As lockdowns begin to lift in the U.K., this fitness operator is ramping up growth.
Anytime Fitness UK, the U.K. branch of the international Anytime Fitness brand with over 175 sites across the U.K. and Ireland, is planning to open nine new locations before the end of May 2021.
This news comes as lockdown restrictions begin to lift in the U.K. At the time of writing, the earliest date that fitness centers can open in the country is April 26, which is also when hospitality venues can begin serving customers indoors.
This newest expansion has begun with the opening of a new club in St Helier, Jersey, with further launches in April and May for Addlestone, Ashford, Daventry, Epsom, Fulham, Newark, Solihull and Penarth.
“As we start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we’re proud to be able to support more ambitious entrepreneurs in fulfilling their dreams of owning their own businesses,” said Neil Randall, CEO of Anytime Fitness UK. “Some of these owners have had openings delayed by over nine months in some instances and can’t wait to open their doors and begin improving the health of their local communities.
“The past year has seen a lot of people reassess their life and business objectives and it’s been great for us to be able to welcome new faces to the network as well as supporting current franchisees to own further clubs.
“While we continue to call for further government financial support following a tumultuous past year for our industry, it’s important to look forward positively and celebrate success stories like this where we’re able to make more facilities available to communities across our network to improve their health and wellbeing, which has never been more important or more essential.”
Pent-up demand means that these new Anytime Fitness UK sites will likely be popular from the get-go, and the new St Helier location, opened on March 15, has already recruited over 750 members before the grand opening.
“We’re so excited to be able to open the first 24-hour health club in Jersey,” said Connor Thorne, director of Anytime Fitness St Helier. “It’s been great to see the reaction from people on the island of what we’ve done with the club and we’ve never been somewhere before that surpasses London in terms of the public’s interest in health and wellbeing. It’s great to be able to open and we’re looking forward to growing with the island and supporting people to live healthier lives.”
