Barrhead businessman helping to get Paisley's 2021 bid into shape

Graham Weaver, who runs Origins Fitness, based in Hillington Park, is among those providing backing to the bid to secure the prestigious honour.

The gym is one of a number of organisations visited by a “culture bus” which has been raising awareness of Paisley’s efforts to become City of Culture in 2021.

So far, around 200 local businesses and organisations have formally backed the bid – and Graham reckons his offer of one month’s free gym membership will entice more to come forward and do the same.

Graham said: “I’m originally from Barrhead but spent all my time in Paisley – through work and university – and it used to be the busiest place.

“Over the years, it’s been getting quieter, so we totally believe in backing the bid and getting Paisley back to being a brilliant, popular and vibrant place.

“Health and fitness is also a massive bonus to workforces and they’ll be able to say that, because they’re backing Paisley’s bid, they can give every single member of staff a free gym membership.

“Studies have shown that healthy staff are happy staff.”

Origins Fitness was founded by Graham, together with Pamela Berry, in September 2011 and first opened in a 500 square foot rented personal training studio in Paisley’s Abercorn Street.

However, the gym’s phenomenal rise in popularity led to the pair opening Origins Fitness just 10 months later.

The state-of-the-art gym has since been crowned Renfrewshire’s Favourite Business at the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce ROCCO Awards 2016 and Glasgow’s Best Gym at the Move GB Awards in 2017.

Graham added: “We firmly believe that businesses should invest in their town. This is why we sponsor the likes of the Paisley Panthers ice hockey team and the Paisley Spartans American football team.”

Businesses and organisations that would like to back Paisley’s culture bid can find out more by visiting http://www.paisley2021.co.uk/partners/.