Youth fitness club operator, SHOKK, has launched its first franchise in England on 6 January, with a new £150,000 site in Blackpool, Lancashire.

The 4,000sq ft (371.6sq m) facility, which is a joint-venture between SHOKK and énergie, offers a full range of equipment and training, as well as two studios, a chill-out zone and two therapy rooms. Former professional footballer, Mickey Mellon, together with his wife Jane, will operate the franchise, which aims to attract 1,000 members in a bid to get more local young people active.

SHOKK sales director, Justine Williams, said: "In spite of the current economic situation, franchises are now really beginning to take off. New franchisees are recognising how effective the business model is and its ability to perform despite the doom and gloom."