When we interviewed Andrew Abbott from Snap Fitness in Woodville, he was pleased to announce that the final milestone of being ‘back to the new normal’ was that the Down Syndrome SA weekly sessions were back on.
Providing an exercise venue for people with Down Syndrome was something Andrew and his wife Mary were committed to providing from the very start of their Snap Fitness Woodville business. Having been supported by Down Syndrome SA when their son Angus was alive, they were determined to give back to this organisation and provide this much needed service as soon as they had the opportunity.
He is really looking forward to the return of this group who come with big smiles, their exercise physiologist and a very loud and custom playlist.
The franchise business model
Snap Fitness Woodville was the first of the businesses we interviewed which were part of a franchise. Compared with what other business owners had to deal with, this business model really demonstrated its value at this critical time. All the legals, communications and even membership payment policies including freezing direct debits, were all handled by the head office.
Head office was across all the requirements and announcements from each of the states and Andrew was really appreciative for the support they provided.
“As soon as our Premier announced that gyms would be opening up, head office instantly communicated guidelines and what this would mean”
Practical things such as stickers for the floor, how much space between the equipment, ensuring fans were not on, and signs - all were just 'handled and communicated' by head office.
This is certainly different to what we heard from many other business owners who had to interpret requirements and instructions from the government themselves and work out how to implement it all.
Andrew said that they have even had a couple of 'spot checks' from SAPOL to ensure guidelines are being followed, which he has welcomed, as it provides confidence to everyone that they are following procedures.
His business also qualified for JobKeeper, and State and Commonwealth Government grants, so financially, there was significant help. The only thing he needed to do was to negotiate his rent and this was something which eventually came through.
Reopening and economic support packages
One of the activities Andrew participated in during the state’s re-opening was in being part of a deal put together by the council's place leaders.
The City of Charles Sturt provided support by organising a Woodville Road marketing campaign in the form of a letterbox flyer promoting businesses including Snap Fitness. All the other businesses were from the food and hospitality sector, and included Little Miss West (a café), and three restaurants - Royal India, Enjoy Inn and Angkor.
The Place Leader organised the creation of joint offers including the design, printing and distribution of flyers, which provided awareness and branding to locals of a number of businesses including Snap Fitness, meant that the 'we're open for businesses on Woodville Road message was reinforced.
Are customers asking for anything different now?
The biggest thing Andrew noticed was that sense of reassurance that the venue and the equipment was being kept clean and sanitised - so they would feel safe.
The gym had always been kept spotless, but now there are additional wipe and sanitiser stations, with machines being constantly cleaned. People are not just concerned that the gym staff comply but also that others using the gym do so as well, and sanitising and wiping down equipment is part of the conditions of entry.
Andrew said that they knew it was important to instil confidence about the steps they were taking prior to re-opening, and their social media was filled with how they were preparing for re-opening with the extra cleaning measures and resources.
What’s your advice for other business owners?
“It’s not only important to be doing what is required, but to be seen to be doing it. Messages on your website and on social media, stop people guessing whether you are complying, and puts their mind at ease.”
Andrew in collaboration with other local businesses received funding through the #shoplocal grant (part of the Economic Stimulus Package) to promote his business to the local community.
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Urszula Richards
Business Marketing Advisor - Urban Projects
E: urichards@charlessturt.sa.gov.au