Downturn knocks Total Fitness

CHESHIRE gym chain Total Fitness saw earning slip last year.

The group, which has its headquarters in Wilmslow, reported operating profits of £7.3m for the year to March, 2009, down 35%. Sales rose 1% to £59.4m.

Managing director John Peers said the sector had felt the impact of the recession and the group had worked, “very, very hard to flatten out the downward trend”.

He added: “Trading over recent months has been satisfactory and our online sales, through our improved website, are growing. Meanwhile the usage levels across the clubs has actually gone up by 2%.”

The business, which has 24 clubs nationwide, sought to ease its debt burden during the year. Shareholders swapped debt for equity and new banking terms were agreed.

Mr Peers said rental pressures could be eased by a more flexible approach from landlords.

He said: “We believe all landlords should be taking a more pragmatic long term view and dealing with their tenants to ensure that they will still be in business in 20 years time to continue paying their rent.”