Keeping up the pace with the health and beauty industry

The UK beauty, health and fitness sector is currently an extremely exciting industry to be involved in. In recent months, it has played host to several launches from international franchise brands, proof that it is a thriving and attractive market worth investing in. This article showcases some of the business concepts pushing the industry forward; innovations such as 24/7 gym access, quick-service beauty treatments and rapid weight-loss fitness pods have all evolved in keeping with the pace of modern-day life and the subsequent scarce free time customers have. Here are three brands shaking up the world of beauty, health and fitness… 

Glam N Glow; Taylor & Colt

Glam N Glow and Taylor & Colt are two beauty and grooming salon outlets – for women and men respectively – and are both owned by Trade Secrets, Canada’s beauty product retail chain leader. Doug Warren, director of franchising for the company, says the brands are ready for global growth, with expansion into the UK planned.

So, what are Glam N Glow and Taylor & Colt and what do they offer that isn’t already out there?

Taylor & Colt ‘barberspa’ is a salon concept created in Canada to make the male grooming experience something to enjoy and remember; a one-stop-shop dedicated to creating an enjoyable, stress-free atmosphere. Services include straight razor shaves, hot-towel treatments, skincare, haircuts, wash and styles, manicures, pedicures, neck massages. It also features an espresso bar where customers can relax and read a complimentary newspaper, with a juice or coffee and use the complimentary laptops and iPads, or watch TV. Also, the very best male salon retail products are for sale in the store as well. The concept is an upscale service with a reasonable price – a modern old-style British barbershop with all the extras. The male grooming industry in the UK and Europe is worth billions and the Taylor & Colt business is positioned to capitalise on this growth.

Glam N Glow capitalises on the growing in-and-out beauty trend with speedy, personalised beauty services in a convenient and friendly environment including: mini makeovers, manicures, pedicures, laser hair removal, eyebrow and lip waxing and threading, hair extensions, shampoo and blow dry, and teeth whitening; head to toe all under one roof and incorporating the very best beauty products.

Who is the main target market for your salons?

Time-crunched women that require quick service at a great price without sacrificing quality – Glam N Glow customers range in age from 15 to 65 – and men and boys who want quality and speed but at a reasonable price and in a convenient location.

How are Trade Secrets equipped to franchise these salon brands and how are you finding things so far?

Glam N Glow uses the knowledge gained from over 25 years’ experience operating one of the largest beauty chains in Canada and knowing the female customer from both a service and retail perspective.

The response to the first three (Taylor & Colt) stores has been astonishing – far beyond our expectations. We now hope to far exceed the original projections for customers and sales.

You’re looking for master franchisees, what will they receive in return for their investment?

The master franchise licence includes:

•   Franchise location, site selection, design and construction support

•   Ongoing support and complete training

•    Promotional and retail product supply and support

•   Staff training and franchisee recruitment training and support

Anytime Fitness

Stuart Martin owns Anytime Fitness Telford in Shropshire. The club has been operating for just over seven months. As well as owning an Anytime Fitness franchise, Stuart works with his family in an aerospace engineering company based in Wolverhampton.

Why did you decide to go into franchising, and why Anytime Fitness?

As a family, we decided that we wanted to invest in another business but we didn’t want to start from scratch – we wanted a support network and a proven business model. After looking at dozens of franchises, from elderly care to the major fast food franchises, we found Anytime Fitness, which just felt right and a business we could enjoy.

What are the advantages of working in the fitness industry? Has the industry changed at all in recent years?

I think the biggest advantage compared with other industries that I have worked in is that if you do it right it can be fun and rewarding; changing people’s lives can give you an awful lot of satisfaction. When carrying out my research and due diligence it became very apparent that the industry is changing. Convenience is key but people also want quality, and we feel Anytime Fitness fills these requirements extremely well.

How is business going so far? Have you faced any challenges in particular?

We have been open for just over seven months and exceeded our 12-month projections after six, so I am extremely pleased with our progress. Like all new businesses, we have had many challenges but with the support given to us by head office and fellow franchisees, nothing has been insurmountable.

What was the training and support from the franchisor like?

From day one, it was clear that we were part of a family; I have never felt alone and always had somebody to talk to about ideas or problems. The franchisee training is excellent and I am still friends with several of the other franchisees who attended the same training. The beauty of being part of Anytime Fitness is that all the franchisees really support each other and celebrate each other’s successes.

What do you foresee for the future of your business?

Our business plan was to open a second gym after 18 months. Due to the early success of gym number one, however, we are looking for our second property and plan to open our second franchise in early 2015. The model allows franchisees to monitor and run multiple sites remotely with relative ease. Our plan beyond the second franchise is simply to keep on going.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a franchise in the fitness industry?

My advice would be to speak to as many existing franchisees as you can. Trust your gut. I would, of course, highly recommend Anytime Fitness.

sásta fitness

sásta fitness is a health, fitness and weight-loss franchise from Ireland, established by ‘Irish Franchising Woman of the Year (2013)’ Fiona Egan.

Can you explain the sásta fitness concept?

sásta fitness provide clients with an exercise opportunity that guarantees results in four weeks. The short, 30-minute workout is conducive to the demands of modern living, where people are extremely ‘time-poor’ and need to see weight-loss results in a shorter period of time. The sásta fitness pod is central to this successful weight loss programme and will only be available via sásta fitness studios worldwide.

What else do sásta offer clients?

sasta understand the importance of combining exercise with good nutrition so, in addition to the fat-burning pod workout, sásta offer clients a tailored ‘low GL’ meal plan and body-sculpting programme. The sásta programme is like a personal trainer; the sásta team are committed to motivating clients to achieve their goals in a fun way and without deprivation.

Menjrat Singh is the first sásta fitness UK franchise owner. He launched his centre in Brighton in September – the seventh sásta studio to open.

What attracted you to sásta?

I really liked the concept and just clicked with Fiona straight away. What appealed most were the weight loss results that the fitness pods provide. Having suffered with weight issues in the past, I knew I wanted to invest in a business that would give something back to customers and also turn a good profit.