Seven ideas to help you stay active this summer

Hello summer! Longer days means more time to get outside and try new activities. With Wimbledon kicking off next week, we wanted to share some of our favourite ways to get fit this summer, featuring businesses who specialise in keeping people active. So come along and join us on our journey across the UK as we visit some of these extraordinary companies who have flourished thanks to your support.

1. Canoeing in Scotland

Our journey begins in idyllic Scotland at an events and bespoke travel company that will help you kick-start your active summer. Sporting Scotland is run by a team of adventurous individuals who run a number of different activities including canoeing and sea kayaking down two of Scotland’s most exciting rivers, the River Spey and the River Findhorn. Both routes offer a spectacular chance to explore stunning beaches, coves, islands and cliffs. In order to refurbish their premises, Sporting Scotland borrowed over £30,000 through the Funding Circle platform in April 2017.

2. Cycling in Rugeley

If you’re an avid cyclist then our next stop is for you! Based in Rugeley, More Adventure provides high quality cycling challenges and holidays in various locations across the world. We suggest the 10 day ride from Lands End to John O’Groats – from one end of the UK to another. Nearly 1,000 miles in total, you’ll be travelling through some of the most glorious scenery England and Scotland has to offer. To help expand and explore new products, More Adventure have borrowed finance across two loans since November 2014.

3. Horseback riding in Shropshire

From Rugeley we’re heading West to stunning Shropshire to visit Live the Adventure and test our skills at horseback riding. From instructional treks for the beginners, to four day trail rides for those with a real sense of adventure, the Live the Adventure team can offer packages to suit any rider. To  develop more professional training programs the team turned to Funding Circle in 2014 and were able to secure a cash injection for their business.  

4. Golfing in Gloucestershire

Love golf? Then you’ll love the next stop on our trip across the UK. Sherdons Golf Centre, a family-run business in the Gloucestershire countryside welcomes golfers of all abilities. The centre boasts a 9 hole course as well as a clubhouse with banqueting and bar facilities – a great way to finish a long day on the course. The team at Sherdon’s were able to exercise their long-term marketing plan after borrowing finance from 474 investors in 2013.

5. Hot yoga in Bristol

The next business to visit on our journey is Yogafurie in beautiful Bristol, a hot yoga and pilates studio. Hot yoga is said to improve the circulation of oxygen and nutrients in the body which in turn fuels the mind – it’s a true full body workout. The team of superb teachers offer a range of different classes for all abilities. You could even join a teacher training or workshop if you’re a truly passionate yogi. Yogafurie was able to open a new space after borrowing £20,000 through Funding Circle.

6. Cricket in Hampshire

Next stop: Hampshire countryside. At Funding Circle, we love team sports, which is why we’re challenging you to set up your own cricket match! Don’t have the supplies? Take a trip to Chase Cricket for all of your equipment needs. Since 1996, the enthusiastic Chase Cricket team have been designing and handcrafting the very finest cricket bats for young and old in all levels of the game. To add a sales and marketing specialist to their team, Chase Cricket accessed finance from Funding Circle investors in April 2016.

7. Kitesurfing in Brighton

Our journey across the country ends in delightful Brighton where watersport lovers congregate in the summer. The Kite, Surf & Sup Company is a British Kitesports school and online shop set up in 2014. Founder Christine Johnston is a former windsurfing World Champion so her skills and expertise shines through in all of the lessons she teaches. To help increase stock and upgrade their website to help with online marketing, the kitesurfing company has borrowed finance across two loans from 127 investors.

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