Fitness entrepreneur Tom Marien is looking to take his fitness and social brand One Element outside London for the first time.

Marien, who launched One Element 12 years ago, plans to expand the brand through franchising deals.

Also known as the Social Fitness Company, One Element provides sports-based, outdoor fitness programmes – similar to traditional training sessions at grassroots sports club – which have been developed in partnership with elite sports players and coaches.

It currently has around 450 active members across nine London park sites, with an age range of 18-76.

Alongside the fitness sessions, the company also runs a series of events, from black-tie dinners, sports tournaments and Everest basecamp trips to ski trips.

"One Element has the ethos that everything is positive and inclusive," Marien said.

"This summer, after 12 months of developing the franchise business, we are launching a turnkey package that enables the right people to invest in their future and launch their own business in a matter of weeks."

Marien said the brand's concept is based on an experience he had while still a fitness trainer.

"I was managing a gym in Clapham Old Town and joined a rugby club, Old Wimbledonians.

"There were only two teams, yet 60 players would turn up for pre-season training, aged from 16 to 60 years old.

"The energy, laughter, high-fives and banter made the sessions great fun and they welcomed all new players with open arms. Everyone was included and they'd often finish with a drink in the bar.

"The next morning I'd walk into the gym, where people would be wearing headphones and getting on the treadmill or sitting on a static bike watching the television, no one talked to each other, it was a socially sterile environment.

"Within two months of joining the rugby club, I'd left the gym to develop an outdoor fitness business that could deliver rapid fitness results."