- Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire, Total Fitness has over 100,000 members and operates 19 sites across the North of England and Wales;
- With a dedicated team of over 700 professionals, the business was backed by private equity firm, NorthEdge Capital, in 2015;
- The £15m loan from OakNorth will support the development of new growth initiatives, including the roll-out of standalone, The Women’s Gym clubs;
- The UK’s health and fitness market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2023-28, driven by rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of regular exercise[1].
Manchester, 16 December, 2025: OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided an £15m loan to Total Fitness, the leading mid-market health club brand.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire, Total Fitness has over 100,000 members and operates 16 health and fitness clubs across the North of England and Wales. Now employing c.700 staff members, each of its sites offer a full range of high-quality health and fitness facilities, including fully equipped gyms with extensive cardio, strength and resistance equipment, swimming pools, squash courts, indoor running tracks, relaxation areas with cafes, saunas, and studio spaces that host over 70 classes per week. All health clubs are also situated within central urban locations, with good transport links and large car parking facilities to accommodate peak visiting times. Led by the first female CEO in the UK’s private health club sector, the business was backed by private equity firm, NorthEdge Capital, in 2015.
The £15m loan from OakNorth will support the group’s development of new growth initiatives, including the roll-out of standalone, The Women’s Gym clubs, and continued investment across the estate. OakNorth’s continued support builds on the strong relationship established in 2023 and aligns closely with management’s long-term vision.
Tom Rayner, Chief Financial Officer at Total Fitness, commented on the transaction: “This recapitalisation marks an important milestone for Total Fitness, creating a well-invested platform for the next phase of our growth. We are committed to continuing our investment in our people, our facilities, and the overall experience we offer members. The continued support of NorthEdge, RooGreen Ventures and our dynamic banking partner OakNorth demonstrates their confidence in the business today and in our ambition for the future.”
Stewart Haworth, Senior Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting Total Fitness once again as it embarks on the next chapter of its growth journey. Since partnering with the business in 2023, we’ve been impressed by the strength of its leadership team, its commitment to continuous improvement across the estate, and its clear vision for enhancing the member experience. This new financing package reflects our confidence in the Group’s strategy and its ability to deliver sustained growth.”
The deal was supported by Dow Schofield Watts Debt Advisory and Pannone Corporate, while OakNorth was advised by Browne Jacobson on the legal aspects.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About OakNorth
Launched in September 2015 and founded by entrepreneurs, OakNorth is a digital bank focused on serving and empowering the lower mid-market (businesses with £5m-£100m in revenue), that are seeking to scale but are routinely underserved or overlooked by traditional banks.
To date, it has provided $18bn to these businesses across a wide range of sectors, achieving performance metrics that place it amongst the top 1% of commercial banks globally. Its loans have directly contributed to the creation of 61,000 jobs, and over 38,000 new homes across the UK and the US – the majority of which are affordable and social housing.
It is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Visit www.oaknorth.co.uk for more information.
For press inquiries, please email: [email protected]
About Total Fitness
Total Fitness is a leading health club brand in the North of England and Wales, dedicated to supporting every fitness journey, no matter the age, life stage, or workout preference. With 16 locations, including supersize health clubs, its Swim Academy and purposefully designed women-only gyms (The Women’s Gym by Total Fitness), Total Fitness offers a comprehensive fitness experience.
Driven by the belief that everyone is better fitter, Total Fitness strives to empower individuals to help themselves on their fitness journeys. The brand provides everything needed to get started and stay motivated. Recognising that fitness needs evolve over time, Total Fitness emphasises variety and choice to keep members energised and engaged. Its clubs feature extensive gym floors, over 70 classes per week, impressive swimming pools, expert personal trainers, and digital content, offering a diverse range of ways to work out.
Total Fitness provides a lifetime of opportunities to explore fitness as and when members need it, offering as much or as little support as individuals require. The goal is to empower members to put in the work and define what “possible” means to them.
With a dedicated team of over 700 professionals, alongside a network of freelance fitness partners and brands, Total Fitness delivers on its promise to create spaces and opportunities that empower over 100,000 members to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
For more information, visit: www.totalfitness.co.uk.
For more media information, interviews or images please contact PR Agency One:
Steve Leigh E: [email protected]
James Crawford E: [email protected]
[1] IBIS World – Gyms & Fitness Centres in the UK – Market Size 2011–2029