The UK's largest fitness franchise continues to grow
With news that it will pass 200 clubs in 2022, Anytime Fitness is strengthening its support office team. They will be tasked with coaching and guiding new franchisees to find their perfect location and get the doors open for the first time, but will also be providing market-leading ongoing support as franchisees progress. Upcoming hires include a director of marketing and a franchise performance coach as well as several finance positions.
Despite the disruptions of 2021 closing all clubs for the first three and a half months of the year, the Anytime Fitness network has held strong. Many of its clubs now exceed their pre-pandemic revenue and it managed to open 20 new ones. Two new directors and new support office staff will see the business cement future growth.
Chief development officer, Ben Dixon of Anytime Fitness UK, agrees. He said: “2022 is set to be another big year for Anytime Fitness UK as we continue to embark on an exciting period of growth. The fitness industry is continuing to recover admirably and reaching the 200-club landmark this year is testament to the resilience of our franchisees and the appetite of ambitious entrepreneurs who see the potential in opening their own health club.”
He also highlighted how the growth of the sector had seen the brand given access to prime locations and become a big draw to both landlords and property agents. With 210 per cent growth in the number of property locations that reached the legal requirements. Ben outlined the benefits of this.
He said: “This means we’re able to secure new club locations faster and open clubs in a shorter timeframe than ever for new franchisees.”
In addition to its support office structure, Anytime Fitness has revamped its learning and development branch of its network as Anytime Academy, providing an omnichannel experience to its members and uniform benefits to each of them. These changes give all staff the chance to learn and self-develop.