Sophie Lawler, CEO of Total Fitness, has bagged the top award at the annual National Business Women’s Awards, in London.

A year after taking the helm of the North’s leading mid-market health club, Lawler has scooped Business Woman of the Year (Large), at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony.

The awards look to celebrate female excellence in industries up and down the country and in particular aim to champion those who promote gender parity within their field and organisation.

Lawler has been recognised by the judges as a truly standout individual for leading a people-powered business transformation of Total Fitness which, in the space of a single year, has reversed the health club’s fortunes.

Following a decade-long decline, Total Fitness’ has seen sustained organic revenue and membership growth under Lawler’s leadership. Customer satisfaction scores are up by an average of 28% across the brand’s 17 health clubs.

The judges were also impressed with Lawler’s approach to leadership, championing transparency, fairness and empowerment at all levels of business.

Lawler comments:

“I’m really chuffed to be recognised in a non-industry, cross sector award like this, and that what we’re achieving at Total Fitness is recognised as championing women in business.

“I’ve never seen gender (or diversity) as an obstacle; I believe ability, authenticity and a growth mindset is all anyone needs to succeed.

“While I represent Total Fitness this award absolutely represents the achievement of an entire team; as a CEO you’re only ever as strong as those leaders you build around you – and without our team I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

This is the latest in a string of business developments for the leading health club chain, following its acquisition of Pro-Fit Personal Training in November 2019, in a move to put the fitness offering back into the heart of the business.