Budget health club operator Pure Gym has named Iain Watson as its new group operations manager as it looks to expand its UK portfolio over the next two years.

Watson - former general manager at Total Fitness and JJB Sports Leisure - will be responsible for ensuring the smooth roll-out of 24 new clubs across the country. A successful bid to raise £10m by Magenta Partners - led by Tom Singh, principal investor and retail entrepreneur - will enable Pure Gym to build on its existing portfolio of five clubs.

Pure Gym chief executive Peter Roberts said: "Iain brings a wealth of experience from managing some of the biggest names in the industry. He will be a huge asset to the business as we expand nationally."