Britain’s Got Talent finalist secures new Sheffield home for martial arts centre

An empty warehouse in Sheffield is set to become a martial arts and dance academy.

Shield House on Holbrook Industrial Estate will be the new home of Excel Martial Arts, a family run business led by entrepreneur Liam Richards.

Liam featured on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2008 as one half of the combat-dance act Strike.

Excel Martial Arts will create 12 jobs with the opening of its new 15,200 sq ft venue, acquired for £860k.

The company, which currently operates from two smaller bases at Holbrook, will transform the space with £250k refurb.

It will offer martial arts and dance under one roof, including daytime and evening classes for adults and youngsters from three years old. The centre will also feature additional parking and improved areas for parents watching their children.

Liam said: “We established our business at Holbrook in 2010 and have built up a loyal following with the local community.

“We already see around 700 martial arts, dance and fitness clients come through the doors a week, and we wanted to invest in the area and its people.”

He continued: “It was the right time to buy the new building and create the academy. The new place is fantastic, but needs a lot of work to bring our ideas into reality.

“We are convinced that we can develop the club, encourage new membership, liaise with schools and make a real difference to the community.”

Sheffield-based Wake Smith Solicitors advised on the purchase of the premises. Charterfields was the agent on the sale.

Wake Smith commercial property director Paul Gibbon said: “We are delighted to be involved in the ambitious expansion plans of Excel.

“It was good to represent a young, dynamic business with such a great ethos around community, health and wellbeing. We wish him the best of luck for the future.”

The warehouse was previously home to family-owned decorating wholesaler Shield Quality at Work. Charterfields was instructed to sell the property by Sheffield-based insolvency specialists Wilson Field.

Charterfields’ Ian Maycock commented: “Shield House attracted significant interest, which demonstrates that there is strong demand for high-quality commercial units, despite the challenging market. It’s great to have found a buyer who can give the building a new lease of life, while helping to support local employment and creating a positive impact within the local community. We wish Liam and the team all the best with their future plans.”

Excel Martial Arts’ new base will launch on July 21.

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