changing the way the world rejuvenates

Master Franchising Meets a Master Team in the UK
Master Franchising Meets a Master Team in the UK 'changing the way the world rejuvenates'In today’s busy society, we often run out of time to just sit back and relax.  Between work, commutes and family schedules, it’s difficult for individuals to find time to pamper themselves.  At Planet Beach Contempo Spa®, personal pampering is only minutes away. All treatments are fully automated, enabling customers to pamper both face and body at the press of a button, in privacy and without an attendant.  Relax your body and soul, get a golden glow, and renew your skin— all in one place, at a reasonable price, and without spending a whole day. 

UK Master Franchisors Iain and Lisa Gordon first inquired about Planet Beach when they saw a booth
at a franchising expo. 

“Orange is Lisa’s favorite color, so we were drawn to the vibrant, impressive display,” recalls Iain.  After speaking with executives from the US-based franchise and learning more about the unique concept, Iain and Lisa quickly realized this was an ideal opportunity not only for themselves, but also for the UK.  “Planet Beach is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the public’s insatiable demand for ways to relieve stress, look younger, live healthier and feel sexier,” said Iain. The Contempo Spa model offers top-of-the-line spa services such as massages, facials, skin hydration treatments and more to on-the-go consumers looking to achieve higher levels of physical and mental well being while saving time and money. The new Contempo Spa services provide affordable day spa results in minutes, and all services are machine automated to provide the utmost privacy for customers.

Planet Beach Contempo Spa is the vision of Founder and CEO Stephen P. Smith, a former bodybuilder who owned three Gold’s Gym franchises before opening his own tanning salon. 

Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Planet Beach began franchising in 1996. In 2005 the company expanded its traditional UV offerings to include spa-style treatments, enabling clients to handle their entire skincare regime in one location. Today, Planet Beach has over 390 storefronts in the U.S., Canada and Australia and is continuing its international expansion. The first UK Planet Beach location will open in central London in October.  In the past eight months, Planet Beach has also secured master franchisors for Ireland, South Africa, and several regions in Canada.

After much due diligence, Iain and Lisa felt Planet Beach was a natural choice to fuel their entrepreneurial spirits.  With Iain’s background in the hotel, franchising & entertainment industries and Lisa’s back-ground in choreography and pursuit of a beauty therapy degree, they are no strangers to hard work.

Together for over 23 years with two children, Iain and Lisa met while on contract with Carnival Cruise Lines. Their passion for life and dedication to their entrepreneurial drive helped launch their franchise endeavors. Iain has worked in franchising for over 13 years with Shell UK in the competitive petroleum retail industry. He has operated over 15 Shell franchises in the UK with a yearly turnover in excess of 82 million pounds. Today, Iain operates eight Shell franchises in his home county of Kent. Iain and Lisa also currently own Stagecoach Medway, 5 franchises of the renowned Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools.

As their enthusiasm and confidence for the Planet Beach concept grew, Iain utilized his franchising experience and set out to build a true Master Team to launch and support the UK. 

 Equipped with a 10 year business plan, Iain and Lisa formed a strong relationship with HSBC Bank its Senior Managers, Lorna Smith and Daniel Peters, who also assisted in Iain with DTI backing.  As the team developed, Iain arranged a meeting with Paul Faulkner of King Sturge, the largest private firm of property advisors/chartered surveyors in the UK.  Drawing on King Sturge’s comprehensive research capabilities and working with its 80-strong retail team UK-wide, Paul is developing an acquisition strategy for Planet Beach. This involves using detailed mapping and geo-demographic information to create a requirements list of shop locations that will best meet Planet Beach’s needs and provide a platform for franchisee success.

To further compliment the UK Master team, Nina Moran-Watson, an affiliated franchise solicitor with the British Franchise Association (BFA) is completing the Franchisee agreements and will assist Iain in ensuring that all future Planet Beach Franchise agreements will meet the specific and legal requirements of the BFA.

As the team continued to develop, Iain added partners Allen Wilson Shopfitters and Builders, Ltd., Bison Print, EK Williams Ltd, Millennium software, Financial Advisor Ian Perkins, Life Coach Alison King and Spa Director Sally Peterson.  In addition to all of the resources in the UK, there are also 80 staff members at the U.S. headquarters in New Orleans.  With such a strong system in place, the Planet Beach Contempo Spa opportunity will allow entrepreneurs to truly be in business for themselves, but not by themselves.  Support is provided from day one, utilizing a proven, successful concept. 

“Spa services and treatments are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even on a budget,” Steve Smith, Planet Beach CEO, said. 

“We offer an affordable alternative to the lavish cost of spas while maintaining the highest quality of personal care.”   Planet Beach’s treatments remain a lifestyle rather than a luxury, even on a limited budget. For an average cost of one service at a traditional day spa, consumers can purchase a Planet Beach membership and limitlessly indulge in all of the Contempo Spa services.  This affordable option allows members to regularly enjoy the benefits of spa treatments- stopping in for a quick massage or spending an hour or two pampering with multiple services. This provides a more private, more affordable and less time-consuming spa experience.

The premiere of the flagship location is expected in Maidstone Kent in April, and Iain and Lisa have hit the ground running in preparation for the event. 

Iain is a great believer in continuous training and education and follows the ‘Physiology of Excellence’. Together, Iain and Lisa have enrolled in Anthony Robbins Master University and completed ‘Unleash the Power Within’, ‘Wealth Mastery’ and a 12 foot fire walk. With their experience in the service and franchising industry coupled with Iain's Master University networking, they firmly believe as the UK Master Franchisor along with their Master Team that all future Planet Beach Franchisees will have superior and outstanding assistance, creating a benchmark for future and existing franchise concepts. As franchisors themselves, Lisa and Iain recognize the concerns new entrepreneurs face and will take accountability that the UK Team can provide unsurpassed support and knowledge as franchisees embark on their dreams.  Lisa and Iain are “living their dream” and want to make many more dreams come true for others.  

Contact us for more information about Planet Beach Contempo Spa in the UK, to receive a free guest pass for the grand opening, click here.