The Gym Group looks to Night Tube for membership boost

The new Night Tube will “significantly help” The Gym Group beef up its membership, the boss of the 24-hour fitness chain has told the Evening Standard.

John Treharne added: “Nearly a third of our members are shift workers so having easier and quicker access to our 24/7 gyms at weekends will make joining us more appealing.”

A number of the firm's 80 gyms are by stations on Night Tube routes, including Charing Cross and Wood Green.

The no-frills chain saw membership numbers surge 19% to 424,000 in the half year to June 30, helping sales up 25% to £36.1 million.

Its shares rose yesterday on reports of a potential purchase of 70 former Fitness First gyms, but Treharne shot down the claims. The shares fell 7.9p to 221.6p.

Plans for the second half of the year include opening sites in Lewisham and Dagenham.

Numis analysts said: “If the consumer environment was to deteriorate post-Brexit, we believe the group is well placed for increased demand from customers trading down from more expensive gyms.”