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Fit for business

Last updated: 05 April 2022

Fit for business

Healthy family life and a fulfilling career. Seem like a dream that is too good to be true? Well, maybe not because by running a diet and fitness club franchise you might just gain the work/life balance you dream of.

Picture the scene – you find yourself at home with children and although you enjoy this experience your desire something more. Combine this with a desire to shed the extra pounds gained during pregnancy and you might find yourself considering the exciting prospect of running a Rosemary Conley franchise.

Twice the winner of the coveted British Franchisee Association’s Franchisor of the Year Award there are currently more than 170 franchisees running around 2,000 Rosemary Conley classes around the UK. When Penny Schouten from Horsham decided that life as an International Purchasing Manager took her away from home too much, this kind of franchise seemed the perfect choice. “I bought the franchise in 1995 and still love every moment of it. Most importantly, running the business fits in with my lifestyle and my family”, she said.

When Penny bought the franchise it was because she was facing what many women face; the choice between a family life or career and what the Rosemary Conley franchise offered was the opportunity to achieve both in unison. “I decided I wanted something that would better suit my newly married life. My husband, Jorgen, and I were also starting to think about having a family therefore I needed a business that would be flexible. I chose Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs because Rosemary’s name is synonymous with quality and success and her reputation is second to none.” Between Penny and her four employees, she now runs 23 classes in her territory each week.

The cost of buying a Rosemary Conley franchise is less than £20,000 and because it is recognised that franchised businesses are more likely to succeed than an individual setting up alone, you should find the options of borrowing money open up for you and most high street banks have centralised Franchise Departments. Everything you need to get the business up-and-running is included in the package, from headset to music system and personalised promotional material as well as training in nutrition and running exercise to music classes.

Running a franchise is a full-time business and involves running a minimum of nine classes a week within your specific territory. Being sociable goes with the job as you are going to be mixing with all kinds of people on a regular basis and for a club to become a success your attendees need to feel comfortable in your presence. Bear this in mind before you embark! As this would essentially be your own business you do need to think about ongoing advertising and marketing, ensuring you are offering something that stands out from competitors.

The beauty of buying into a well-known brand is that you have the opportunity to grow your business as well as benefit from the training and exceptional expertise that comes from years of success. If exercise and nutrition is an area that interests you and you feel you have the energy and the drive to run your own business but you want comfort in the knowledge that you have a successful formula backing you all the way, then a Rosemary Conley franchise could be for you. Presentation Days are held several times a year where you can learn more about the business – just visit the website for details.

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