August 3, 2020 2.40 pm This story is over 48 months old

DW Sports enters administration, Lincoln gym open for now

COVID-19 pandemic lockdown caused financial trouble

The DW Fitness First gym and spa in Lincoln remains open for now as the parent company filed for administration.

The leisure facilities off Tritton Road were open on Monday afternoon but the business is looking for a new buyer.

The DW Fitness First gym in Gainsborough in Marshall’s Yard was not reachable by the time of publication.

They both reopened on July 25 after four months closure due to lockdown. Members were not charged during the forced closure period.

The gym and sports retailer operates 73 gym and 75 stores across the country. All stores will close while administrators try to rescue as many gyms as possible.

Over 1,700 jobs are at risk. The DW Sports website has also been shut down.

There are also 43 Fitness First gyms, part of the same group, which will not be affected. The Lincoln and Gainsborough facilities do not appear to be part of this though.

The coronavirus pandemic was the main cause of the financial troubles at the company, chief executive Martin Long said.

He told the BBC the lockdown closure left them “with a high fixed-cost base and zero income”.

The firm’s income is reportedly around £15 million a month, but that was down to zero overnight, while it still had a £3 million monthly wage bill — though up to 80% could be claimed in furlough.