“
Licensing
is one
option,
tapping
into an
established
brand.”
month basis for as long as the
equipment is required. “The fee
includes service and
maintenance so you don’t have
to worry about equipment being
out of action. There are no
minimum-term contracts and
equipment can be returned
following a one-month notice
period,” says Sheen.
Licensing is another option,
allowing you to tap into an
established or premium brand
PROBLEM SOLVER
P: Cost of space.
S: Look for rent-free offers or
share a small studio with a
fellow PT.
P: Attracting enough clients.
S: Offer pricing options like
PT-use or group fitness.
to add in wall-mounted racks,
rigs and storage to save vital
space on the gym floor.”
Farrell recommends a site visit
early on for your proposed
equipment supplier – not only
will it ensure things will fit as you
hoped, but they may have some
creative concepts to bring added
value and appeal to your site,
without affecting t he cost.
Incorporating larger items of
commercial fitness equipment
such as treadmills and cross
trainers would normally
represent a significant upfront
cash outlay, so you may wish to
explore a rental option to lower
your risk. Pulse Fitness, for
example, offers an equipment
hire solution which allows
customers to select from a range
of refurbished commercial CV
and strength equipment. Rental
fees are paid on a month-by-
and create a fully operational
facility without a large capital
outlay.
“It can be a daunting prospect
opening your own facility,
particularly if you are new to
facility management,” says Paul
Ferris, CEO of Speedflex, an
operator with a popular licensed
model. “However, with a licensed
option there is a huge range of
benefits as you’ll have the wealth
and experience of an in-house
team supporting you, it means
you’re not completely on your
own but yet still have a certain
level of independence.
“Owning a licence also
gives you the opportunity
to tap into an established
brand, which of course
then comes with a pre-sold
customer base which
could ordinarily take years
to establish. Another great
benefit is that any good
company will have training
programmes designed to
help bring you up to speed
P: Equipment dilemmas.
S: Consider your clients’
needs, make use of rigs
and storage, and rent
larger items.
on the most successful methods
for running the business,” says
Ferris.
Speedflex is a solid example,
with their licensed partner model
offering a £5000 uplift on your
facility. Their partnership includes
training machines and front of
house software.
Whatever solutions you choose,
shop around, take your time and
make use of the following free
advice services:
fsb.org.uk
ukbusinessgrants.org
CHECKLIST
▼ Find the right location
▼ Kit to match your
budget
▼ Know your potential
clients.
@REPsUK
FM 21