Spanish “aye” for Fitness First

Citation

(2008), "Spanish “aye” for Fitness First", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 40 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2008.03740fab.003

Spanish “aye” for Fitness First

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 40, Issue 6

Health and fitness group Fitness First is launching its annual Global Business Academy (GBA), developed for managers keen to develop their careers in the organization.

The GBA will be hosted at the IESE Business School, which is part of Barcelona University, Spain. Taking place in November, the four-day program targets senior managers in Europe, Australia and Asia who report to executive level. Designed to assess current knowledge levels and sharpen commercial acumen and business skills, the event will also provide each delegate with a personal plan of action to help him or her to fulfil professional goals on return to work.

The course includes sessions delivered by Fitness First senior executives, as well as lectures from the IESE Business School staff who regularly work as consultants solving real problems at top companies around the world. Seminars will cover core areas such as leadership, sales management, performance management and putting the member first. In addition the week will include club tours, team-building activities and networking opportunities with other Fitness First managers from around the globe.

Colin Waggett, Fitness First chief executive, said: “The commitment and dedication of our staff are essential to the overall success of Fitness First and in return it is important that the group invests in growing and retaining these dedicated individuals. The combined expertise of Barcelona University and Fitness First senior executives will provide delegates with invaluable tools and skills to help them to manage themselves and their teams. On return to work, each delegate will be assigned a Fitness First mentor as part of a 100-day monitoring plan to help the individual to implement his or her personal-development plan.”

Candidates for the Fitness First GBA were chosen on their successful track record of building teams and future leaders, and on their enthusiasm and dedication for progression within the organization.

Fitness First has more than 500 health clubs worldwide, with more than 1.7 million members. In the UK alone, there are 170 clubs with more than 440,000 members.