The Massage Company is building on the success of their first UK site, with the recruitment of Karl Dietrich to set up and lead its franchise business.

Dietrich brings with him a franchise pedigree. Previously from Anytime Fitness, one of the fastest growing franchises in the world, Karl was instrumental in developing the successful UK arm of the business which has sold over 300 franchises.

The Massage Company’s goal is to open sites across the UK and is the first business of its kind in the UK.

Elliot Walker, Co-founder and Commercial Director, said: “Karl is a great addition to the team and his experience will allow us to aggressively deliver this successful US concept and ensure we remain the market leader in the UK. Many US businesses fail when they come here or find it horrendously expensive as they try to replicate their model without making the necessary changes needed for success. The Massage Company is a unique and profitable concept and it is a pleasure to be working with him to build this business”. Elliot previously launched, built and ran Murad Cosmetics which made the successful transition from Los Angeles to London which is now part of Unilever.”

Franchisee enquiries are already seeing levels that exceed those of some of the most popular franchise opportunities The Massage Company through their retained agents CBRE are currently looking for sites UK wide: 1,800sq ft to 3,000sq ft in retail parks and in high street locations nationwide. The concept offers something completely new to the UK retail market, complementary to the typical high street tenant mix and significantly increasing customer dwell time.

The UK Spa Industry turned over approximately £1.6bn in 2015 and recruits double the amount of professionals compared to the leisure industry. Charlie Thompson, UK Spa Association Chairman, ex-Head of Virgin Actives 80 Spa’s and Co-Founder, said: “The UK has been crying out for this type of offering and the initial results prove this is a concept that will work in a substantial number of cities and towns across the UK.”

Dietrich said: “I am very excited to be working with the senior team at The Massage Company and I’m looking forward to the expansion of the brand across both the spa and franchise market places. I see The Massage Company as being the next big passionate franchise company that is focused on franchisee satisfaction and customer service excellence. I believe that The Massage Company will transform the quality of massage delivered in the UK and the importance of it as a stress busting lifestyle game changer will mean it is arriving in the UK as massage as a treatment is starting to be discussed at a national level.”

Regular massage can help improve the quality of people’s lives, from reducing stress and improving energy levels to easing back and other musculoskeletal pain. However, the quality can vary enormously and is often limited to a once-in-a-while expensive treat at a destination location. The Massage Company is changing this and thanks to a membership based subscription model is making massage a regular monthly service.

The first store successfully opened in Camberley on 18 March 2016, showcasing 14 treatment rooms over two floors with customer parking available. The store acquisition was led by CBRE.

Matt Gillson, Senior Surveyor at CBRE, Retail said: “We are extremely excited at the prospect of bringing this new concept to the UK market, offering something entirely new to the traditional retail environment. At a time where there is caution in the market, it is very positive to see an occupier with such active requirements nationwide and we are confident that the concept will be well received by landlords and adjacent retailers alike.”

The Massage Company is open seven days per week, from 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 9 pm Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm Sunday. Treatments can be booked online.