'It's given me confidence': Blackpool yoga studio set for rebrand and expansion
A yoga studio in Blackpool is set for a rebrand and expansion after securing significant investment.
Yoga Blackpool has received the funding from NPIF II – River Capital & GC Business Finance Smaller Loans, which is managed by River Capital & GC Business Finance as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
The investment will support its transformation into a premium boutique yoga studio. The funding will enable studio owner Angela Ross to rebrand the business as Yoga Rise Blackpool and relaunch her business in January 2026.
Infrastructure improvements, including infrared heating equipment, a new website with integrated booking functionality, external signage, marketing campaigns, equipment upgrades, and new offerings such as aerial yoga will be supported by the investment.
The family-run business has been trading since 2016. Angela Ross, founder of Yoga Rise Blackpool, said: "Yoga Rise is a family-run studio that has grown alongside me and my family over the past nine years.
"This investment has made a huge difference, allowing me to finally act on ideas I have long wanted to bring to the studio but previously lacked the resources for. It has also given me the confidence to grow the business; working alongside River Capital, sharing my ideas and financial projections, and being truly believed in has been an incredible boost.
"We remain committed to making high-quality yoga accessible to everyone on the Fylde Coast, offering a wide variety of science-backed, modern classes alongside traditional yoga practices."
Jonathan Nelson, investment manager at River Capital, said: "Angela has demonstrated a clear vision for growing her business whilst maintaining its community-focused ethos. The financial projections are conservative and realistic, and the business model transition is well planned and supported by her teaching team.
Sue Barnard, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: "It’s been fantastic to support Yoga Rise as they look to rebrand and grow. Helping businesses in coastal areas like Blackpool access the funding they need is essential to unlocking local potential. Yoga Rise is a great example of the family-run, community-focused businesses that NPIF II seeks to support."