Health club operator énergie has opened its fourth of Fit4Less budget club in Canterbury, Kent.

The club, which cost around £250,000 to set up, will be operated by a franchisee and will offer one standard membership of £16.99 a month.

Chief executive at the énergie Group, Jan Spaticchia, said: "This is a very exciting concept that we believe will do well in this economic climate.

“We are looking to continue to introduce Fit4less to multiple towns and cities across Britain through our successful franchise support scheme, which empowers people to own their own business and be their own boss."

The Fit4Less brand was launched by énergie last year as part of efforts to tap into the expanding budget gym sector.

David Weir, an énergie spokesperson, said at the time of the launch that the company was reacting to customers' needs.

"In the current circumstances, premium products and services are becoming less viable," he said.

“As consumers become increasingly cautious about their spending habits. The same is true of investors with their own funds. We believe Fit4Less, with its consumer focussed approach, combined with the relatively low entry level investment will prove appealing to franchisees."