Warrington-based fitness brand Built For Athletes has secured £1.025m funding from NatWest to fuel its plans for global expansion and product innovation.
The facility includes a £525,000 commercial loan and £500,000 invoice financing, providing the fast-growing company with additional financial flexibility to invest in new product lines, expand operations and expand its international presence.
Founded in 2018 by brothers Daniel and Nicholas Costello, Built For Athletes has established itself as a category-defining backpack brand in the fitness sector. The company is known for its high-quality, design-protected performance backpacks tailored to gym users and competitive athletes, and has secured high-profile partnerships with Alpine F1 Team, Williams Racing, Red Bull Racing, Borussia Dortmund and fitness competition brand Hyrox.
Chief executive Danny Costello said the funding was a significant milestone. “This facility provides greater financial flexibility to safely invest in product development, operational capability and international expansion,” he said. “NatWest’s commitment to our long-term vision underpins the company’s sustainable growth.”
The company plans to use the funding to expand its product range, deepen its global brand presence and further invest in digital marketing, developer partnerships and technology to strengthen direct-to-consumer sales.
Nathan Johnson, senior relationship manager at NatWest, said the bank was keen to support innovative, high-growth businesses. “Built For Athletes is an example of the type of ambitious British companies that are shaping the future of sports retail,” he said.
Sustainability remains a central component of the corporate strategy. Built For Athletes designs long-lasting products to combat fast fashion waste, works with BSCI verified manufacturers, uses fully recyclable packaging and emphasizes eco-efficient logistics. It also promotes employee wellbeing, diversity and transparent governance and is in line with NatWest Group’s wider focus on supporting sustainable business growth.
By securing the new capital, Built For Athletes positions itself on the journey from a British success story to a truly global fitness lifestyle brand.
