20 Under 40: Berkley McQueen

Meet Berkley McQueen, 32, owner & CEO at BFITNESS and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2026 recipients

BERKLEY MCQUEEN IS the founder and owner of BFITNESS, London’s sole women’s-only fitness studio. Built on empowerment, inclusivity and community, and offering personal training, group classes and open gym access, the space is designed to help women feel confident and supported. In just two years, McQueen has grown BFITNESS from an 800-square-foot startup into an 8,000-square-foot wellness hub, now home to more than 20 trainers and a collective of women-led businesses.

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What is your biggest career achievement so far, or the thing that you’re most proud of?

My biggest career achievement so far is building BFITNESS completely from the ground up, with no prior experience in owning or running a gym, while raising four young children. I’m also proud of creating a space where women feel safe, confident and empowered to take care of themselves, whether that’s through fitness, postpartum support, HYROX training or simply having a place they belong.

What about your biggest business obstacle (and how you tackled it)?

One of my biggest business obstacles was realizing I had committed myself to a space that ultimately wasn’t sustainable, financially or morally, for the vision I had for BFITNESS. At the time, it felt devastating. I had already invested money, energy and momentum into building in that location, and making the decision to walk away felt like starting over. Instead of forcing it, I chose to pivot. Walking away from that space created room for BFITNESS to grow into what it is today: an 8,000-square-foot, women-only facility with multiple trainers, a woman-owned businesses subleasing from me and a thriving community.

 

When you’re not working, what are you most passionate about?

As a mom of four, so much of my time outside of BFITNESS is spent being present with them, whether that’s cheering them on at activities, planning little adventures or just slowing down together at home. I’m also deeply passionate about my own training. Working out on my own and preparing for HYROX gives me an outlet that’s just for me. It keeps me grounded, pushes me mentally and physically and reminds me why I started BFITNESS in the first place.

On a desert island, what’s the one gratuitous item you’d have to have?

Probably a dumbbell. Completely useless on a desert island, but I know myself well enough to know I’d still find a way to work out — even while stranded. Interview by Kieran Delamont / Photos by Reid Lucier