If there has ever been time for people outside the conventional parameters of the industry to come up with new, revolutionary ideas and concepts, it is now. After the pandemic, the industry reopened with a new perspective, looking for targeted solutions to ensure brands stay on the forefront of new trends and behaviors in the way people travel and use hotel space.
Photo credit: Klink
Although we learn (and relate) over time, we know that guests who check into hotels are locked in the trust of their own home for more than 18 months – work, live and exercise in their own space – which has no doubt has the behavior of the guests changed on a general level.
As the changes whistled through the crisp fall, I met with Nikita McCoy, an NHS nurse who came up with the revolutionary idea of launching Klink, a new brand that is setting a new standard in the fitness scene by doing something completely different for the premium hotel industry.
“I felt that more compact, stylish equipment was needed.” – Nikita McCoy, Founder, Klink.
Photo credit: Klink
Hamish Kilburn: So, Nikita, tell us more about how Klink was born …
Nikita McCoy: Klink was born over the first lockdown; right at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. When I rented equipment from our local gym, I felt that there was a need for more compact, stylish equipment. I wanted something easy to use, high quality and practical at the same time. As an engineer, my husband started working with it soon after I brought the idea to his attention. His [engineering] flare allowed us to bring this blurry vision to life very quickly. Working on our design was a positive distraction from the reality of Covid-19 during the lockdown, especially since I was a nurse at the time.
Photo credit: Klink
Photo credit: Klink
HK: Are the days of small, compact hotel fitness studios (which are constantly overcrowded) for the leisure traveler (business / leisure traveler) over?
NM: Gyms will always have their place because they are a positive space. Our aim is to support effective training with high-quality equipment in an environment that is suitable for the user. I believe Klink would be a great addition to any premium spa, especially a hotel suite or guest room where people have easy access to their own devices that they can use in their free time. More and more hoteliers are investing in room furnishings. Exercise equipment should be just as important as a minibar!
HK: Tell us more about the technology behind Klink – how do the mechanisms work?
NM: Klink is patent pending and our modular system sets us apart from others. We have a unique locking technology that is not only effective but also easy to use. The simplicity of our mechanisms corresponds to our brand. Rotate it, click it, lift it up!
“All of our components are manufactured and sourced from UK companies and we are very proud of that.” – Nikita McCoy, Founder, Klink.
HK: Why was it so important to the brand to keep all aspects of design and manufacturing local?
NM: After we founded our own engineering company in 2018, we know about the importance of local manufacturing. All of our components are manufactured and sourced from UK companies and we are very proud of that. It is more important now than ever to support and grow our own economy. I also enjoy building working relationships with other UK based manufacturers and suppliers and seeing what we can do together to achieve business goals.
HK: What do you think is driving the demand for wellness and wellbeing in the luxury hotel market?
NM: The pandemic has changed so many aspects of our world. The physical and mental health is in the foreground. Today more than ever people are looking for movement. The hotel environment is a great way to relax, recharge your batteries, and unwind, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for exercise. Hoteliers take part in this shift change and would like to provide their guests with personal training rooms in their rooms. Many people enjoy exercise as a way to start and increase their day. This shouldn’t be compromised and easily accessible. No hotel wants bulky fitness equipment to clutter the rooms. It is therefore important that it harmonizes with the theme of space – the design of the products must be simple and functional. Klink ticks all of these boxes.
“We are proud to have the only adjustable marine-grade quick release device on the market today.” – Nikita McCoy, Founder, Klink.
HK: Why are Klink products ideal for both the luxury hotel market and the shipping industry?
NM: Klink products find their place in many different environments. Ideal for at home, where space is limited and the customer wants a large variation in weight without a dumbbell stand. In the luxury hotel market, we can offer what we enjoy most and tailor our equipment to market and use our custom storage solutions. Klink is functional and aesthetically pleasing and fits into any luxurious interior design theme.
With regard to the shipping industry, we can manufacture our entire Klink range of custom made stainless steel 316, also known as marine steel. We offer additional corrosion protection against the elements. We pride ourselves on having the only marine grade adjustable quick release on the market today. We are a perfect fitness addition to the yachting world. Add in some quirky, colorful storage cases to secure your gear and you have an ideal space-saving solution.
HK: What’s next for Klink?
NM: As a new company, we focus on brand awareness and lead our product into the areas in which it belongs. We have some exciting collaborations ahead of us and look forward to showing how versatile and fantastic our product is. There’s a lot more to come from Klink in the coming days, so check out this room!
Klink is one of our recommended suppliers and is featured regularly in our supplier news section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main picture credits: Klink
