Scotland’s big growth in tech firms
545 tech businesses were incorporated north of the Border in 2020, up from 485 in 2019. Scotland sits within the top three for regional growth, behind the West Midlands and London.
Fitness chain Puregym will reopen its 25 clubs on Monday as coronavirus restrictions ease.
The firm, which bills itself as the UK’S largest gym operator, said the prediction followed the successful reopening of its 230 clubs across England in mid-april.
The business opened ten new sites, which it said demonstrated its commitment to UK expansion at a time when many leisure and retail businesses are shrinking their estates. It said a typical gym had 3,000 to 5,000 members who visit day and night, bringing “much needed” footfall to those local areas.
Rebecca Passmore, UK managing director of Puregym, said: “After 18 weeks of closure we are absolutely thrilled to be opening up our gyms in Scotland on Monday and expect 120,000 workouts over the course of next week.
“The lockdown has been incredibly tough both for our members and our passionate teams. We have 25 clubs with 105,000 members in Scotland and we know how much they have missed the gym these past few months.
“For millions of people going to the gym is an essential part of their daily health and wellbeing routine and we are committed to ensuring it is a safe and enjoyable experience enabling people to be fitter, healthier and happier.”
Gold medal Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, who is a Puregym “ambassador”, said: “The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of exercise in protecting the nation’s physical and mental well-being and during this health crisis we have sorely missed the crucial role that gyms play in peoples’ daily routines.”