énergie Group chair and CEO Jan Spaticchia has set his sights on leading the fitness franchise company through its biggest growth phase yet, with a raft of new gym openings planned in the UK and Europe during 2015.

Due to finish 2014 with 90 clubs open or in presale, the group aims to open 36 clubs between January and December next year, across its three core brands: Fit4less, énergie Fitness for Women and énergie Fitness Clubs.

In the first three months of 2015, énergie will open two clubs per month, which will increase to three per month from April and four from October. The first quarter will see openings of low cost brand Fit4less in Preston, West Ealing, Epsom, Manchester, Aylesbury and Bedford.

“The fitness franchise market is at a confident high as we enter 2015,” said Spaticchia, whose group has a network turnover of £26m per annum. “The énergie Group has invested considerably in improving services, training and systems across the board, which has put us in a strong position as the market leader. 2015 is set to be a pivotal year for the group as its looks to create a platform for unprecedented growth.”

Énergie will also extend its international portfolio in the New Year, as well as continuing its expansion in the Irish market. Having opened its third Fitness for Women franchise in Latvia in October, énergie will open its first Fit4less clubs in Plavnieki, Latvia and Gadansk, Poland in the first quarter of 2015.

“We have mainly been focussing on ensuring that our existing clubs are well supported introducing a new support structure and management team,” added Spaticchia.

“Next year, we will continue to build on this, but with additional personnel we will also be able to focus on growth abroad.”

The new Lincoln Fit4less

Meanwhile, this week énergie unveiled its latest Fit4less club in Lincoln – its 34th gym in the brand portfolio and the first to occupy a purpose-built new premise. The 7,500sq ft (697sq m) building features all the latest Precor equipment, a large free weights section, a Hampton training rig and spacious studio that offers a wide range of classes.