£320,000 Bridging Finance Arranged for a New UFC Franchised Gym

Opening a gym involves significant costs before it begins generating revenue. From fitting out the space to preparing for launch, our client needed funding that gave the new site time to get established.

Approved Finance Group arranged a £320,000 retained bridging facility for a new UFC franchised gym. The full £320,000 was paid into the business account upfront, with no repayments due for the first 12 months.

Funding structured around the gym’s launch

A facility requiring repayments from day one would have added pressure during the fit-out and opening period. Our Finance Broker, William Davis, worked to arrange a structure that reflected the client’s plans for the new site.

With the funding available upfront, the client could put it to work on the launch. The 12-month period without repayments gives the gym time to open, attract members and begin generating revenue before repayments start.

Why the structure mattered

The amount of funding was important, but so was when the client would need to repay it. In this case, the bridging facility provided both the £320,000 required and breathing room during the gym’s first year.

FInance Broker - Willian Davis comments:

“The key with this deal was giving the client access to the full funding upfront without putting pressure on cash flow during the gym’s first year. It’s a good example of how the right structure can support a franchise launch, not just cover the initial costs.”

— William Davis, Finance Broker, Approved Finance Group

Supporting the launch of a UFC GYM franchise

UFC GYM combines traditional fitness with combat sports training and is seeking franchise partners as it expands across the UK and Ireland. Its clubs offer a range of training options, including group fitness and MMA-inspired programmes.

For a new franchisee, opening a site means planning for the period between the initial investment and regular trading. This client needed access to the funding upfront, without monthly repayments adding pressure while the gym was being fitted out, launched and established.

The 12-month period without repayments gives the business breathing room to open its doors, build membership and begin generating revenue before repayments start.

Franchise finance experience across the UK

At Approved Finance Group, we have supported franchise operators across fitness, food and beverage, and other sectors. We understand that a franchise’s funding needs can extend beyond opening a site to equipment, refurbishment, working capital and further expansion.

We are an official finance provider for Subway UK & Ireland and have supported Subway franchisees with tailored funding. Our Executive Director, George Dunn, also brings experience working with major franchise brands including Domino’s and Starbucks, alongside leisure and fitness operators.

That experience helps us look beyond the amount a franchisee wants to borrow. In this case, the timing of repayments mattered just as much as securing the £320,000.

Planning a new site or business launch? Get in touch with Approved Finance Group to

discuss funding options that suit your plans.