The owner of a closed Great Yarmouth has blamed the arrival of two national gym chains for the end of his near-20-year business.

BWell Gym on Bessemer Way in Harfreys Industrial Estate closed down four months ago and is now in the hands of receivers.

From the Gym Group and Pure Gym moving in, enduring the Covid lockdowns and facing rising energy bills, BWell Gym director Spencer McCormack has fought many battles over the past four years.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spencer McCormack, pictured at Great Yarmouth train station in 2010. Picture - NewsquestSpencer McCormack, pictured at Great Yarmouth train station in 2010. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

These challenges were compounded when Mr McCormack's family began facing health issues.

"I have a had a good run, but it is time for me to move on," said Mr McCormack.

"I am going to work out what to do next and be with my family."

Starting at James Paget University Hospital in 2004, Mr McCormack's gym business evolved into BWell. It opened at its Bressemer Way address in 2006.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spencer McCormack (right) at the opening of BWell Gym in 2006. Picture - NewsquestSpencer McCormack (right) at the opening of BWell Gym in 2006. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"At the time, it was one of the only local gyms and we were really popular with the over 65s," Mr McCormack said.

"Many of the members have become like family over the years."

Mr McCormack said the business was very successful, expanding several times since its opening.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Gym Group opened in Great Yarmouth in October 2022. Picture - The Gym GroupThe Gym Group opened in Great Yarmouth in October 2022. Picture - The Gym Group (Image: The Gym Group)

But the events of the last four years, coupled with family health issues, turned the tide on his business.

"When the Gym Group announced it was coming to Yarmouth, I thought it was going to be interesting," said Mr McCormack.

"We had had some good months financially coming out of lockdown, so we were going to fight. 

"But when we caught wind of Pure Gym coming as well, we knew it would be tough and had planned to downsize."

Then family health issues took over Mr McCormack's priorities, and his gym company went into liquidation.

"There is a happy ending though," said McCormack. 

"I'm looking forward to being with my family more, making up for lost time. I'm taking some time to figure out what's next.

"I want to wish the private gyms in the area all the best. 

"They are doing a good job.

"But they've got a fight on their hands and they've got to work smart."