First franchise network growth since lockdown hiatus for Busylizzy

Two new clubs in Hertford and Earlsfield take network total to 14

Pregnancy and postnatal fitness and baby class provider Busylizzy celebrated its first local network growth since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. New territories in Earlsfield, London, and Hertford bring the network total to 14, expanding the franchise’s local territory footprint.

Although Busylizzy experienced significant digital membership growth during the COVID-19 crisis thanks to the rapid creation of its online service and introduction of Busylizzy Live, reaching 2,500 active online subscribers within two months of launch, the local network had seen no new growth since the launch of the Cheltenham and Fleet clubs in March 2020, just ahead of the first lockdown. 

The Hertford territory sale has been on the table since last year, with new owner Joanna Gee about to sign the contract in the same week as lockdown set in, forcing her to shelve her plans.

“I was so disappointed not to be able to pursue my plans and launch Busylizzy in 2020. However, I hope that the wait will make the launch bigger and better,” explained Joanna. “The upside of the wait for me is that Busylizzy’s response to COVID-19 and subsequent launch of the Busylizzy Live platform of online classes has actually enhanced the business model, meaning that I am now able to offer members an even more flexible membership package that mixes local and online sessions.”

New Earlsfield club owner June Wong is making the leap from fund accountancy to franchisee, seeking a better work-life balance for her young family.

“I knew that even a part-time return to my previous career in fund accountancy would mean at least three full days away from my son. I was impressed with the quality and range of the Busylizzy offering, not to mention the online service developed in response to COVID-19, so I was really keen to create a new local hub for mums in the Earlsfield and Wandsworth area that I live in,” said June Wong. “At the fund, I worked at previously I witnessed so much inspiring entrepreneurship, so I am really excited for this new stage of my career creating my own business.”

Busylizzy was born out of the personal frustrations of its founder, Julie Clabby, as a mum looking after two small children. She spotted a gap in the market for the creation of high-quality class experiences for mums taking their first steps into motherhood - offered in a supportive, personal environment and wrapped up in one flexible membership for the modern family. Local classes can be booked in advance or on the day via the Busylizzy App or online, and cancelled up to two hours ahead of a session for ultimate flexibility, with the option to complete a class online from home (or wherever) thanks to the online platform, Busylizzy Live.

Busylizzy’s creation also allowed founder Julie the opportunity to achieve her professional ambitions while also being ‘mum’ – a principle which holds true for many of the club owners today.

“Somehow, despite the trials and tribulations of the past year, Busylizzy is emerging from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than ever. I believe that the lockdown has prompted a re-evaluation of priorities for many - particularly women - and encouraged many to seek greater career independence and flexibility, as well as a bigger emphasis on family time. I am delighted to be welcoming these two new club owners to the Busylizzy family and I am excited to help them grow their businesses in a way that suits their own lifestyles,” said Busylizzy founder Julie Clabby.

Image: L-R Joanna Gee and June Wong