Bouldering and climbing centre gets a leg up

About the business

Officially launched in early 2021, Hang On Climbing Centre provides over 180 routes of bouldering, a type of rock climbing performed on small rock formations or artificial rock walls. Leaving behind ropes and harnesses, and instead using safety crash mats for protection, bouldering is a form of free climbing that is high enough to be exciting, but not so high that the activity is hugely intimidating. 

How Business Gateway has helped

Business owner Matt Meyerhoff, who was previously a self-employed cabinet maker, fell in love with bouldering eight years ago, when he and his brother wanted to try out a new activity. After moving back to Scotland from Brighton, what started out as a hobby for Matt soon became the inspiration for a potential business venture when he spotted a gap in the market for a climbing centre in Lanarkshire.  

Armed with a strong business idea but with no previous experience in running a business, Matt approached Business Gateway for help and advice on how to turn his passion into a profitable business.  

Matt accessed a suite of Business Gateway’s start-up services, including 1:1 business adviser support, advice on a business plan, and advice on company regulations. This helped him to access essential funding to equip the Hang On Climbing Centre for its initial opening.  

Matt benefitted from a specialist strategic review of his business plan, which helped to establish Hang On Climbing Centre’s key demographic and identify the key systems, operations, and procedures required to make the business operate and grow efficiently. Specialist marketing support was also accessed to help tailor Hang On Climbing Centre’s website and improve its overall performance.  

Matt was able to develop his digital marketing strategy with industry experts from South Lanarkshire Council’s Expert Help Programme, which is exclusively accessed through Business Gateway. Thanks to the expert advice, Matt has added new services such as loyalty cards, gift vouchers, and various membership options to help grow Hang On Climbing Centre further.  

Working with Business Gateway, Matt was also signposted to South Lanarkshire Council’s Business Grant worth £8,000, which was put towards the development of a kid’s climbing area, specifically designed for younger climbers.  

Matt Meyerhoff, Hang On Climbing Centre, said: “I had little experience in starting or running my own business and so I really needed some direction when it came to turning Hang On Climbing Centre from an idea into a reality. Business Gateway were just fantastic and really guided me through the whole process. I can’t thank them enough for their support.”