Welcome to the Black Raccoon Newsletter 🦝

We’re glad to have you here! This is your inside look at everything happening at Black Raccoon Consulting—from exciting new projects and partnerships to fresh articles, expert advice, and real-world solutions for fitness businesses.

Whether we’re launching new services, welcoming new team members, or sharing practical tools to help gyms grow, this newsletter keeps you connected to the work we’re doing and the impact we’re making across the industry.

Thanks for being part of the journey—let’s dive in.

Read the full Newsletter

Meet Russell Valler – The Latest Addition to Black Raccoon Consulting

We’re delighted to welcome Russell Valler to the team. With over 15 years in the fitness industry, Russell has done it all—owned gyms, supported over 100 clubs, delivered 50+ pre-sales, and founded TIMA, a fitness-focused contact centre. His experience spans fitness, franchising, and beyond, and he’s already bringing huge value to the work we do with clients.

👉 Read more about Russell’s journey and what he brings to the table

Big News: Fit Supply Hub Is Heading to the USA!

After a successful launch in the UK, Fit Supply Hub is going global—with our Summer 2025 launch in the USA.

Created by Black Raccoon Consulting, this platform connects gyms, studios, and wellness businesses with a trusted network of high-quality suppliers. With 113 suppliers across 55 categories (and growing), it’s the go-to tool for saving time, reducing hassle, and finding the right partners to grow your business. Whether you're a gym owner or a supplier looking to expand, this is one to watch.

👉 Find out more about the launch and how to get involved

The Inside Track Podcast Is Back – And Bigger Than Ever 🎧

Series 8 of The Inside Track Podcast is here, and it’s packed with powerful insights, honest conversations, and fresh ideas for anyone working in the fitness, leisure, or wellness space. Hosted by Ryan Charlesworth and now joined by new co-host Russell Valler, this series brings together top industry voices including Ash Burleigh, Doug Millar, Peter Webb, Ali West, and Rosanna Tucker. From growth strategies to mindset, retention to innovation, this is unmissable listening for business owners and industry leaders alike.

👉 Catch the latest episodes and meet the new co-host here

Run a Smarter Gym – Without the Guesswork 📚

At Black Raccoon Consulting, we’ve built a library of straight-talking, practical articles designed to help gym owners and managers improve performance, boost retention, and get a better grip on their numbers. Whether you run a large gym, a boutique studio, or a small group training space, these no-fluff reads will give you real tools to make your business more efficient—and more profitable. Plus, you’ll get free access to our e-book series, packed with insights on sales, marketing, operations, and more.

👉 Browse the latest articles and download your free e-books

F.I.T Round My Baby – Fitness That Fits Around Parenthood 👶💪

F.I.T Round My Baby is a unique postnatal fitness programme where mums can work out with their babies right by their side. Born from personal experience and built with passion, this concept is now available as a licence and franchise opportunity. If you're a gym owner looking to attract a new audience or an individual ready to launch a flexible fitness business with purpose, this could be the perfect fit.

👉 Learn more about the opportunity and how to get involved

Meet FitLeads – Digital Marketing Built for Fitness Businesses 💻📈

In response to growing demand, Black Raccoon Consulting launched FitLeads, a digital media company designed specifically for the fitness industry. From lead-generating ads and landing pages to full funnel automation and contact centre support via TIMA, FitLeads delivers end-to-end marketing and client journey solutions. Whether you're looking to attract more leads, improve your sales process, or automate follow-ups and bookings—FitLeads has you covered.

👉 Discover the full range of services at FitLeads.uk

Who We Are – And How We Help Gyms Succeed 🦝

At Black Raccoon Consulting, we work with gyms, studios, leisure trusts, and franchise operators to help them perform better—operationally, commercially, and culturally. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing network, we offer tailored support, not one-size-fits-all advice. From sales and marketing to team training, member retention, and operational efficiency, our 360° approach is designed to solve real problems and drive real results.

👉 Find out more about what we do and how we can help your business grow

Franchise Support That Actually Understands Franchising 🤝

With over 20 years of experience across fitness, food & beverage, and lifestyle franchises, we’ve worked with, for, and as franchise owners—so we get it. At Black Raccoon Consulting, we know the challenges of balancing brand standards with local ownership, and we offer practical, scalable solutions that work in the real world. Whether you're a franchisee aiming to maximise your results, or a franchisor looking to strengthen your network, we're here to support every stage of the journey.

👉 Find out how we support franchise success on both sides of the table