Brother and sister duo invest in gym chain Anytime Fitness

The Hoyle family, the entrepreneurs behind the Happy Days chain of children’s nurseries, has expanded its business with further investment in fitness brand Anytime Fitness.

Brother and sister duo Sophie and James Hoyle, who are heading up the expansion, have secured 20 franchise territories from the 24-hour gym chain.

The Hoyles are now operating sites in Knutsford, Bramhall and Macclesfield, with a fourth gym set to launch in Stockton Heath, Warrington.

The openings are part of a 2017 rollout strategy, under which Sophie and James are reviewing further potential locations in Manchester and Cheshire.

The pair said the investment opportunity represented a natural progression for the family business.

Sophie and James’ parents, David and Jackie Hoyle, first became Anytime Fitness franchise holders back in 2015.

Company director Sophie, who studied economics and also worked in corporate and institutional banking with RBS in Manchester, said: “Investing in Anytime Fitness brings a wealth of benefits, it is a fantastic brand and we are delighted to be rolling it out here in the North West.

“Although this is a different sector for us, there is a lot of synergy and of course transferable skills. Our family thrive in the business world and this new enterprise gives us great expansion opportunities in what is a growing market.”

She continued, “We are placing our state of the art boutique gyms right at the heart of each of their local communities, making them truly convenient with a friendly feel, so totally unlike the large out of town gyms.

“The gyms are proving to be really popular, and they are providing a wonderful social hub, as well as a fitness centre of excellence.”