Backpacks company founded by Fylde coast brothers sees turnover pass £2m

The brand which is now valued in excess of £5M, was formed in 2018 by ex Arnold School pupil Nick Costello, a former personal trainer and CrossFit enthusiast, who has credited the growth to a surge in popularity across Europe and the US, with the US market now accounting for more than 25 per cent of total sales.

He said the products spearheading the global sales increase, the Hero Backpack and Hero 2.0 Backpack, were key to the success and were developed after owner Nick Costello was unable to find a functional, durable, stylish backpack that could meet his gym requirements, so decided to create his own.

The backpack won numerous best buy award titles in fitness magazines leading to Built for Athletes expanding its range of products to include accessories.

The sales increase and awards are not the only successes the fitness brand has seen this year. Built for Athletes reached agreement to become the official supplier of the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN team for the 2020 Formula One Championship and now supplies the Hero Backpack to racing drivers Kimi Räikkönen, Antonio Giovinazzi as well as all team personnel in the 2020 championship.

Nick Costello, who originally lived in Preesall, said: “During this past year we have seen a huge increase in growth, especially across Europe and the US and we’re delighted to be posting turnover of more than £2M.

“We’ve now shipped our Hero 2.0 Backpack to more than 25 countries worldwide, supplied an F1 racing team and are trusted by more than 50,000 elite and everyday athletes worldwide.

“Over the next year, we expect to deliver further growth, with our turnover forecast to be in excess of £4M.”

Nick’s brother Danny Costello, head of marketing, said: “At Built for Athletes we believe an athlete’s mindset is to surpass boundaries and continually strive for high performance, to never settle once a goal is achieved but raise the bar higher and go again.

“Nick and I have the same mentality when it comes to developing the brand.

“Our aim for this coming year is to expand our international reach and support more athletes with the right tools and equipment to fulfil their potential.”