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July 2014
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Working together could help gyms to reap rewards By Christina Eccles INDEPENDENT gyms which forge close relationships with other businesses in their local community could reap the rewards of collaborative thinking, according to a new report. The Value of Collaboration report released by American Express and carried out by retail experts Conlumino, found that small businesses which join forces on activities such as marketing campaigns, loyalty schemes, local events and promotions can boost their sales by up to £30,000 each annually; representing an average potential sales uplift for independent businesses of almost £900m nationally. Head of UK merchant services at American Express Mark Roper explained: “Independent fitness and leisure businesses face a wealth of opportunities to collaborate with other small merchants on the high street, for example an independent gym could team up with a local sportswear retailer on discounts or special offers for their members. “Working together in this way can help small businesses in the fitness and leisure industry not only boost footfall for their own offering, but also encour-
age a more supportive and thriving sense of community.” The report also discovered nearly three quarters of respondents are supporting each other in some way. This includes activities such as discussing business challenges with their peers, comparing performance or discussing the trading environment. It also found day-to-day cost savings can be made by small businesses who give each other a helping hand through things like taking in deliveries, doing a bank run or providing loose change, which can add up to an average saving of £3,000 each per year in labour costs, equating to an average value of over £75m nationally. Mark added: “Whether it’s the local deli and off licence putting on a joint cheese and wine night, or an entire high street running a seasonal promotion, small merchants across the UK are clubbing together to improve their collective lot. “It makes strong business sense, delivering tangible returns in terms of boosted sales and saved labour costs and it is a trend that is increasing. One in six respondents said they plan to collaborate more in the next year or so.”
No 250 £3
Partnership gives PTs a chance to build brand
Four-time world boxing champion Ricky Hatton and TV presenter Caroline Pearce are teaming up to host the 2014 National Fitness Awards, Workout can reveal. The duo will be taking to the stage to present the glittering event, which this year takes place on Friday November 28 at The Athena in Leicester. Turn to pages 46 and 47 where we will be finding out why Ricky and Caroline are looking forward to the awards; as well as revealing our top panel of judges, tasked with choosing the lucky winners who will pick up trophies on the night.
PERSONAL trainers have been given the opportunity to gain that all important competitive edge by building their business brand, thanks to a partnership between former Men’s Fitness editor Jon Lipsey and Future Fit Training. Future Fit students can now benefit from preferential rates on Jon’s Reward3 group workshops, designed to help PTs develop the marketing and communication skills they need in order to turn their passion for fitness into a thriving profitable business. Jon said: “When potential clients have so many options, being generic just doesn’t cut it any more. “Creating a strong brand will give PTs confidence in what they do, allow them to create compelling marketing messages and enable them to communicate their true value. “I partnered with Future Fit because I was impressed with their commitment to giving students the support and education they need to become great coaches and carve out a successful career in the fitness industry.”
Time is running out to enter the National Fitness Awards... visit www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk