A Newcastle-based fitness professional has built a different kind of gym experience, catering for those who want to improve their fitness away from the bright lights, intimidation and prying eyes often found in mainstream gyms.
If you were to step inside The Backyard in Newcastle city centre you would notice that it does not feel like a typical gym. Founder Georgina Hall wanted to create a space where people could concentrate on getting stronger without the usual burden that comes with traditional fitness environments.
The Backyard runs as a private membership gym, offering one to one and small group training. Sessions are purposeful, yet the overall mood is steady and calm. It is serious about strength, but not about ego.
From the outset, the business has been shaped with the LGBTQ+ community in mind. As a queer-owned space, inclusion is part of the foundations of the business and Georgina has always been clear that people should walk through the door and feel comfortable straight away, particularly those who may not always see themselves reflected in mainstream gym culture.
She understands that when people feel at ease, they return. And over time, that repetition builds trust as well as muscle.
Learning the trade, backing herself and choosing business support
Georgina’s journey into business ownership didn’t happen overnight. She worked for several years in commercial gyms and fitness studios, picking up experience and understanding how different environments functioned. And although she admits to some trepidation about stepping away from full-time employment, she says it’s something that relied on her own self belief:
“I went self-employed over ten years ago. The biggest worry was not having a stable income, but you have to back yourself to make a success of it. It’s worth the worries of running your own business to be in control of your own time and energy.”
When the pandemic hit and gyms were told to close, there was not much time to plan. But she managed to successfully move her business online and she continued to nurture a community of fitness enthusiasts through the lockdowns.
“Although I was nervous about moving all my clients online, I found it was a great way to keep up morale through those challenging Covid times.”
In 2025, Georgina decided that it was time to find a new home for her clients and she set about securing larger indoor premises in the city centre. She says,
“We are now based in the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne, just a few minutes’ walk from Central Station. We specialise in 1-1 and small group training.”
Business support at a key stage of growth
Taking on a larger premises brought added responsibility, of course. At this stage, Georgina accessed support from TEDCO Business Support through the Pathways to Funding Programme, Innovation Super Network. The programme offers government backed support to businesses across the North East as they start and grow.
This support helped her move forward with the expansion plans for her new premises. Working with her TEDCO Business Advisor, Jeff, provided a steady sounding board. Plans were discussed openly. Assumptions were challenged. Decisions felt less isolating.
“It’s been so nice having Jeff as a mentor,” she says. “He even came down to our open day for a glass of fizz and to wish us well.”
That encouragement, alongside practical guidance, helped make the expansion feel considered rather than rushed.
Rooted in a collaborative city
Georgina sees Newcastle as a place where collaboration comes naturally. In her experience, people want others to do well. That outlook mirrors the culture inside The Backyard. Members support one another, push through demanding sessions together and recognise progress, however small.
“You complement and support each other and that’s what makes it fun,” she says. The same spirit can be found across the wider business community.
Growing with purpose
Today, The Backyard is settled into its city centre space, running focused strength sessions in an atmosphere that feels calm and welcoming.
With the larger premises secured and the right support around her, Georgina is growing the business at a pace that feels manageable. Each week, members old and new are getting stronger and more confident. For her, that steady progress is proof that trusting herself was the right decision.
TEDCO Business Advisor, Jeff Thompson, comments,
“It is great seeing Georgina thrive at the new indoor home of The Backyard. Whilst it is early days, Georgina is ahead of projections for the first 2 months. She is also now on the lookout for a 2nd Coach and has been shortlisted for a prestigious business award for which the presentation evening is at the end of this month.
Check out The Backyard for yourself – you’ll find all relevant information on The Backyard gym website.
Thinking about working for yourself? TEDCO can help.
Georgina received support through TEDCO Business Support via the Pathways to Funding North of Tyne programme, an ecosystem development and access to finance project, receiving £900,000 investment from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Investment Fund. The Investment Fund invests £20m annually to promote the economic growth and regeneration of the North of Tyne region. Pathways to Funding North of Tyne is delivered in partnership by Innovation SuperNetwork, North East Enterprise Agency, North East Growth Hub, North Invest & Fund Her North.
Georgina’s story is proof that starting a business is possible with the right support. If you’re in the North East and thinking about starting your own venture, TEDCO is here to help.
Tell us a few details on this Initial Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch to help you as much as we can.
