Budget gyms chain opens North West sites

LEEDS-based gyms operator Xercise4less is to open its first two outlets in the North West over summer, creating over 100 new jobs.

The company, which was named Newcomer of the Year at TheBusinessDesk.com’s Yorkshire Business Masters awards yesterday, has said that its expansion plans are ahead of forecasts.

It opened its fifth site in Doncaster last month and now has more than 35,000 members.

Turnover has also grown from £600,000 in its first year to over £4m, and managing director Jon Wright has targeted openings in 25 other locations across the North.

The new Bolton gym is based in a 38,000 sq ft site in a retail park in the town centre while the Wigan gym is on a 30,000 sq ft site on Chapel Lane near the town centre. Both will be the first budget gyms within their respective areas.

Mr Wright, who is a former rugby union player for Leeds and Harlequins, said: “We are truly revolutionising the industry and in these times of austerity, we feel we are providing an excellent facility with unbeatable customer service, all at a very affordable price.”