Welcome to the Black Raccoon Newsletter - April 25🦝

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

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

Real Support for Real Gym Owners

At Black Raccoon Consulting, we specialise in helping gyms, studios, franchises, hotel fitness clubs, and leisure facilities improve performance across every area of their business. Whether you're launching your first independent club, managing a growing franchise, or overseeing a complex leisure trust, we bring hands-on experience and tailored support to meet your goals. From sales and marketing to retention, team development, operations, systems and automation—our 1-to-1 consultancy gives you the structure, strategy, and confidence to grow a stronger, more successful gym.

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

What is Fit Supply Hub?

Fit Supply Hub is a dedicated platform that connects gyms, fitness businesses, and leisure facilities with trusted suppliers across every area of the industry — from equipment and software to marketing, design, finance, and more.

Created by Black Raccoon Consulting, the hub was built to simplify the supply chain process for gym owners while helping suppliers grow their reach in a meaningful, cost-effective way.

Whether you're a fitness business looking for reliable partners, or a supplier aiming to reach more customers, Fit Supply Hub brings the two together — with no expensive trade shows or complicated setups. Just real connections, real results, and real support.

👉 Find out how we support gyms and suppliers to connect

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

Transform Your Sales Team. Grow Your Gym.

At Black Raccoon Consulting, we deliver practical, proven sales training designed specifically for the fitness industry. Based on our best-selling book Fit to Sell – Mastering Sales in the Fitness Industry, our training goes beyond scripts and closing tactics. We teach your team how to build trust, uncover true member needs, and confidently guide prospects to join. Whether you're an independent club, franchise, or leisure facility, we’ll help you implement a structured, effective sales process that improves conversion rates, boosts revenue, and builds long-term member relationships.

👉 Learn more

The 5-Day Gym Growth Challenge

is a free, focused programme designed to help gym owners take control of their business, boost performance, and plan for sustainable success. Over five powerful days, you’ll gain clarity around your numbers, uncover what’s really driving (or blocking) growth, and learn proven strategies to improve sales, retention, and operations. Led by industry experts with 26 years of hands-on experience and a track record of supporting over 75 clubs, this challenge is your opportunity to step back, refocus, and move forward with confidence—no fluff, no jargon, just real support that delivers results.

👉 Find out more & Sign up to today

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