GP: How is your own company outlet in Lisburn developing? CD: Very well indeed. It is significantly ahead of target. We had planned to have 250 members in our gym by the end of year one and in reality, we have exceeded it substantially. Financially, our break even point was 220 members and we had passed this mark within the first six months.

GR: How is franchising developing in Ireland? CD: Ireland was actually the first geographic region for which we acquired the Master Franchise rights. The success of developments in Ireland caused us to invest further in obtaining the UK rights. In Ireland, we now have Ladies Workout Express franchises trading in Galway, Clane - Kildare, Lisburn, Bangor, Newry, Kilcullen, Rathcoole - Co Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire. Franchising is generally doing very well indeed.

GP: What kind of franchise package is provided to franchisees? CD: This consists of a business format package containing everything necessary to ensure a good launch of the business at the franchisee's premises. It includes a training programme in Fort Lauderdale in Florida, followed by a time in the company owned operation in Lisburn, together with on-site training at the franchisee's premises. Hands-on help is provided in the first week of opening to ensure a seamless launch.

GR: Is there a good earnings opportunity available to franchisees? CD: Very much so. A recent franchisee who opened in Bangor achieved break even in three months. In fact, there were 400 appointments in the very first week. The business is flying and he is already opening his second gym in Newry.

GR: What kind of support do you provide to your franchisees? CD: We want to provide our franchisees with all the back-up and support necessary to give them every opportunity to maximise the business potential at their premises. There is a free refresher course in Florida, a newsletter, regional training and an annual conference. Through our website, every franchisee has excellent support at their fingertips.

GP: What is your goal plan for the development of the Irish market? CD: It is our plan to open some 20 new outlets per annum over the next couple of years and in so doing make Ladies Workout Express a well recognised and trusted brand in the sector.

GP: How large is Ladies Workout Express internationally? CD: The franchise system is fine-tuned with 20 years of experience behind it and over 1000 outlets globally.

Franchise Development Services (FDS) has assisted UK and international franchisors in the development of their franchise networks for over 20 years, building a reputation as one of the world's leading franchise consultancy groups. Gordon Patterson and Gary Rigby have a combined experience in franchising of over 40 years. Gordon Patterson has consulted for Irish based businesses for some 20 years and helped Irish companies to expand their operations successfully through franchising. As a franchise consultant Gordon Patterson is currently actively involved with companies in both Northern and Southern Ireland. For any business that meets the basic criteria for franchising he will be pleased to meet with them in Dublin or Belfast for an exploratory discussion without fee or obligation.