Nursery owners branch out with new fitness centres

David and Jackie Hoyle, the entrepreneurs behind the Happy Days Nurseries chain, have revealed plans to launch a number of new gyms across the North West.

The pair have become franchise holders of the Anytime Fitness chain and plan to open centres in Knutsford, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Hale and Lytham.

Discussing the expansion, David Hoyle said: “We have been looking for a different sector to invest in for some time, and we’re all very excited about the potential offered by the Anytime Fitness franchise.

“We all know obesity is on the up, and we are targeting smaller communities which may not be served particularly well by health and fitness facilities currently.”

He added: “We fully expect this 24/7 offering to be of real interest in particular for young professionals looking to exercise at their own convenience.”

The Knutsford gym will be the Hoyles’ first centre, due to open in Canute Place this January. Negotiations are ongoing for two other locations.

The commercial property partner at law firm Napthens, Martin Long, is advising the Hoyles on the property leases.

He said: “David and Jackie have a track record of founding a very successful company, and the Anytime Fitness business model is tried and tested and offers them some great opportunities for expansion into a very different sector.”

David and Jackie’s existing venture, Happy Days Nurseries, was founded in 1999 and currently operates six branches across the Fylde area of Lancashire.