SCOTTISH gym supplier Anytime Leisure has set its sights on expanding in Europe and the Middle East after landing a £1 million funding package from Clydesdale Bank.

The Newbridge company, which provides gym equipment to the retail, wholesale and leisure trades, said the boost will allow it to take on staff and introduce its own range of gym accessories.

The deal gives it the resources to add at least five roles to its 37-strong headcount further to the deal, while investing in producing and stocking its own brand of gym equipment.

The company, which counts several high street gyms among its UK customers, said the accessories will be sold under the Origin Fitness brand.

The financial injection from the bank comes as the firm aims to boost turnover by 75 per cent in its current financial year, amid growing demand for its equipment in Europe and the Middle East.

Managing director Paul Bodger said: "We started the business with just two people at a time when the sport and leisure industry was really starting to take off.

"Our growth has matched that demand and we're proud to now be expanding beyond the UK and in to new continents.

"Our continued success is built on a commitment to not only deliver the quality products our customers are looking for, but to ensure the way in which we do it positively differentiates us from our competitors.

"We pride ourselves on our promise to make things right, with the minimum of fuss, for our customers if there are any issues."

John Brebner, head of Clydesdale Bank's business and private banking centre in Edinburgh, said: "We are pleased to be supporting a local company to realise its ambitions by expanding in to new foreign markets.

"We are committed to helping businesses grow by assisting them in identifying opportunities and providing the support to take those opportunities."

Anytime Anywhere was set up by entrepreneurs Paul Bodger, and Josh Bicknell in 2009, who were joined by former tennis coach Jonny Curley the following year.

The company moved into its 9000 square feet headquarters in Newbridge last autumn, shortly before it secured a £4 million deal to fit out 18 publicly-owned gyms across North Lanarkshire over a five-year period.

The previous year it landed a six-figure deal to fit out and maintain the gym at Google's headquarters in London.

The company has also carried out work for Nuffield, including the refit of the Royal Bank of Scotland's gym at its headquarters.