MEET THE TEAM

MEET DAN - OWNER & COACH

As a coach, owner, and founding member of Built By Novo, my passion for fitness runs deep. With over a decade of experience in CrossFit and strength training, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people move better, get stronger, and build confidence inside and outside the gym.

I hold CrossFit Level 1 and British Weightlifting Level 1 qualifications, combining technical expertise with a love for coaching. My goal is to create an environment where everyone—regardless of their starting point—feels supported, challenged, and excited to train. I thrive on breaking movements down, making them accessible, and helping people unlock their potential one session at a time.

One of my favourite parts of coaching is leading our Engine Room sessions—high-energy, team-driven workouts that test endurance, mental grit, and strategy. I love the atmosphere these sessions bring: big vibes, loud encouragement, and plenty of shared struggle and success. Seeing people push past what they thought was possible—especially when their teammates are right there pushing with them—is what makes this job so rewarding.

When it comes to movements, I’m all about Muscle-Ups and Toes-to-Bar, movements that demand skill, strength, and efficiency. But the Echo Bike? Let’s just say we have a love-hate relationship… mostly hate!

At Built By Novo, I believe in more than just training hard—I believe in training smart, supporting one another, and building a community where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re chasing personal bests or just trying to move and feel better, I’m here to help you put in the work and enjoy the process along the way.

Let’s get after it

MEET ELLEN - OWNER & COACH

As a coach and key part of the Built By Novo team, I bring over six years of coaching experience and a deep passion for strength training, movement, and empowerment. Since joining Novo in 2021, I’ve made it my mission to create an environment where everyone—especially women—feel strong, capable, and supported.

As the only female coach at the gym, I take pride in fostering a space where female empowerment is at the forefront. Whether it's helping someone hit their first lift, guiding pre- and postnatal members through safe training, or inspiring the next generation through CrossFit Kids coaching, my goal is to help as many people as possible discover the benefits of lifting and movement. I truly believe that strength training isn't just about what happens in the gym—it’s about improving quality of life, building confidence, and unlocking potential.

You’ll find me coaching on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, always ready to bring energy, encouragement, and a bit of tough love to help people push past their limits. Give me a heavy barbell any day—that’s my happy place! But when it comes to running? Let’s just say I’ll stick to weightlifting, thanks!

At Built By Novo, we’re more than just a gym—we’re a community that lifts each other up, in every sense of the word. Whether you're stepping into your first class or chasing a new PB, I’m here to help, guide, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Lift strong. Move well. Feel empowered

MEET HUGH - OWNER & COACH

Since joining the Built By Novo coaching team three years ago, I’ve been on a mission to help people move better, train smarter, and enjoy the process of getting fitter. My transition from general gym training to CrossFit reignited my passion for fitness, and now, I get to share that passion with others every single day.

What makes my coaching style unique? My background in neuroscience. I love breaking down complex movementsinto a way that’s simple, logical, and easy for the brain to process. Whether it’s refining technique, improving efficiency, or helping athletes overcome mental barriers in training, my approach is all about understanding how the mind and body work together to optimise performance.

You’ll find me coaching Tuesday and Thursday evenings, where I cover CrossFit, gymnastics, and barbell work. Gymnastics movements are my absolute favourite to train—there’s something about the mix of control, strength, and technique that makes them so rewarding to master. That said, if you’re looking for me during long cardio workouts? I’ll be hiding in the corner—anything over 10 minutes is my kryptonite!

At Built By Novo, I’m all about helping people unlock their potential, have fun with their training, and gain confidence in what their body is capable of. Whether you're looking to refine skills, build strength, or just move better, I’m here to help every step of the way.

Train smart. Move well. Enjoy the process.

MEET DEVON - HEAD COACH

My journey into coaching and CrossFit came after a competitive rugby career and completing a degree in Strength, Conditioning, and Injury Rehabilitation over four years ago. Over the last six years, I’ve gained extensive experience working with a wide range of individuals—from everyday athletes looking to improve their fitness to world-class competitors striving for peak performance.

One of my biggest passions is coaching adaptive athletes and individuals recovering from injury or long-term conditions. I strongly believe that fitness should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, and I’ve dedicated a huge part of my career to helping people overcome physical barriers, regain confidence in movement, and rebuild strength in a way that’s safe, effective, and empowering. To further this mission, I’ve developed an accredited course designed to train other coaches on how to support adaptive athletes inside the gym. This is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’ll be bringing it to Built By Novo soon to ensure that our coaching team continues to grow in knowledge, inclusivity, and expertise.

Since joining Built By Novo almost a year ago, I’ve taken on programming duties, ensuring that every session is designed to challenge, develop, and support members at every level. But what truly makes this place special? The incredible community. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew Novo was more than just a gym—it’s a place where people push themselves, support each other, and celebrate every success together.

With our new space, upgraded equipment, and exciting events on the horizon, I can’t wait to see Built By Novo grow from strength to strength. Whether you're looking to build power, refine technique, or simply become a fitter, stronger version of yourself, I’m here to help you put in the work and enjoy the process along the way.

Let’s keep raising the bar.

MEET VIX - THE BOSS

As Dan’s wife and a core member of the Built By Novo owners team, I work behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and with the same level of passion that defines our community. While I might not be coaching on the gym floor, my role is all about keeping the gears turning—from business operations and logisticsto ensuring that every member feels the benefits of a well-run, well-equipped, and welcoming space.

Beyond my work at Built By Novo, my background is rooted in healthcare. I spent 15 years working in the NHS, specialising in tissue viability, before transitioning into the aesthetics industry, where I now run my own successful aesthetics clinic. My experience across both medical and wellness fields has shaped my belief that confidence, health, and well-being go hand in hand, whether that’s through fitness, recovery, or self-care.

Being part of Novo’s journey has been an incredible experience, watching it grow from an idea into a thriving, tight-knit community. Seeing the impact this space has had on so many people—helping them build strength, confidence, and lifelong friendships—has been truly rewarding, and I can’t wait to see where we take Novo next.

The future is bright, and the best is yet to come!

MEET BECK - MEDIA TEAM/ATHLETE

If you've spent any time at Built By Novo, chances are you've seen me behind the lens—capturing the energy, grit, and camaraderie that make this gym so special. I've been a photographer and videographer for over four years, and at the start of this year, I was honoured to take on the role of running Novo’s social media, bringing our community to life through photos, reels, and behind-the-scenes moments.

But my connection to Novo isn’t just through the camera—I'm also a dedicated CrossFitter of five years. Since starting, I’ve developed massively in both strength and skill, proving to myself what’s possible with consistency, coaching, and an incredible support system. I know firsthand what it’s like to step into the gym as a beginner and build confidence over time, which is why I love showcasing real moments of progress, hard work, and team spirit.

You’ll likely spot me around the gym—in class, at open gym, or working behind the scenes. Whether I’m taking photos, filming, or just getting a session in myself, my biggest advice to members? Act like I’m not there! The best shots are the ones where you’re focused, pushing yourself, and just enjoying the moment.

I love being part of this community, and I’m excited to keep capturing its journey, growth, and all the incredible people that make Novo what it is.

Smile… or don’t. Either way, you’re probably on camera!

MEET LORD CHIPPINGTON THE FIRST - NOVO MASCOT

Ah yes, that’s me—Chip, also known as Lord Chippington The 1st, the official mascot, Chief Good Boy, and undisputed ruler of belly rub requests at Built By Novo. If you’ve been to the gym, you’ve probably seen me patrolling the area, overseeing workouts, and making sure everyone is putting in maximum effort (and giving me maximum attention, of course).

My owners, Dan & Fran, are proud Novo members, but let’s be honest—I’m the real star of the show. While they’re busy lifting weights and working hard, I’m ensuring that every visitor to the gym understands the most important rule of all: Chip always deserves strokes.

If I’m not getting the attention I demand, I have two highly effective secret weapons (although, let’s be real, they’re not so secret):

  1. Barking at you until you acknowledge my greatness

  2. Deploying the ultimate puppy-dog eyes, making you believe I am a poor, abandoned soul in desperate need of love and affection (despite being one of the most adored members of the gym).

I love seeing other four-legged gym members, and yes—well-behaved good boys and girls are always welcome at Novo! But for safety reasons, my fellow furry friends must be kept on a lead and secured to the rig while their humans train. No sneaky WODs for us (unless it involves zoomies, of course).

So, if you hear a bark, know that I am demanding the attention I rightfully deserve. And if you catch my puppy-dog stare, well, resistance is futile. Give me those strokes, and we’ll be best friends for life.

Now, back to my very important gym duties.