Special Feature
I saw how highly Anytime Fitness ranked internationally as a franchise.
How did you find out about the Anytime Fitness franchise? Whilst still living in Zimbabwe and contemplating what I would do upon immigrating to the UK, I began researching various options on the internet. Franchising was one such option and this is where I came across Anytime Fitness. After more research, I contacted Anytime Fitness UK and flew across to meet the team. I then visited a couple of Anytime Fitness franchisees before making a final decision. I was impressed with the franchise and I proceeded to sign up.
Anytime Fitness
Craig Parsons
Prior to franchising, Craig, from Zimbabwe, ran a number of businesses but relocated to the UK with his family to begin a new chapter in 2015. He runs his Anytime Fitness gym franchise in Truro, Cornwall.
Why did you decide to invest in an Anytime Fitness franchise? When contemplating moving to the UK I needed to consider my career path and in doing so, I decided to invest in a franchise for two main reasons. Firstly, having worked for myself for several years, it was important to me to investigate all options that would allow me to continue doing so. Secondly, I realised I needed to consider the fact that working practices in Africa vary somewhat to those in the UK, so it made good sense to invest in a franchise that would give me the support and framework needed to operate my business within my new environment.
Why this industry and why Anytime Fitness in particular? Coming from Africa, the schooling system and social structure is such that I have grown up living a very active lifestyle. I have always participated in and am a keen follower of sports in general and understand the benefits of living healthily. When researching various franchises, Anytime Fitness immediately jumped out at me for a number of reasons, including the fact that I am interested in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The business model appealed to me and
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What training and support did you receive and continue to receive? Anytime Fitness has been very supportive during every step of my franchise experience. With the Anytime Fitness having approximately 3,000 clubs open across several nations, the operational systems and training and support is comprehensive. Not only is the model tried and tested but it is continually evolving with fresh ideas and relevant marketing strategies. As a franchisee, each step to opening my club was carefully laid out and backed up by the professional team at head office. Training and support – especially in sales and marketing techniques – is ongoing for me as a franchisee and for my staff, and this has proved both crucial and beneficial to our success.
How were the early days and how is business going today? The early days involved a tremendous amount of time and effort, as the project was managed through to the point where
the doors were opened for business. Whilst it was extremely demanding, it was also very exciting to see it evolve to become an operational club where we are now focused on meeting our customer’s needs and growing the business. I am happy to say that business has been very good thus far as evidenced by our steadily increasing membership numbers each month.
How has life changed since you opened your franchise?
Since opening my franchise, life for me has been exciting. I am energised and enthusiastic as I am involved in a business that I am passionate about. Not only am I pleased at the prospect of growing and nurturing a successful business, but I am excited about being involved in the Anytime Fitness ethos, which sees us strive collectively to better people’s lives in general by encouraging them to exercise, have fun and live healthier lifestyles.
What plans do you have for the future? Having an entrepreneurial spirit, I aspire to become a multiple Anytime Fitness club franchisee. In the short term, as we have only been operational for a few months, I will continue to be somewhat hands on while we are growing and establishing ourselves as a business.
What advice would you have for anyone thinking of franchising? I would strongly recommend franchising for anyone considering becoming self- employed, and as someone who emigrated from another country, I say that franchising is an excellent option. The right franchise offers you a roadmap with excellent support and backup and a proven model for you to follow that helps you avoid commonly made expensive pitfalls.
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