thebestof Bromley Business Member Breeze, The Urban Yoga Company, has just scooped the prestigious SLBA Best New Business Award - not bad for a business launched during a recession.
Based in Beckenham, Breeze is a state of the art club owned by Claire Dunphy and Nicholas Clarke, specialising in Hot Yoga, Traditional Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Meditation.
Director Claire spoke of their determination to make a success of Breeze during her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony recently:
She said “this business was conceived and created around a kitchen table, and has grown with determination, positivity and sheer guts (with a modicum of creative vision and ability thrown in), not to mention putting everything on the line. We were told we were fools to embark on such a risky project at this time. Undeterred, we forged ahead and since opening the doors to Breeze on 21st September 2009, we have welcomed over 27,000 visitors to the club, proving that indeed the concept works and has exceeded all expectations!”
Created with virtually no financial backing whatsover, Breeze is certainly a success story in Bromley. With it's own relaxed and quirky atmosphere, it is still professional and contemporary, attracting a wide range of ages and abilities, including senior citizens, expectant mothers, children, babies, athletes and beginners to exercise. Breeze's philosophy is toprovide activities that not only boost health, vitality, fitness, wellbeing and rejuvenation, but increase mental focus and a sense of calm and positivity. Breeze’s philosophy is quite simply “enhancing life” and according to Breeze’s many advocates and devotees, "it does exactly what it says on the tin".
Hot yoga takes place in a studio heated to 42 degrees, and due to the heat, the body becomes more supple and flexible, making the deeper postures more effective, reducing the need for damaging rigorous exercise. And with 40% of Hot Yoga followers being men, it's not just "girlie".
Breeze is the only facility in the UK that offers all these activities under one roof. Part of the Breeze appeal is that unlike many mainstream health clubs, participants do not have to be members to use the club. Newcomers are encouraged to use the club and all it’s facilities initially for a mere £20 for 10 days unlimited use. Thereafter, guests can either simply “drop in” each time on a pay as you go basis, buy blocks of classes, or indeed monthly or annual memberships, offering flexibility without commitment to suit everyone’s individual needs.
In addition to the endless array of classes and disciplines on offer, Breeze has a fully licenced restaurant/bar, in partnership with award winning successful local restaurateurs and specialist caterers, Le Traiteur
Breeze also has treatment rooms offering Sundari facial and body treatments, Guinot facial treatment, Leighton Denny Nails, St Tropez Tanning and much more. There is also a team of professional therapists offering treatments such as osteopathy, cranial osteopathy, facial rejuvenation, life coaching, hypnotherapy, hot stone therapy, ayurvedic massage, sports massage and holistic massage.
What's lovely about Breeze is that they're committed to putting something back into the community, being involved with many local charities, promoting awareness and raising funds, with plans to extend this further. In particular, Breeze’s pet charity is Demelza Hospice Care for Children, taking “the spa to Demelza” offering complimentary yoga, treatments and therapies to staff and parents of children suffering from life limiting illness under the care of Demelza.
Claire Dunphy says “Breeze truly is a gem in the heart of Beckenham and whether you are looking to simply enhance your general health and wellbeing, join our inspirational talks, workshops, film nights or book clubs, truly switch off by joining our overseas yoga holidays, Breeze could be just what you need”.
Yoga is proven over centuries to increase health, vitality, productivity, aid digestion, promote healthy sleep and enhance life – and at it’s all on your doorstep. Visit www.breezeyoga.co.uk or call 0208 658 1990 for more information.
Following the intial success of Breeze, the franchise model is in preparation to roll out nationwide. The owners of Breeze are justifiably thrilled that their flagship award winning club has launched and been so well received in their home town of Beckenham, in the Borough of Bromley.
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