Get Fit, Get Social with a One Element Franchise

In recent years, the fitness industry has gone from strength to strength. One Element has capitalised on the growing demand for fitness classes and brought something entirely new to the table. Here, we take a look at what makes them such an exciting franchise prospect.

Franchise background

Founded in 2007, One Element is a fitness franchise with a difference. Established as a response to the sterile, unsociable indoor gym environment, One Element decided to focus its service on providing outdoor fitness experiences. Born of a desire to bring the group mentality associated with team sports training, it began developing its own inclusive, friendly, and positive space for those who wanted to improve their fitness. With a number of franchisees dotted around London, the franchise is looking to attract new applicants that will help to spread the One Element word to regional markets around the UK.

Industry context

If you’re looking to start your own health and wellbeing business, there are a number of fitness franchises worth considering. However, few offer the kind of opportunity and experience that One Element is capable of providing. Its dual focus on outdoor training and the social experience makes it a unique proposition.

In the UK, the fitness industry is now worth a whopping £5billion a year. One in seven people are members of a gym and the membership levels across the industry are up rose 5% between 2016 and 2017. These statistics demonstrate just how successful the industry has been and the potential for growth it can still capitalise on.

One Element basics

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One Element delivers tailored High-Intensity Interval Training (HiiT) programmes to customers in an outdoor setting. Classes usually take place in local parks and are designed to accommodate individuals of all types and of varying fitness levels. The programme changes every week, so classes are kept fresh and there’s no chance of customers getting bored, or any fitness progress they make plateauing through repetition.

Unlike most other fitness franchises, One Element emphasises the social aspect of bringing together a large group of people, all of whom are interested in improving their fitness. All franchisees and trainers get to know their customers and support them throughout the exercise programme. The franchise also organises social events for its members and many of those attending the class will go for a coffee, snack, or drink once it's finished.

There are also regular franchise-wide social events that draw large crowds. These have included volleyball and BBQ events, a countryside walk and a pub lunch excursion, and Halloween and Christmas parties. The importance of the community aspect of One Element franchise ownership cannot be understated. It’s one of the key reasons members return time and time again to partake in classes and it’s also why many of the franchisees enjoy the job so much.

What level of investment is required to become a franchisee?

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In order to become a franchisee, you'll need to raise an initial investment of £17,900. This includes the £12,000 franchise fee. The fact that One Element is so affordable makes it one of the best franchises to own in the fitness sector and an appealing investment opportunity. Due to its reputation as a successful franchise with great potential for growth, it may be possible to borrow a portion of this investment.

One Element charges all franchisees a 10% royalty fee. This includes contributions to the central marketing fund, so no additional advertising expenditure is necessary. The franchise advertises the fact that franchisees can expect a revenue of £60,000 after two years, making it a profitable venture for anyone with the business and people skills to make it work.

What do you get in return for your investment?

In return for your investment, franchisees are granted the right to operate under the One Element name and brand image. Franchisees are also provided with a proven business model that is replicable in all of the many territories One Element have identified as ready for a franchise. The business model is designed to retain members and ensure a healthy revenue for the franchisee. Classes are also prepared for every trainer to ensure that there’s always something new and fresh to keep members interested.

All franchisees are enrolled on the franchise’s 10-day training course in Wandsworth. The course covers a number of different topics, including day to day operations, how to grow your business, and what you need to do to keep customers coming back time and time again. The training programme also focuses on providing franchisees with a realistic portrayal of what life is like as a One Element franchisee.

Finally, the central franchise management team will always be on hand to provide on-going support and guidance to those franchisees who require it. Much of the marketing side of the business is handled by the franchisor and franchisees will benefit from a carefully considered and well-managed brand reputation.

What kind of franchisee is One Element looking for?

One Element franchisees need to possess a number of qualities if they’re to make it. A passionate interest in health and fitness is essential to the job and will be the main motivation for most applicants. However, you’ll also need to be organised, focused, and capable of managing your unit’s business accounts.

Beyond these practical business skills, communication and social skills are the most important attributes you can possess. Much of the One Element business model depends on fostering a sense of community and fostering a safe space in which everyone can enjoy themselves. You’ll also need to be able to interact with people from all walks of life, demonstrate an aptitude for intelligent recruitment, and be able to follow the franchise business plan to the letter.

Conclusion

If you’re considering buying a franchise in the fitness industry, you need to select a business that stands out from the crowd. One Element does just that. Emphasising a unique social experience, it has taken traditional fitness training and built a profitable business by improving the services and structures around the classes. For many prospective franchisees, One Element is an incredibly appealing investment opportunity.