Fitness and technology experts Quoox join Parkside community as business booms

Thriving fitness and technology business Quoox has become the latest tenant to move to new offices in Parkside on the University of Essex Knowledge Gateway.

Quoox was founded in 2020 by Chris Windram and Ben Brand, combining Chris’ software development expertise with Ben’s experience of running small gyms – and his frustration with the software available to build customer relationships.

After developing and launching their software toolkit, their fledgling business was hit by the Covid-19 lockdown which closed their clients’ gyms. Fortunately, their software enabled independent gyms to switch to providing online personal and group training and they were able to start building a loyal client base.

Chris explained: “We came to the market with a new approach, based on high levels of personal service. We provide business support services as well as software, helping our clients to grow their own businesses and increase their profitability.

“We have a high level of referrals and a good retention rate, because we build good relationships with our clients.”

As the pandemic eased, Quoox moved to their first business premises at the Innovation Centre on the Knowledge Gateway in Spring 2021. “The Innovation Centre met our needs perfectly,” said Chris, “it enabled us to get the foundations of the business in place and to start to get known.

“We were introduced to various university contacts, which led to doing some video recording with sports science students and we took on a sports science graduate as an employee.

“We’ve really benefited from being on the University campus and have worked with other companies based in the Innovation Centre.”

With their client-base expanding beyond the UK into Ireland and the USA, Quoox needed more space and to move into self-contained offices. With Parkside just metres away, it was the perfect location.

“It has been brilliant for us,” Chris said. “The facilities and location are excellent, nothing compares to them.”

Chris said Quoox had received great support from Knowledge Gateway Head of Operations Jamie Burns, as they completed their move in September 2022.

The business is now pressing ahead with new product ideas and new services, with plans to recruit more staff as it seeks to develop new markets in Australia and Canada.

Jamie Burns, Head of Operations for the Knowledge Gateway, said: “We are delighted to welcome Quoox as our newest business on Parkside. They are a fantastic example of how a business can grow and develop on our Knowledge Gateway.

“Quoox established themselves within the supported office space of our Innovation Centre and, as their business has grown and developed, they have now been able to move to their own dedicated offices on Parkside. We wish them every success for the future.”