Derrith Turner As one of the UK’s leading fitness brands, Powergrip Sport is rapidly changing the game – combining athletic expertise with a genuine desire to give back. Offering a growing range of affordable sportswear and gym equipment, Powergrip is the passion project of owner James Burgess – who first took the helm in 2018 following a series of traumatic personal challenges.
‘My mum is a breast cancer survivor, and my younger sister has suffered two brain tumours – one when she was only six,’ says James, 33. ‘I’ve dealt with it over the years through football, running and sport – because for me, a fit and healthy body means a fit and healthy mind.” James works long hours for the NHS as a healthcare assistant by day, but his role at Powergrip has been attracting major interest
from leading football clubs and academies.
‘We’ve got a great range of weatherproof jackets, shorts, training tops and tracksuits to suit players at every level. We supply the Simon Johnson football academy, and Soccer Hub use our resistance bands,” says James.
‘They’re popular because they don’t snap, roll up or pinch the skin. Workout every day, shove them in the washing machine and they’ll still be as good as new.” Among high-profile figures championing Powergrip is wrestler Zak Knight, whose story was told in the 2019 film Fighting with My Family, produced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Other celeb fans include Love Island’s Gabby Allen and Dancing on Ice star Becky Vardy – wife of Leicester City striker Jamie. Plus Nigel Quashie and his academy and the Kidderminster Harriers.
‘They love our resistance booty bands,’ says James. ‘They’re so good for toning, and flew off the shelves in lockdown.”
‘They’re popular because they don’t snap, roll up or pinch the skin. Workout every day, shove them in the washing machine, and they’ll still be as good as new’
James is also working closely with legendary ex-Aston Villa and England footballer Tony Daley. ‘As one of our biggest supporters, he’s helping us get our positive message out there. People get badly ripped off by other sports merchandise and clothing brands, but instead of money and greed, we’re 100% committed to providing affordable quality for every ability, shape and size.”
James is equally as proud of the team ethos that runs through the firm. “Your tribe is your vibe, and we’re like one big family,’ he says. ‘We give back to charities too, offering surplus stock to the homeless in wintertime. We don’t usually publicise that – it’s just what I want to do.” Born and bred in Kidderminster, James now has big plans for Powergrip. ‘We’re growing massively, and I want to follow my dream and set up a facility where we have a shop, showroom, gym and studio, plus therapy rooms – one for physio and treatments and another for counselling.
I also want a space where we can get older people in for a cup of tea or meal. I want to involve them with the community far more because they’ve got so much to offer. I firmly believe you get back what you give out in life, and that’s really what this company is all about.
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