A community boxing club in Dumfries is punching above its weight on community impact and climate action, thanks to a £3,000 grant secured with help from Business Gateway.

Founded by Ross Phillips, Southwest Amateur Boxing Club has quickly established itself as a beacon of community engagement and physical wellbeing. Since opening its doors in May 2023, the club has welcomed individuals from age seven to over 60, offering a diverse range of classes tailored to different age groups and abilities.

At the core of the club’s ethos is a commitment to inclusivity and removing barriers to participation. The activities, which are largely non-contact, are focused on promoting confidence, fitness and personal growth, with members encouraged to train at their own pace.

This ethos is reflected in the club’s highly successful Boxing for Parkinson’s class, which offers tailored sessions for those living with the condition, reinforcing the club’s belief that fitness should be open to everyone.

Understanding that financial pressures can prevent some young people from participating in sport, the club runs a dedicated sponsorship initiative for members aged seven to 16.

This is also fully self-funded through membership fees, all of which are reinvested to maintain facilities, purchase equipment, and create opportunities for members to progress through competitions and structured training.

To help realise his vision of an inclusive, community-focused boxing club to life, Ross approached his local Business Gateway team in February 2023, and was supported throughout the start-up process by adviser Gary Calderwood who provided expert one-to-one guidance from the early planning stages through to launch, using Business Gateway’s ‘Planning to Start’ tool to help Ross shape his business plan, as well as signposting and application support with routes to funding.

Thanks to the support, Ross was able to secure a £3,000 Climate Resilience Grant for Net Zero Adaptations from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding enabled the club to replace its outdated lighting with a bright, energy-efficient LED system, significantly improving the gym’s sustainability and atmosphere.

Ross Phillips, founder of Southwest Amateur Boxing Club, said:

"We’re passionate about making boxing a tool for positive change. With support from Business Gateway, we’ve been able to make our gym more accessible, more energy-efficient, and a more welcoming space for everyone in the community."

“Our aim has always been to create something inclusive - a space where people from all walks of life can come together, support one another, and build lasting confidence and resilience."

Gail MacGregor, chair of Business Gateway Board, said:

"Southwest Amateur Boxing Club is a shining example of the kind of community-driven enterprise that Business Gateway is proud to support."

“Ross has created something truly inspiring; not just a gym, but a place that champions inclusion, health and wellbeing for people of all ages and backgrounds."

To find out how Business Gateway can support your business journey, visit here.