Independent chain i-motion gym has secured the services of former Xercise4Less property director Nikolaj Dockree as it bids to ramp up growth in 2016.

Dockree, who takes up his new role as i-motion gym commercial director in February, arrives after four years at Xercise4Less, where he oversaw the development of more than one million sq ft of gym space across the UK.

Having recently opened the second i-motion site in Stafford, the company now expects Dockree to help drive a significant expansion, with plans to reach 20 sites in the next two to three years.

“The opportunity to join i-motion gym was based on the quality they are delivering,” said Dockree.

“The market leading design and technology such as TV walls and multiple virtual studios makes this one of the best budget gym brands on the market.”

Former rugby player and i-motion gym founder and MD Gareth Evans told Health Club Management in November that he plans to self-finance the next three to four sites, with funding potentially coming from banks and private equity houses to fuel growth beyond that. He said the appointment of Dockree places the company in a strong position as it embarks on its next chapter.

“I am delighted to make this announcement at the start of this exciting year for the company,” added Evans.

“We already have several new sites in the pipeline for 2016, including sites in the southeast of England and Scotland. Nik’s wealth of commercial and in particular, acquisition experience, will be a huge asset to our growing brand.”