Bannatyne Group, the Darlington-based health club and hospitality business, owned by Duncan Bannatyne OBE, has posted record turnover and profits for the year ending December 2025 - despite ‘economic headwinds brought about by Government policy’.
The business operates from 70 locations, five of which are in the North East, including 67 health clubs, 45 spas and three hotels.
In 2025, it delivered EBITDA earnings of £43.7m, growth of more than 14% in two years. Turnover grew by 6% and membership numbers remained strong, finishing the year on 219,743.
Founder and executive Chairman, Duncan Bannatyne OBE, said: “The business has delivered impressive results against difficult economic headwinds brought about by Government policy from April 2025. Nearly 3,000 staff throughout the UK have worked together to maintain a growing business, delivering popular services to a large cohort of loyal members.
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“The company has been an active investor in the market. It has closed underperforming clubs in some areas and opened new clubs in areas where demand was stronger. It has also invested substantial sums in new products, including advanced, all weather Padel courts, which are also available to non-members. We will be announcing further investments in Padel throughout 2026 in Norwich, Livingston, Basingstoke, Chafford Hundred, Stratford on Avon, Colchester and Grove Park.
“The success has been achieved in the face of an increase in the rate of employer’s National Insurance, which added £2m to the company’s costs. Meanwhile, the Government’s energy policies have failed to deliver any control on spiralling business energy tariffs at a time when energy represents 11% of the cost base of Bannatyne Group. “
Mr Bannatyne also commented on the importance of staff training: “Our investment in people has been focused on a sector leading apprenticeship programme, which facilitates progression within peoples’ roles. A long-term career is achievable at Bannatyne Group. Our business is led by people who have real expertise in the field of health and fitness and have introduced some ground-breaking programmes, which are popular with members.”
In 2025, the Bannatyne Group acquired the former Beechdown Leisure Club, a premium health and wellbeing facility in Basingstoke, opened its first padel courts in Ingleby Barwick, advanced several planning applications for 20 additional courts across its estate, and closed a site at Whitworth Street, Manchester.
Bannatyne Group’s oiher North East locations are Darlington, Coulby Newham, Durham and Chester le Street.
The Bannatyne Group operates 67 clubs, 45 spas and three hotels owned by Duncan Bannatyne, who is also known for his appearances as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den.
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