Jude Poyner, who has been running his gym from the back of Fuel for the last three years, has moved his business to the High Street, opposite South Avenue. Jude started as a personal trainer five years ago and his first job was at a local PureGym, where he began building a steady client base. “After just four months, I felt a pull to create something of my own. I started looking for a space to rent, and by pure luck, I stumbled across Hurstpierpoint—a village I hadn’t even heard of before that day. Excited, I made enquiries about a small space inside a coffee shop on the High Street.”

Slowly but surely, he was able to double his client base and two years ago, he introduced group classes, which welcomed people of every age and ability. “I’ve been part of the Hurstpierpoint community for three years now, and every year I feel more connected and more grateful to be here. It genuinely feels like home.”

Jude needed bigger premises and when the space vacated by the funeral directors became available, he put in a bid, but was beaten to it and reluctantly considered moving to Burgess Hill or Hassocks. “It didn’t feel right—I loved the Hurst community too much. Just as we were about to put in an offer elsewhere, the phone rang. The first bidder for the Hurst property had pulled out. They asked if I wanted to take it on. Without hesitation, I said yes. From that moment, I focused on preparation and taking the time to get the new space looking exactly how it should.”

For more information go to www.japourgym.co.uk