New data from market intelligence specialist Euromonitor has revealed a 10.2% rise in sports clubs across the UK (not including major sports clubs such as Premier League) since 2012, with an estimated figure of 6,587 operating in 2018.
It’s the fifth consecutive year of growth for the sector.
Boxing and wrestling are leading the charge, attracting major investment as the popularity of both sports continues to rise, thanks to multi-million pound fights and headline-grabbing showdowns between sports stars such as UFC champion Connor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.
Gym groups across the UK are benefiting from the exposure, with many securing investment for growth to accommodate the growing number of participants or actively looking for investment.
The Gym Group has recently opened 50 new gyms across the country, having raised over £125 million from new investors in 2015 after it floated on the London Stock Exchange.
London-based boxing gym, Gymbox, also attracted interest from investors, securing a £39 million cash injection to help grow its portfolio across London, including an Olympic sized boxing ring at its Farringdon site.
With a sales increase of over 83% between 2013 and 2015, Leeds-based gym chain Xercise4less has also seen unprecedented growth, with 52 gyms in operation across the UK.
If you are interested in meeting sports and leisure professionals and suppliers, head to the Sports & Leisure Forum this summer. Find out more by contacting Gillian Small on 01992 374073 or email g.small@forumevents.co.uk.
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