A HEALTH club operator has vowed to continue investing in operations after rising membership numbers nudged profits higher.

The Bannatyne Group says a drive to lure people from lower budget rivals has strengthened its finance sheet and provided a platform for future growth.

According to its latest results, released yesterday, the business now has in excess of 200,000 health club members, who use sites including Darlington and Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, as well as a base overlooking Durham County Cricket Club’s Riverside ground.

Such clamour, which contrasts to the 184,255 subscribers recorded in 2015, helped push turnover £11m higher to £112.2m in the year to December 31.

Profits before tax and exceptional costs at the Darlingtonbased business, which was founded by Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne, were up from £7.7m to £11.6m.

Justin Musgrove, chief executive, said the business has benefited from investment in its health clubs and new spa facilities, revealing its push to attract clients from cheaper operators has had a significant impact.

He said: “The group has secured a solid position in the health club market with resilient membership numbers and a proposition that is attracting people to move up from budget, low-cost alternatives.

“Our members enjoy a lifestyle of healthy living, accompanied by first-class advice and training programmes tailor-made to make sure their goals are met.

“Health club membership has grown to more than 200,000, supported by an investment programme, which has seen the best in fitness equipment and innovative technology, including My- Zone and the Bannatyne Fitness app, installed across clubs.

“This demonstrates another successful year for the group and the renewed strength of the business has enabled it to draw on resources for future investment and growth.

“We have ambitious plans for the future with new spa facilities opening and the culmination of the gym refurbishments.”

Mr Musgrove also said the group’s hotel division, which sees a base on the outskirts of Durham City complement a site in Darlington and venues in the south of the country, has performed favourably.

He added: “Our other businesses are growing.

“The hotels are performing well and we are committed to ongoing investment to maintain the high quality of the portfolio.

“We anticipate further development in the company’s performance going forward.”