Sports and fitness brand smashes through £1 million turnover mark

Yahoo

3 days ago

Former Wales International, Josh Navidi and WRU national squad physiotherapist, John Miles have joined Bearhug as the company smashes the £1m turnover mark for 2025 (Image: Hannah Miles Photography)
A sports, fitness and wellness brand has smashed through the £1 million turnover mark.
Bearhug, based in Pontypool, passed the milestone for the first time and is now targeting further UK growth and expansion into Europe.
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The Welsh sports and fitness brand designs bamboo-based joint supports and muscle sleeves aimed at injury prevention, pain relief, and recovery.
Rhys George, CEO and co-founder of Bearhug, said: "Seeing Bearhug double its turnover for the third year running, and welcoming incredible talent like Josh and John to our team, is proof that our community-driven approach is making a real difference.
"With the support of our investors, customers, and partners, I'm excited to take Bearhug to even greater heights – helping more people move, recover, and live life to the fullest."
The business has reported more than £1.2 million in turnover in 2025, doubling revenue for the third consecutive year.
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Bearhug's growth has been fuelled by a focused expansion strategy and the appointment of high-profile Welsh rugby ambassadors.
ormer Wales International, Josh Navidi and WRU national squad physiotherapist, John Miles have joined Bearhug (Image: Hannah Miles Photography) Former Welsh international Josh Navidi has joined the company as head of athlete and brand partnerships.
Mr Navidi will lead collaborations with sports figures and brands, drawing on his experience as a professional athlete and long-time Bearhug supporter.
John Miles, WRU national squad physiotherapist, has also joined the team as chief medical officer.
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WRU national squad physiotherapist John Miles has been appointed as Chief Medical Officer (Image: Hannah Miles Photography) Mr Miles was introduced to Bearhug's products through his work with the Welsh Rugby Union's medical team and quickly became an advocate.
The company has completed two successful community crowdfunding rounds in the past two years, raising £150,000 from 38 investors across the UK.
Many of the investors are users and supporters of the brand, including Welsh rugby stars Dewi Lake, Rhys Patchell, and Mr Navidi.
The funding has helped CEO Rhys George move into a full-time role, and in the six months following the investment, Bearhug's monthly turnover doubled.
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This growth enabled the company to expand its product range to include socks, hoodies, t-shirts, and lumbar supports.
Founded in 2016, Bearhug was created by individuals with personal experience of long-term joint and muscle injuries.
Mr George suffered a knee injury at 14 that ended his rugby ambitions, while a co-founder struggled with a chronic ankle injury.
Both were dissatisfied with the limited and uncomfortable neoprene supports on the market.
They discovered bamboo-based alternatives used in medical settings in North America and Asia, which offered greater comfort, breathability, and sustainability.
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However, the products lacked personality, featuring bland, clinical designs.
The team saw an opportunity to reimagine joint supports with bold orange branding and a strong community ethos.
Today, Bearhug counts among its supporters former Cardiff Blues player Nick Williams, who credits the products with extending his rugby career by two years.
Other fans include ultramarathon world record holder Rhys Jenkins, Dirty Sanchez star Mathew Pritchard, and numerous current and former Wales rugby players.
Looking ahead, Bearhug aims to double turnover again within 24 months by increasing brand visibility in Wales, expanding across the UK, and growing its export footprint.
The company will attend the inaugural International Running Expo (IRX) in Amsterdam in November as part of its European launch plans.