A national outdoor fitness organisation has launched its first range of fitness walking poles with ergonomic handles after receiving support from an accountancy firm.

WALX, which is headquartered in Worth Matravers, aims to produce the highest quality poles for Nordic & Fitness walking in the UK and Europe.

It also wants to reduce the carbon footprint of the walking industry having to import poles from the Far East.

The WALX Total Body Walking Pole, designed to ‘turn a walk into a workout’, and the Xcelerator model for rehabilitation have been launched after two years development.

Chartered accountants Burgis & Bullock supported the business with research and development tax credits and the Patent Box tax relief scheme.

For the past 18 years the business has been involved in the development of pole and Nordic walking in the UK, but it’s the first time it’s launched its own range of products.

WALX has over 100 franchised clubs around the UK and more than 50,000 registered users on its online booking system.

It has recently launched an app to enable the organisation to engage directly with a wider audience.

More than 5,000 instructors have been trained since launching in 2008.

It works with community projects, local authorities, NHS and charities across the UK to promote the mental and physical health benefits of walking.

WALX provides a training service for instructors and is associated with award-winning brand Nordic Walking UK – both of which are brands of Exercise Anywhere Ltd.

Mike Rollason, Managing Director of Exercise Anywhere, pictured, said that launching the new ergonomic pole handles is the next step in the development of the business.

He said: “Over the last few years, we have been working on ways to directly support our customers further and the launch of this new product will allow us to do that.

“The majority of poles used here are manufactured in the Far East and are designed for the European sport of Nordic walking.

“By creating our own products we can ensure they are the perfect fit for walking here in the UK.

“I’ve worked with Burgis & Bullock for more than 40 years since I set up my first business in Southam, Warwickshire, and they continue to be a fantastic support to myself and the business.

“Grant Howard at the firm supported us through the research and development phase of the new project and continues to be a trusted adviser.

“We’re seeing more and more people enquire about joining us as instructors and applying to join our training programmes.

“This has been the case since the pandemic where people have looked to change careers and enjoy an alternative way of life.

“The strength of our business is our network of instructors and we will be equipping them with our new poles, and show that the future of walking pole design is right here in Britain.”

Grant Howard, Partner at Warwickshire-based Burgis & Bullock, pictured left, said: “We have worked closely with Mike and his businesses for four decades and we have been there throughout his business journey in the fitness sector.

“Working with research and development tax credits is an area of expertise for the firm.

“It is fantastic to see the new WALX products come to life.

“We look forward to continuing to our long-standing relationship with Mike and the business.”

• walx.co.uk