Fitness organisation, Anytime Fitness, has taken home the Gold Business Resilience award at the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards 2021.
2021 marks the 32nd year of this leading bfa hsbc franchising award, a flagship event for the UK franchising industry. The glittering event took place on 30 November at The Vox in Birmingham, where the UK’s best franchisors and franchisees were celebrated.
Anytime Fitness is the UK’s largest fitness franchise. It has more than 180 health clubs across the UK and Ireland, providing its members with convenient club locations and opening hours to suit all lifestyles.
The Business Resilience category celebrates businesses that show creativity and resilience in the face of exceptional challenges. Anytime Fitness battled it out against a record number of entries for this category to secure the accolade for its ‘Together We Rise’ campaign. This included offering virtual classes to its members as well as providing a strategy for franchisees to get through lockdown.
Commenting on the win, Tom Bowers Anytime Fitness franchisor, said:
“The past year and a half has been particularly challenging for us. We were only able to trade for a little over 80 days between March 2020 and March 2021 and during that time, our franchisees certainly felt the pressure. As a result, we knew we had to do all we could to support our franchisees through this difficult period. This award win is such a special one for us as it’s such an honour to see our efforts so well recognised. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team.”
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, said:
“The UK fitness world was one of the hardest hit industries by the pandemic, with many left with no choice but to close their doors. However, the team showed exceptional determination and a real dedication to supporting their franchisees through the difficult times they faced. To be awarded the Gold Business Resilience accolade is a huge achievement and serves as a badge of honour for any franchise, highlighting excellent levels of franchisee care. Massive congratulations to the whole Anytime Fitness team.”
Andrew Brattesani, Head of Franchising, HSBC, said:
“All businesses will face their fair share of challenges over the years, but it’s how a business deals with those challenges that will set them apart. Anytime Fitness’ persistence and hard work has really paid off and they are a true example of how a franchise can support and help franchisees weather any storm. It’s no surprise then, that they have won this very well deserved Business Resilience award and we congratulate them for all their hard work.”
For more information on the British Franchise Association and to see the full list of winners, please visit https://www.thebfa.org/events/bfa-hsbc-british-franchise-awards-2021/