Property investor buys his childhood boxing gym

Multimillionaire property investor has acquired the gym where he used to train as a youth boxer for £250,000.

Grant Brotherton, 40, from Ashington has overcome a lifetime of adversity including drug addiction, alcoholism and a suicide attempt, and has turned his misfortune around with the purchase of the 5781sq ft Oasis gym and Clipjoint hairdressers building on Woodhorn Road in Ashington.

Mr Brotherton has credited Mr Crick, the previous owner of the gym, who saw potential in him when he was just 15 years old, as the motivator behind his success and the purchase of the gym on his 40th birthday in October.

Mr Brotherton said: “My adversity in life has been matched with the tenacity to get back up, no matter how many times you are knocked down just like in the boxing ring, as my coach taught me.

“I recall a time when my family could not afford my £30 a week boxing academy fees and Mr Crick offered my Dad a job and also gave me weekend work. A gym member also gave me £100 to buy myself the kit I needed.

Mr Brotherton has spent decades buying and selling properties in Ashington and has built up a successful portfolio worth over £6m. His most recent purchase, The Oasis Building, was acquired with financial and tax advice from advisors at Robson Laidler Accountants in Jesmond, and will continue to trade under the same name, serving hundreds of members throughout Northumberland.

Mr Brotherton added: “I am passionate about my local area, Ashington and improving other people’s lives by giving them better opportunities through first class housing.

“Robson Laidler helped me understand my figures. They gave me financial projections, and clever tax planning advice, which gave me the security and confidence to make a sound business decision. But most of all the team helped me understand what I am trying to achieve long term, and how to get there. I completely underestimated the contribution a good accountant can make.”

Director at Robson Laidler Martin Wardle, who has advised Grant on the purchase, said: “It was a pleasure to help Grant with his dream of buying the very building that made such an impact on his life and contributed to his success. With astute tax planning and good record keeping processes in place the gym is built on strong foundations, and we are confident it will maintain positive financial health.”

Mr Brotherton has high hopes for the gym with a launch of new state of the art equipment including ice baths and a boxing ring and new children’s fitness classes.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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