Flat UK growth for Holmes Place

Like-for-like sales for clubs trading for more than 24 months were flat in the period to 30 April 2002.Chairman, Graham Reddish said it was increasingly difficult to drive membership numbers in these clubs: 'We are taking steps to grow the revenues generated by the existing membership of these clubs through increased services so that returns will still remain at attractive levels.'

By contrast, the company's new clubs were performing well with three new sites due to open this financial year and more in 2003. Continental Europe offers the greatest potential with established clubs achieving like for like sales increases of 12 per cent. The operator plans to open three cubs this year and another 15 in 2003.

Meanwhile, the group opens its first Holmes Place club in Chicago In June in its joint venture with Bally Total Fitness, and another, also in Chicago is due to open early next year. The company is also close to exchanging contracts to open three Bally style clubs in Continental Europe. Details: +44 (0)20 7785 4110