25
O
NCE UPON a time, not so long ago, ‘ladies who lunch’ pampered because people are willing to spend on fi tness and their health. It’s also about
themselves with spa treatments, and muscle-bound fi tness fanatics creating some ‘me-time’ in our fast-paced, time-poor lives. However, what people
paid premium gym memberships. Today, such pursuits are much are really looking for now is value. And if they get results, it is worth paying for.”
more commonplace. They have become less of a luxury and instead an essential Success during recessionary times isn’t so surprising perhaps, as Andy
part of our lifestyles that we cannot do without – even in a recession. David Knights, LighterLife head of business development, explains: “Health and
Beattie from the energie Group, explains: “Not a day goes by without the media nutrition is a growing marketplace as it remains a high priority amongst
reporting on endemic proportions of obesity in the UK or how the NHS is consumers. It has been a topical issue for the government because of obesity.
overloaded and the need to take responsibility for our own health and fi tness. There is no quick fi x to the problem and it is not going to disappear overnight.
People are now more aware of the importance of looking after their mental Therefore, our services continue to be very important and we are always going
and physical wellbeing and TV programmes such as How to Look Good Naked to be needed.”
market focus
prove that looking good is now on everyone’s radar, too. Exercise has become Traditionally, spas, weight loss centres and gyms have earned a reputation
a part of people’s lifestyles and so they are making fi nancial cuts in other areas for often being overpriced, exclusive and intimidating. However, here are
of their lives.” fi ve franchise opportunities highlighting how the industry is changing. From
Ben Margolis, Movers and Shapers chief executive offi cer, agrees: “We’ve children’s gyms and holistic treatments to weight loss management – this sector
experienced growth in sales and profi tability over the last six months and that’s certainly has the potential for healthy fi nancial rewards.
FITKID
THE CHILDREN’S fitness sector is a massively growing sector
and you only have to look at the adults fitness industry ten years
ago to see the potential growth, says Nicky Kay, director of FitKid,
a franchise that runs fun fitness activity classes for children aged
between 18 months and 16 years. She says: “Different trends
happen at different times, but I think this is happening now because
of education. Parents are now more educated about the importance
of having a healthy lifestyle. Obesity is also on the rise so being
active is so important.
“Even in the recent economic climate we have not experienced a
decline, but instead a rise, which suggests parents will not cut costs
on their children’s health.”
Franchisees do not need a background in fitness, as Nicky
explains: “It’s more important you’ve that worked with children
before because we can teach health and fitness. It is important
franchisees are committed to a healthy lifestyle and are passionate
about the business.”
FitKid has recently launched the LazyTown FitKid franchise,
which uses the BBC’s hugely popular children’s TV show as a
basis for exercise. Nicky says: “It’s great our franchisees have this
unique backing from LazyTown, a programme which is seen in 128
countries around the world and hits £5 million homes.”
total Investment:
From £7,500 plus VAT
Website: www.fi tkid.co.uk
email: nicky@fi tkid.co.uk
Phone: 08700 85 1000
www.businessfranchise.com December/January 2010
BF024-027_Market focus_Dec/Jan09.indd 2 19/11/2009 10:09
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