Founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Greg Bradley, Belfast-based BLK Box manufactures and supplies high-performance gym equipment and now employs 70 people. Clients range from Everton FC and the Pure Gym chain to small independent businesses and private homes.

Its culture is embodied in a young, energetic and positive workforce motivated by its slogan ‘Built for Athletes, By Athletes' and a mission to improve health and wellbeing. At its core is a strong team environment with training opportunities and career progression on offer. Employees are encouraged to speak up and provide constructive feedback on company activities.

Ideas for new equipment are tested in the in-house gym where, pre-pandemic, the whole team gathered three times a week for stretching exercises and bonding. These have now moved online to ensure colleagues stay connected as well as looking after their physical health. Free Kindles and an unlimited supply of books provides the mental stimulation.

Community involvement is important to the company which partners with charities that promote a healthy lifestyle. For Healthy Kidz, BLK Box helped fund an interactive app which incorporates emotional and general health and allows users to record their activities. For Battle Cancer, which is setting up a network of health professionals to help people with the disease, it assisted with funding, providing and installing equipment for two of the charity's Moving Forward gyms.