Boutique fitness operator TRIB3 is growing its portfolio with further franchises planned for the UK and entry into the European market.

The operator plans to open 15 franchises in the UK, with sites in Leeds and Manchester opening in the next few months.

It is also in advanced talks with a private equity firm as it looks to raise capital and open its concept in Spain and Russia.

The expansion into Europe is planned to begin with Spain's Barcelona and Madrid in the second quarter of 2017, with St Petersburg and Moscow, in Russia, expected to follow shortly after.

Co-founded by Kevin Yates, Dan Summerson and David Cross and partners - with interiors designed by Cross’s team at CODA Studios - TRIB3 launched a 4,000sq ft (372sq m) site in Sheffield’s Ecclesall Road at the beginning of 2016.

Its two other gyms, which are similar in size, are both in Sheffield - in Kelham Island and in Meadowhall.

“TRIB3 has proved to be a phenomenal success since our launch at the beginning of 2016 and it is a success that simply seems to keep on growing,” said Yates. “With over 15 franchisees already signed up to take a TRIB3 our main goal is to secure properties but with David Cross’s property experience and his CODA team behind us, we are well placed as a business to support our operating goal.

“The most exciting development at the moment, however, has to be our European expansion and to take that forward we are looking to bring on board a european director to specifically spearhead that growth.”

The High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout is based around treadmills (cardio), resistance (weights) and intensity (heart rate). Sessions can burn up to 1,000 calories, with members able to track progress through TRIB3's digital partner MyZone.

Yates added: “The reason for our successful growth is that we are offering clients an experience they will never forget on each and every visit because if we don’t they will not return, just like they will not return to a restaurant that delivers bad service or food. Our whole strategy is based around individual programmed experiences that will provide something far beyond anything you would find in other gyms.”