Anytime Fitness, the fastest growing fitness chain on the planet, has announced its nationwide search to find motivated entrepreneurs for its UK franchise operation.

With Olympic and Paralympic fever gripping the nation and the health and fitness industry remaining recession resilient, Anytime Fitness believes there has never been a better time to invest in its business and is looking for new UK franchisees.

A new concept in the UK, Anytime Fitness has almost 2000 clubs and 1.5 million members in ten countries including the United States, Australia, Japan and Europe. Anytime Fitness can therefore offer its franchise owners and members a proven, affordable and convenient 24 hour fitness proposition with the backing of a global franchise brand. Its success has also been recognised recently with the hugely prestigious accolade of “Fastest Growing Fitness Chain in the World” in the IHRSA Global 25 listings, and Entrepreneurs 500 2012 listing of number 1 in category. It is also about to become a member of the British Franchise Association which promotes ethical franchising in the UK.

Anytime Fitness believes its franchise can offer an extremely competitive alternative to traditional investments such as the stock market or pensions. As a guide, for an initial investment of between £150,000 -£250,000 (including loans and personal investments), a franchisee can expect to achieve an operating cost break-even point in month 4 into month 5 and a full capital expenditure profit at the end of year 2 into year 3. This confirms over 40% R.O.I. in years 2 and 3. With these figures, Anytime Fitness believes there are few better investments available.

Annual membership contracts provide a predictable and steady income source so a franchisee can confidently project annual sales figures.

A key business strategy of Anytime Fitness is to keep franchisee expenses as low as possible whilst maintaining a high quality design which means Anytime Fitness is definitely not a budget gym provider in the eyes of the member. Additionally, monthly franchise fees are a flat rate rather than a percentage of sales and are therefore much lower in comparison to other franchised businesses. This means the owner can benefit directly from the business’ growth.

Another attractive feature of the Anytime Fitness model is that a franchisee can own a health club and still have a flexible lifestyle. The exclusive integrated technology systems allow the franchisee to run a 24 hour operation with a low staffing model. This can give a competitive advantage as payroll is usually the biggest expense incurred by traditional fitness clubs.

Karl Dietrich, Sales and Marketing Director at Anytime Fitness UK said “At this time of austerity and limited investment opportunities, Anytime Fitness offers a high level return in a recession resilient industry, with great potential for growth and expansion. Additionally, with only 12% of the population currently using a health and fitness facility there is still a huge market to access. Our community based culture means you will not only own a high yielding business, but you will be helping people in the community to get active and lead healthier lives.”

James Cotton, Operations Director at Anytime Fitness UK said “We are extremely unique and offer a proven franchise business model in an industry that continues to thrive even with the challenging economic climate. For a relatively low up- front investment, owners can become their own boss and spend as much or as little time as they wish working in the business.”

James continues “As it’s a new franchise in the UK, now is a great time to get in early as there are still fantastic territory opportunities up for grabs for either single or multiple sites. For example we currently have 5 clubs open in the UK but are aiming for at least 13 by the end of the year. We will provide our franchisees with all the support they need including help with premises, state-of-the-art technology, marketing and training to help them achieve both their and their member’s goals.”

Former tennis professional, Robin Drysdale, has already taken the plunge and opened a 2nd club in the Bristol area on the back of the success of his first club. Robin said “I was looking for an interesting business and decided I wanted to set up my own health club. I had a site in mind and then I heard about the Anytime Fitness model through a business associate. It made sense to take the plunge and start my first gym but with the backing, branding and success of Anytime Fitness, rather than risk going it alone. I felt that Anytime Fitness had the most sensible business model and the flat rate, low cost royalty structure appealed to me the most. I have found it to be a great lifestyle, a simple model, and relatively low risk investment.”

Robin plans to look for more suitable properties and is aiming for a portfolio of five clubs in the UK.