It’s the perfect time to join Australia’s fastest growing fitness franchise. The health and fitness industry is in a growth surge as consumers are realising that now is the best time to invest in something that is priceless – their health!
Preventative health care has emerged as a crucial step to reducing future medical costs, and Australians are joining gyms in record numbers. This trend is being seen in Contours studios across Australia, with continual sustained growth in membership.
Starting with just one studio in regional Victoria in 2005, Contours has experienced massive growth to a studio count of nearly 200 across the country and more than 50,000 members.
As one of the first express fitness products to specifically target women between the ages of 35 and 54, Contours has become one of Australia’s fastest growing franchises. In a clear sign of the success that Contours offers its franchisees, over 40 per cent of franchisees now operate multiple units.
The award-winning Contours 29 minute workout uses weight bearing equipment specifically designed for women, providing both positive and negative resistance. This ensures a far superior workout to hydraulic equipment often used by other women’s fitness studios, but more importantly it provides quick and sustainable results.
To encourage continued growth, Contours has recently appointed a new CEO, Justin Wilshaw, who joined the company in January 2009. Mr Wilshaw has extensive experience operating as a franchisee and franchisor of major franchise brands.
I really believe in the franchise model and have seen how the entrepreneurial sprit can drive both individual and corporate success, said Mr Wilshaw. Developing this young brand further is a motivating challenge, especially since it is already winning awards for its remarkable expansion.
Mr. Wilshaw’s vision for Contours over the next 12 months is to continue to expand operations in Australia, with specific focus on Queensland and South Australia. As a first priority, he is currently in the process of developing and implementing a five year strategic plan for the business which will direct growth of the company moving forward. Through this he aims to deliver improved benefits to members and provide greater return on investment for franchisees.
Low entry costs
Ranked #20 in BRW’s Fast Starters 2008 List, Contours offers a user-friendly business model with extensive studio support, aspects that Mr. Wilshaw sees as key in its appeal.
Contours provides unparalleled support for franchisees including: Low entry cost – initial capital investment of approximately $100,000 to $150,000; an entire operating system Australian-based team provides set-up, training, marketing and operational assistance; variety of revenue streams including Contours’ balance magazine.
Local team, local support
The Contours corporate team prides itself on maintaining a supportive relationship with each and every franchisee. As an extension of the team, Contours even has state-based representatives that look after franchisees on a local level.
Mechanisms to continually enhance franchisee relationships include quarterly FAC meetings with elected franchisee representatives, monthly e-newsletters, and ‘Premier’ and ‘Platinum’ awards for studios achieving 300 and 500 members respectively.
Contours also has an intranet ‘one stop shop’ for all franchisee needs that has been in operation since September 2007. This e-learning centre provides franchisees with greater tools to train their staff, and the franchisor with a cost effective mechanism for ongoing training of the franchise network.
FRANCHISE INFORMATION
Company name: Contours
Contact: Simone Harris
Phone: 1300 657 339
Email: info@contours.net.au
Website: www.contours.net.au