The Gym Group Gears Up For Expansion

LONDON, United Kingdom — Budget gym operator The Gym Group has announced plans to open 17 new branches throughout the UK by the end of the year.

Buoyed by ‘another year of rapid progress’, founder John Treharne said he was looking forward “to continued profitable progress in 2017.”

Enjoying a total revenue growth of over 22 percent for the year, compared to 2015, in 2016 the chain also saw its membership numbers increase by over 19 percent. These figures are expected to continue rising as more consumers opt for low-cost memberships post-Brexit, argued Treharne.

Currently operating 89 sites across the UK, The Gym Group, founded by Treharne in 2008, is the second-largest operator of low-cost gyms in the UK.

Recently named ‘Gym Chain of the Year 2017’ in the 2017 Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards, the firm’s vision is to provide affordable access to exercise facilities to consumers who want to improve their wellbeing, whatever their lifestyle or destination.

Appointing Nick Henwood to the newly created position of Operations Director, late last year, with his assistance the company hopes to better manage the growing demands of its rapid and ongoing growth.

The former UK and European Operations Director for UK gym chain David Lloyd, has been tasked with driving the continued growth of the company, while ensuring it continues to deliver a great value, member-focussed product.

On course to hit its £8.8 million profit forecast, Treharne credited the company’s new sites, as well as the increase in membership numbers for the firm’s financial achievements over the past year.

Positive about the year ahead, the former professional rugby player explained:

“Our low cost highly affordable model, with a known and predictable cost base, is arguably even more relevant in today’s uncertain economic climate. Our pipeline for new sites in 2017 is the strongest we have ever had with strong cash generation to fund future openings.”