Member numbers jump at Total Fitness

GYM operator Total Fitness has seen an 11% increase in like-for-like new membership sign ups this year.

The Wilmslow-based chain, which has 16 gyms, said it now has around 82,000 members, up 8%, on last year.

The business, majority owned by its lenders Barclays and Co-op Bank after a debt-for-equity swap, is being advised by turnaround specialists Brian Davidson and Warwick Ley of RooGreen Ventures.

According to figures released by the business, operating profits jumped to £1.9m from £620,000 on sales of £29.6m, around the same as in the previous year. The accounts have not yet been filed at Companies House.

Total Fitness said the improvement was down to an investment programme in its people, facilities and equipment.

Chief executive Richard Millman said: “The growth over the last twelve months is really pleasing and is the result of a lot of hard work from our colleagues across the business. The full year 2013 results only reflect a small portion of the improvements underway and our new strategy which we began implementing during 2013. What really excites me is the upward momentum we have for 2014 and beyond as we continue to invest and pursue our strategic plan.”