+,-.'$()/01*
doing really well. I liked the concept so much that I decided to buy four of its 2010 in Central London. Within 18 months I had a membership of 2,000.
How much support did you receive in the initial stages? I received an excellent amount of support in the beginning – this support helped me to secure a loan and get a discount on gym equipment. The support really helped in the beginning – once I was up and running I was okay, but the support is still there if I need it. Our operations manager is always on hand to offer ideas and make suggestions and we have a network meeting every few months, where I can meet and chat with other franchisees who can offer additional support and advice.
Describe your typical working day I used to work 12-hour days, but these days I only need to pop in once or twice a week to ensure everything is running smoothly. I usually go in for a personal training session and then afterwards just stay behind to check and oversee everything.
What are your future plans? I’d like to open more sites in the future, but I have to make sure I get the right site, as location is also important. I think there will always be a market for low-cost gyms though and that they will continue to thrive.
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After he graduated from
university Tom Norbury worked in sales and marketing, but always wanted to run his own business. He considered
pursuing a couple of start-up concepts that he was working on, but after having some doubts about acheiving success by setting up in business alone, he began to consider franchising and after plenty
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Businessfranchise.com | November 2012
of research, decided to purchase an Anytime Fitness franchise in Basingstoke.
Why did you decide to go into franchising with Anytime Fitness? I began to look at franchising and the idea instantly began to resonate with me. I researched all the main franchise operators and then came across Anytime Fitness which, straight from the beginning, sounded attractive. much a growth sector and that there had opening with considerable success. wanted to be in the market – middle price, convenient, affordable and with the unique presence in the market was needed and would be well received in the UK.
How was it in the beginning? The support we received from the Anytime very much as though a lot of the stresses that an independent gym operator would feel during a launch were minimised and that we were part of a large, structured operation with lots of industry experience. The franchise corporate training was really me tremendously.
Describe your typical day I decided to be hands-on and run the business as a club manager on a day-to- day basis as well. I wanted to know the my customers are like and what makes them tick. If you wanted a less hands- on approach, the technology utilised in can run their franchises from anywhere in the world successfully. Franchisees have a digital bird’s-eye view on every aspect of their business and can literally look on the club CCTV to make sure their sales teams are doing what they should be. My typical day involves having a debrief with my sales team and then getting out in the town promoting the business and raising awareness, speaking to our members – who are ultimately our biggest sales-people, booking club tours, maintaining the club’s high standard of cleanliness and signing people up to club memberships.
How is business in the current economic climate? I believe that more and more people in the UK are clued up as to the huge importance of leading a healthier lifestyle. the market for price, but crucially is centred around convenience – being member-centric and taking the things out of health clubs that aren’t needed to tough economic climate people want an affordable service but still want to have a rewarding experience and to be valued as a customer. This is exactly what Anytime for three months and has 500 members so things are progressing well.
What advice would you have for others considering a franchise in this sector? Research the sector well. Visit lots of different chains and ask yourself where to the brand and pay money to use it. Ask yourself where will this brand be in the existing franchisees to understand their experiences. Review the franchise contract with a solicitor and your family every aspect of the business plan – go for it!
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