Inexperienced entrepreneurs who live or want to live in market towns might be interested in a fitness franchise whose expansion is focused on those areas.
Attiva’s strategy of providing affordable gym services in mostly market towns has worked well so far, as it has grown steadily since it was established in 2003.
It has clubs in Malvern and, rather incongruously, Barbados, with new franchises opening in Bridgnorth, Market Harborough, Newport, Evesham, Uttoxeter and Coventry soon.
Just two days ago one opened in Andover, courtesy of former O2 manager and fitness enthusiast Andrew White and his wife Helen.
Andrew White has worked in the corporate world all his life, first for NatWest and then for O2, where he rose to the rank of corporate accounts manager.
“After 20 years I wanted to go it alone and was eager to look at various business options,” says the 38-year-old.
With this in mind, Andrew attended The National Franchise Expo late last year. He was almost out the door, disappointed with the exhibition’s offerings, when he saw the Attiva stand. After a one-hour consultation he decided to buy the franchise, happy to have found a business model that would combine a life-long passion for fitness with his wealth of business know-how.
Andrew took Attiva’s six-week training course on business and operational management. The ‘gym-in-a-box’ programme includes coursework in business management, accounting, marketing and promotion, health and safety, human resources and equipment operation. Andrew also participated in a job share at the Malvern club, which provided him with invaluable hands-on experience.
Ongoing support
Appreciating the comprehensive nature of Attiva’s support, Andrew’s experience demonstrates how the franchise model can be a manageable way into business for new entrepreneurs apprehensive about the risks and pressures of setting up their first business.
“I was uncertain about starting a business completely by myself.
“I gave up a nice comfortable job and salary to make a leap of faith with a new business, but I’ve been very pleased with Attiva. Unlike some franchise models where you are left alone, I’m receiving top-notch attention and expertise. I get on very well with Craig Farman [managing director] and Richard Noble [operations director] and I feel like they are my business partners.”
Attiva says its 35 years of experience in the fitness industry means franchisees are in good hands. The ongoing support they provide ranges from helping to secure loans, to finding and kitting out premises, to the recruitment and training of staff and beyond.
Attiva’s emphasis on market towns is shrewd if Andrew’s assessment of the market in Andover is applicable to other market towns.
More at:http://www.attivauk.com/
http://www.franchisesales.com/
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