The Massage Company has appointed CG Funk as a consultant adviser in order to drive the company’s growth in the UK.

Funk, the former vice president of product development for US-based franchise Massage Envy, will join the board of The Massage Company – a franchise-based venture launched in 2016 by Charlie Thompson, UK Spa Association chair, and Elliot Walker, former MD of Murad.

Funk is a 25-year spa industry veteran and played a key role in the growth and expansion of US-based Massage Envy from 30 franchised locations to more than 1,100.

“I have much respect for The Massage Company’s focus on combined growth and quality,” Funk said.

“Launching a business that creates a new market in the UK is an amazing feat. I’m impressed with how they have applied effective logic to their operations and how they are focused on both sales and training as top priorities.

“The Massage Company has developed a forward-thinking approach which positions the business for rapid growth ahead of the curve. We're focusing on a number of projects to facilitate franchise sales growth in the UK as well as building sound systems for franchisee training and support”.

Thompson said: “CG's knowledge of the massage, spa and franchise industries will help guide us towards future opportunities and navigate potential business challenges.”

The Massage Company opened its first store in Camberley, Surrey, in March 2016, with 14 treatment rooms over two floors. The site offers a simple selection of four massage treatments: deep tissue, sports, Swedish and maternity.

Earlier this year, the company secured its first multi-site franchise agreement with entrepreneurial husband and wife team Taran and Sophie Bassi, which will see three new sites open under the brand.

The Massage Company is the first in the UK to introduce a monthly membership model – which has met with much success in the US – offering memberships starting at £44.95 per month and including one 50-minute massage.