council, provides fully funded support to local businesses.

Stephenson advised CrossFit Time Keeper to shift from a broad marketing approach to targeting specific demographics. This resulted in a significant increase in female membership, moving the gym away from a predominantly male client base. Hill also participated in social media training to enhance the gym’s online presence and gained a better understanding of financial and business planning.

“I decided it was time to leave the teaching profession and wanted to pursue my passion for fitness as a business,” Hill said. “Steve and I had turn into good friends and we decided we would combine our knowledge and skills to launch our own gym. We had really good feedback from clients but we needed to grow, and the support from Marie was absolutely invaluable. It was like having our own personal trainer but on the business side!”

The changes have yielded tangible results. Membership has doubled, with a near 50/50 gender split among members. Stephenson emphasized the importance of adapting the gym’s online presence to reflect the broadened target audience, including featuring success stories of female clients.

“I really enjoyed working with Jack because he was willing to take everything on board and it has been a real success,” Stephenson said. “His membership doubled in just a few months and then grew even further. We worked really well together and I am so pleased to see them in good shape to expand again in 2026.”

Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, Councillor Rob Howard, highlighted the program’s impact on local businesses. “The dedicated support from Project Warwickshire has allowed Jack and Steve to build upon their fitness knowledge and create a targeted marketing plan to increase their membership over a short period of time,” he stated. “The support from programmes such as Project Warwickshire is there to facilitate tiny businesses grow, and thrive.”

Warwick District Council Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Economy, Councillor Ella Billiald, echoed this sentiment, encouraging other businesses in the district to explore the support available through the Chamber of Commerce.

CrossFit Time Keeper is now focused on capitalizing on the increased interest in fitness at the start of the new year, with a continued emphasis on client retention and long-term engagement.