Derry charity supporting disabled people through exercise wins national award
A Derry neuro-exercise charity has been recognised at HSBC UK’s Small Business Growth Awards for Scotland and Northern Ireland, held at The Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow.
Jenn’s Gym Neuro Fitness Centre – a charity that supports people with disabilities, long-term conditions and low confidence through a fully-adapted and inclusive fitness environment – was presented with the Diversity & Inclusion Award for its focus on impact over profit.
Founded by Jennifer Smyth following a life-changing gymnastics accident at the age of 16 that left her paralysed from the chest down, Jenn’s Gym is a fully accessible charity fitness centre supporting people with neurological conditions through specialist exercise and rehabilitation tailored to all abilities. The charity works closely with families and health professionals to remove barriers, build confidence and create a supportive space where people can grow stronger, more independent, and more connected.
Delivered in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the awards recognise the vital role small businesses play in driving the UK economy and supporting communities nationwide.
Alongside Jenn’s Gym, seven other businesses were recognised across a range of categories, including:
Loughview Health Ltd – Northern Ireland (Micro-Business Award)
Interview Skills Coach – Northern Ireland (Service Excellence Award)
The Lennox Partnership – Glasgow (Community Award)
Green Fulfilment – Glasgow (Expansion & Growth Award)
Woodlands Glencoe – Glencoe (Family Business Award)
Inclusive Play – Midlothian (Innovation Award)
Granite City Chiropractic Ltd – Aberdeen (Startup Business Award)
Jennifer Smyth, Founder of Jenn’s Gym said: “We’re incredibly proud to have received the Diversity & Inclusion Award at this year’s HSBC UK Small Business Growth Awards. This recognition means so much to our team and the wider community we support every day, and we’re proud to be helping people across Northern Ireland build confidence, independence and improve their wellbeing.”
Ann Flanagan, Regional Director for Scotland & NI at HSBC UK, added:
“The businesses recognised are exactly the type of organisations the awards are all about. All of the winners and nominees have grown and strengthened their offerings, each playing a vital role in driving the UK economy.
“The community businesses recognised have also connected with communities across Scotland and Northern Ireland to offer meaningful and supportive opportunities to connect, and we’re proud to recognise that impact through such a strong combination of ambition, resilience and purpose.”
The awards, which launched at the beginning of the year for UK-based small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, are the latest initiative from HSBC UK to champion small businesses and put them in the spotlight.
FSB Northern Ireland Chair, Alan Lowry, said: “I’m very proud to congratulate and celebrate the success of Northern Ireland’s outstanding finalists and winners. Their ambition, creativity, and innovation set the standard across sectors. For over 50 years, FSB has championed small businesses and today’s winners are powerful ambassadors for the future.”