A new era of workplace wellbeing has arrived at Business Central in Darlington.
The business centre’s on-site gym has been given a new lease of life with the launch of Vixi Fitness Hub, led by respiratory exercise therapist and former NHS auxiliary nurse Vic McFaull.
With a focus on inclusive, personalised fitness, Vic is bringing her unique approach to wellbeing right into the heart of Darlington’s business community.
And the name Vixi, meaning “life” is a reflection of her mission to help people live well and feel empowered through movement.
With 17 years of experience in the NHS and over a decade as a personal trainer, Vic has built a reputation for supporting every kind of fitness journey, with clients ranging from individuals managing chronic health conditions to seasoned athletes.
“I’ve always been into fitness but I want to offer something different to the norm,” Vic says. “Every single client I work with is different and wants different things – whether that’s improving general fitness or improving an injury.
“Often, I work with people who need to do exercise for their health but don’t want to. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them feel the benefits afterwards.”
The launch of Vixi Fitness Hub at Business Central builds on the success of Vic’s existing thriving fitness studio at Teesside Airport, which she opened in 2020. That facility has grown into a multi-room wellness hub offering personal training, sports massage, yoga, Thai Chi, and therapeutic classes.
The move to Business Central marks a strategic expansion, bringing her services closer to Darlington’s professional community located at the town’s vibrant Central Park.
The investment was made possible thanks to a new business partnership with client Jo Clark who was keen to buy into the business and Vic’s dream when she heard about the growth opportunity.
“Honestly, it’s like coming home,” says Vic of her return to Business Central. “I actually worked in the gym here years ago before I had my own business so I know how lovely the team is and what a lovely family environment it is.
“When I learned about the opportunity to take over the gym space, I just knew I had to make it happen. It was a no-brainer.”
The newly-refurbished gym features brand-new equipment including a Smith weight machine, TRX cables, cardio machines, and soundproofed workout zones.
Clients have the option of working with personal trainers or on their own and tenants of Business and Innovation Central have the added benefit of 24/7 opening hours for added flexibility and convenience.
“People don’t want to finish work then drive to the gym,” Vic explains. “They want to be able to get the work done, go home, have dinner, put the children to bed and have a life.
“Having facilities on site at their place of work helps with that work-life balance and means they can also get support for other health issues on site.”
Vic’s plans include expanding access to external personal trainers, introducing classes led by a newly appointed occupational therapist, and offering corporate wellbeing packages. These cover nutrition, massage, mindfulness, menopause support, and bespoke programmes tailored to workplace needs.
She also continues to pioneer virtual reality therapy for people with Parkinson’s – a project she plans to relocate to Business Central, making it more accessible to healthcare professionals and clients across the UK.
Daniel Sanderson, Centre Manager at Business Central, added: “We are absolutely over the moon that Vic has returned to Business Central to share her wellbeing expertise and special brand of positivity.
“With her holistic, person-centred approach, she really is redefining what a workplace gym can be – truly inclusive and life enhancing.”
Business Central and neighbouring sister site Innovation Central are owned by Darlington Borough Council and are managed by the North East BIC. They provide a connected business community at the heart of the town’s Central Park development, offering a choice of coworking, office and lab space along with meeting rooms, events and shared services designed to help today’s entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive.