Q&A: Does easyGym Franchise in the UK?
Becky Martin, writer
The fitness sector is filled to the brim with lucrative business opportunites – what with us putting more consideration into our mental and physical wellbeing. One big name in the industry is easyGym. Today, we learn more about the brand and whether easyGym franchises in the UK.
easyGym is a part of the renowned EasyGroup brand, which also includes businesses such as easyJet, easyHotel and easyBus. The group is based upon a ‘no frills’ philosophy that aims to offer low-cost services to a large customer group. The brand is popular across Europe, but is particularly eminent in the UK, where 98 percent of consumers can identify it. But does easyGym franchise?
It offers customers a unique opportunity to utilise a gym with high-quality equipment for a low monthly fee. While many gyms are struggling to attract new members due to their high fees, easyGym has a bright future ahead. The easyGym division of the group currently boasts almost 100,000 active members and 16 clubs in the UK. The franchise's flagship gym is now situated on Oxford Street in Central London, and the franchise management team have expressed their intention to expand the business across the globe.
Its CEO, Paul Lorimer-Wing, has ambitious international expansions and says:
Once we’re trading in 100 countries, that’s when I’ll call easyGym a global brand.
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Does easyGym franchise in the UK?
Yes, it does. If you’re looking for a BFA-accredited fitness franchise with high levels of brand awareness and franchisee support, easyGym is a fantastic choice. EasyGroup’s emergence into the fitness sector has proven successful; the fact that 40 percent of all easyGym members have never used a gym before demonstrates just how influential the EasyGroup brand is.
History of easyGym franchise
We launched the franchising business in autumn 2017, initially just in the UK, and in the first five months we had more than 1,000 expressions of interest. But for us it isn’t about driving as many franchise sales as we can. By prioritising the number of markets we’re in, we can focus on recruiting as many franchisees as possible that can be successful. – easyGym CEO, Paul Lorimer-Wing
Starting an easyGym franchise unit
Let’s now take a detailed look at the franchise opportunity, including the next steps you can take, how much you need to invest and what you get in return.
Becoming an easyGym franchisee
EasyGym isn't necessarily looking for franchisees with previous experience in the fitness, health and wellbeing sectors, as franchisees handle operations, rather than personally providing fitness services to customers. Therefore, while a passion for fitness is useful, the role of franchisee is mostly managerial and therefore requires management and leadership skills.
To excel in the role, franchisees will need to be excellent communicators with the ability to manage and motivate a small team, and the drive to succeed in a competitive industry. In terms of experience, all EasyGym franchisees must have a good understanding of basic financial practices and be comfortable with modern business management initiatives. You can request an info pack on the easyGym website here.
**Through franchising, we want to become the leading big box, low-cost gym brand in the world by number of countries**. – Paul Lorimer-Wing
How much you need to invest
In terms of the easyGym franchise cost, you’re looking at making a minimum investment of £300,000. It may be possible to borrow a large portion of this from a third-party lender, as easyGym is a reputable brand with a successful business model, a great deal of experience in franchising and a clear vision for the future. Remember that, to get financing, you'll need to develop a strong business plan.
Franchisees can expect to break even in their first month and see their entire investment returned within three years. Compared to many gym franchises, easyGym offers far greater security and a quicker path to profitability.
What you get for your investment
Once you’ve invested in an easyGym, you can use the business’ name and branding, and benefit from an extensive franchise package that's designed to help you succeed.
Support and guidance are offered from the very beginning, as EasyGym’s franchising team plays a significant role in helping you find the perfect location. easyGyms should have between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet of space, but the franchisor will help you find a location that is suited to your budgetary requirements. Then, it’ll advise on furnishings and installing the latest gear.
One of the best things about an easyGym franchise is that it is managed through a centralised digital system. All franchisees can access a cloud-based platform that ensures the smooth running of day-to-day operations. The franchise also offers 24/7 franchisee support and is always on hand to help.
In terms of ongoing support, the easyGym franchising team offers an extensive support package that includes guidance on topics as diverse as business planning, sales, marketing, recruitment and staffing. This means you're never left on your own while you attempt to expand your franchise unit.
What we do have that no other franchise can bring is the consumer-facing power of the easy brand, which is why we’re initially focusing on the countries and cities that easyJet flies to – we’re starting to open up discussions with potential European partners now – Paul Lorimer- Wing
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Start a fitness franchise today
If you’re in two minds about investing in an easyGym franchise, we have plenty of other fitness franchise opportunites on our network. Take Bodystreet, for example, which you can get off the ground for as little as £10,000. With so much to choose from, you’re best off reading our ‘Top 10 Sports, Fitness and Gym Franchises in the UK’ article. We have lots of other helpful resources for you to browse at your leisure. If you’d like to expand your knowledge of the sports, fitness and gym industry, click here. Or, alternatively, if you’re interested in the latest sports and fitness trends that are currently shaping the industry, have a read of our other article.
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Becky Martin, writer