Bodystreet, global EMS market leader, launched with a single micro-studio in Munich in Germany in 2007, and after two years of proving the concept, expanded as a franchise system.

Now, the number of studios has grown to almost 300 across Germany, Austria, Italy and the UK, training more than 40,000 people every week.

In the UK, Bodystreet has gone from strength to strength, under the watchful eye of master franchisor Mark Holland. With eight existing sites in Milton Keynes, Sutton Coldfield, Edinburgh and Bristol, Holland is confident of reaching 200 locations by 2025.

We caught up with him to find out more about the successes Bodystreet has seen throughout 2019 and to understand more about his and the company’s plans for the year ahead.

Holland explains, “This year has been an extremely exciting one for us, with multiple partners getting on board, new projects in the works and several locations opened. We’ve seen real growth in the EMS category – in terms of awareness and coverage – and our businesses have reaped the rewards. Our Gibraltar location, for example, has seen a 40 per cent growth in members since November 2018 and membership across the eight sites has grown consistently month on month, with membership increasing by 25 per cent in January 2019 alone.

Much of this uplift is down to the procedures and practices we have in place. Every client that engages with us knows exactly the level and quality of service they'll receive – right from our booking systems down to the workout structure. This keeps them coming back for more, as they enjoy the simplicity and effectiveness of the whole Bodystreet experience. Similarly, every new start-up business owner is supplied with financial backing, business support and pre-prepared marketing materials. Essentially, they're walking a path previously walked – and successfully too – so there's a clear and effective way to manage the facility from the offset. They can trust in the fact that the model works, and they'll see positive results if they follow the guidelines in place.”

Plans for the future
“Since we opened the first EMS studio in Scotland back in March this year, the site has grown its membership base rapidly. Considering the speed and enthusiasm with which locals have engaged with the service, we’ve been keen to explore the opportunities available in other major Scottish cities. With this in mind, we’ve recently partnered with AiA, dedicated property professionals in the area, to help locate affordable spaces throughout Glasgow. Together, we're looking to establish new locations, and find potential trainers. We already have one location primed and ready to go, committing to a further 19 studios in the next five years.

"Establishing ourselves in London is paramount to our continued growth. To date, the biggest challenge to this has been finding affordable and appropriate property. We’ve been looking at ways to overcome this and are currently working with one of the big operators with multiple venues across the capital, to collaborate on a viable solution. We’re extremely positive and confident about the potential here and excited to progress conversations and see what's possible into 2020. Stay tuned for what’s to come!”

● If you’re looking for more information on the business opportunities available within the Bodystreet franchise, visit www.bodystreet.co.uk/home