TGt Meets... Alix Popham

In our latest TGt Meets, we've been speaking to former professional rugby player turned entrepreneur Alix Popham, all about his unique co-working business: HUB XV.

Where is home and why?

Home is Newport. Rugby took me quite far afield so it’s just nice to be back in south Wales and living life among friends and family.

Describe your business in one sentence.

HUB XV is a collaborative workspace that turns sports clubs into business hubs, with the focus on building a great business community.

What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

In business terms, it has to be what we’ve achieved so far with HUB XV. The past 12 months have been spent putting the business together and assembling an amazing board whose members have all the right skill-sets to make HUB XV a success.

In rugby, the biggest achievements are appearing in two Rugby World Cups and winning the 6 Nations Grand Slam with Wales.

What are your professional goals?

To create a really strong international enterprise community through HUB XV, bringing like-minded professionals together to do business. The focus is also on continuing to help the sports clubs we occupy to tap into new sources of revenue.

What do you think attracts business people to Bath?

Bath is a cosmopolitan, globally famous city and a fantastic place to do business as a result. Visually it’s stunning, the surrounding countryside is beautiful, and access is perfect too with the M4, Bristol and Bristol’s international airport nearby.

If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently?

Not at all – I don’t have any regrets; I’m always fully focused on the next task at hand, and we’re at the start of what I trust will be a long and exciting journey with HUB XV.

How do you like to spend your time off?

Relaxing with the family, being outdoors and being involved in charity events. I do a lot of cycling these days – I’ve been lucky enough to complete the Race Across America three times, helping to raise much-needed funds for Asthma UK in the process.

Where’s your favourite place to eat out in Bath?

The Gainsborough Bath Spa.

Who’s your favourite Bath Rugby player?

I’ll go for two: Taulupe Falatau because he’s an incredible athlete. Also, former England & Lions backrow Ben Clarke who was at Bath in the 90s and early 00s – top player all-round player.

Describe Bath in three words

Great for business!

Find out more about HUB XV here.