Bringing The Elite to Every Day

The Fitness Space is creating an environment where results are inevitable

When Tim Benjamin retired from a successful international athletics career, he knew the lessons he’d learned as an elite athlete would serve him and others well if he made the right choices.

Six years later and Tim’s vision for The Fitness Space is being realised through member success stories, prosperous clubs and a unique franchise opportunity. As an athlete, Tim knew that his success was dependent on the environment he created for himself - and it’s this philosophy that’s translated so successfully.

He says: “I wanted to bring the elite to every day by creating clubs that have a community feel and a performance edge. The rise of budget gyms has opened a market for The Fitness Space.

“Our clubs are for people who want an unintimidating and supportive environment focused on getting them the results they deserve. The same is true for our franchise owners - The Fitness Space team is here to support them on their specific journey.

“The fitness industry has been fascinating to be part of over the last decade. You’ll always have people who enjoy exercise and have always exercised being a target for gyms and health clubs.

“Now the market growth is coming from people with healthy living aspirations motivated by the infiltration of obesity warnings and the like in the media. These people seek an environment that supports them to sustain a fitness programme and that’s our market. It’s why our model works in seemingly competition rich areas.”

The growth of The Fitness Space’s franchise network in 2016 has thrust the franchise offering into the forefront of the fitness franchise industry, with 11 clubs opening and 33 territories sold in the UK and Ireland.

Unique model

The Fitness Space proposition is unique in that it thrives in smaller premises than those of traditional gyms (1,500-4,000 square feet), boasts higher than industry average secondary spend, maintains low attrition rates and uses cutting edge equipment with partnership discounts and state of the art technology.

Every member can follow a structured, yet tailored journey. A fivestep member development programme includes The Fitness Coach, The Fitness Discovery, The Fitness Pursuit, The Fitness Review and The Fitness Check Up. An unwavering member focus has translated successfully into the company’s focus and support for its franchise owners.

Unrivalled support

Creating an environment where results are inevitable, The Fitness Space’s mission statement permeates every aspect of its franchise offering. Unlike any other fitness franchise, The Fitness Space offers a comprehensive support package to help franchise owners maximise the financial rewards of the model.

Franchise owners enjoy a headquarter training week, pre-sales planning, annual marketing plans, business planning, funding sourcing, site selection and a dedicated Business Development Manager as part of their franchise package.

Once operational, The Fitness Space’s continual professional development programme is where owners, and their staff, get the chance to deepen their knowledge and skill set. Every month, owners are invited to send their staff to Coach Workshops held at the headquarters of Technogym, The Fitness Space’s equipment partner.

The workshops bring the coaching network together, outside of their club environments, to enhance their technical ability through a mix of theory and practical sessions delivered by a Fitness Space Master Trainer.

The success of The Fitness Space’s network depends on the execution of its model through highly skilled club Managers. In addition to Coach Workshops, monthly Management Training Days are provided for all club owners and managers. The days focus on all managerial aspects involved in operating a Fitness Space club, from sales and marketing to goal setting and performance management.

Franchise owner Mike Hatton says: “The monthly training workshops are one of the main reasons I decided to open my own club with The Fitness Space.

“When considering opening my own fitness franchise, I was concerned about being left alone after being sold the dream. I had heard many horror stories from franchise owners in the industry and researched heavily before making a decision.

“I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. My dedicated Business Development Manager made the process of launching my club effortless and I can continue both my own and my team’s development through their calendar of training workshops.”

Partnerships

Franchisor commercial partnerships and associated discounts are a crucial aspect to explore when considering any franchise. The Fitness Space has developed a network of industry leading partnerships to support its unrivalled business model.

The most noteworthy partnership is with industry leading equipment manufacturer Technogym. The partnership has allowed The Fitness Space to ensure its model is at the cutting edge of technological developments.

The relationship has seen the development of a bespoke smartphone application, allowing members to view their programmes, track their workouts, book sessions and communicate with their coach all via their smartphone.

Recent developments include the introduction of RFI wristbands, allowing members to track their workouts to their smartphone by tapping the screens on both cardio and strength equipment lines.

Steve Barton, Technogym UK Managing Director, says: “The Fitness Space has been a highly valued partner for Technogym since 2012 and we continue to challenge one another to deliver the highest quality facilities with state of the art equipment and member engagement software.

“We are very excited about the future and expansion of the innovative business model, which is disrupting the industry and setting new standards in customer service and the results driven business.”

Uncapped revenue potential

A unique business model, set in a high end ‘boutique style’ environment, allows Fitness Space clubs to attract an audience dedicated to leading a healthy lifestyle.

Heavy member engagement and lasting relationships build trust in the services and expertise on offer. Not only does this lead to industry leading retention rates, it also provides numerous secondary spend opportunities.

Helping members to fast track their results, a range of additional products is available for members to enhance their journey. The ever evolving products include DNA testing, Hot Yoga, Personal Training, Small Group Training, Nutritional Consultations, Health MOTs, Fit Camps and Nutritional Products.

The umbrella of products typically account for 37 per cent of sales across Fitness Space clubs, meaning owners enjoy revenue generation outside of membership sales. Strategic demographic mapping of site locations and innovate sales strategies have seen franchise owners continue to grow individual revenue streams well above initial projections.

Franchise owner Joe Hawkins says: “Secondary spend products combined with its model are what sets The Fitness Space offering apart when it comes to profitability potential.

“The operational processes allow for fantastic opportunities to upsell additional products, allowing members to enhance their experience and fast track results. What I love about owning a club is not only the returns, but the fact we are making a difference to people’s lives. It is a very rewarding business to be involved in.”

Lower capital requirement

Buying a fitness franchise can be expensive. From equipment to property related costs in fitting out your club, the funds can soon spiral out of control. Due to its smaller premises requirements and unrivalled partner discounts, Fitness Space clubs can be started from an investment as little as £50,750.

Club design, layout and project management of fitting out a Fitness Space club are included in the franchise package and property costs, meaning owners or managers are able to entirely focus on the growth of their new business during the pre-launch phase of opening their club.

Franchise owner Chris Wright says: “The project management services provided by The Fitness Space via their property package were a huge help during the initial stages of setting up my club. Knowing all was in hand, my time was freed up in order to implement the pre-sales plan created by my Business Development Manager.

“Without the service, I would not have been able to achieve my pre-sales plan target. With plans to open my second club later this year, the whole club set up process will prove even more crucial, as I will be splitting my time between the two.”

The Fitness Space is actively recruiting like-minded individuals to join its rapidly expanding franchise network across the UK.