Energie Fitness packs on serious mass as its Scottish franchise network size doubles in a year

The UK fitness industry is booming and looking at how Brits are becoming increasingly health-conscious, it’s unsurprising that the sector is estimated to be worth £22.8bn by 2020. One such player in the industry is énergie Fitness Scotland which is going from strength to strength faster than ever.

The franchise has grown from six to 12 clubs in 12 months – a goal which Mike Carr was determined to achieve by flexing his business braun after taking over as head of franchise sales for Scotland and Northern Ireland a year ago. The new fitness clubs are to open in Ayr, Glasgow, Dumbarton with two in Aberdeenshire and the deal for the sixth has just been signed.

Although a great achievement, Carr didn’t see the success coming when he started as manager of énergie Fitness Dundee seven years ago. However, he credits the growth to the franchise model, which has escalated demand for fitness alongside low membership costs.

Commenting on this success, Carr said: “There are lots of gyms out there for people to go to now, so to stand out from the crowd you need to keep the costs low and deliver a world class service. People also want a gym that is constantly manned, where they are welcomed by a friendly face who can assist them if needed.

“Gym-goers want assistance from well-trained staff who can give them tips and encouragement. Members also want well-run fitness classes at convenient times and want enough of them that they do not have to put their name down weeks in advance. Excellent customer service is vital, you need encourage people to come back.”

Looking ahead, Carr has aimed to add an additional six to eight franchisees in 2019 and after his current achievement, making those gains seems like a realistic goal.