In a bid to improve the health and fitness of its employees, Yorkshire based building contractor, Strategic Team Group, has joined forces with international sports heroes, Great Britain and Leeds Rhinos stalwart, Rob Burrows, Great Britain cyclist Ashley Brown and training coach Jim Murgatroyd of BBM Wellness to be the first company to pilot an innovative health and fitness initiative, which offers tax efficient wellness packages for employees.

Open to Strategic Team Group employees, the pilot programme enables participants to gain access to a network of leading health and fitness professionals, including BBM Wellness's founding members, plus fitness facilities through a salary sacrifice programme. Through the programme employees can contribute a monthly fixed sum towards memberships, ranging from as little as £25.00 to £500.00, each with increasing volumes of personal care. Cutting costs for employees on gym membership and personal training, through to wellness physiotherapy, sports massages and stress management.

The scheme results in savings of over 45 per cent and 24 percent for higher and lower tax rate payers respectively. Full gym membership with exercise classes, two personal training sessions and a massage would have an average high street price of £95.00, but costs as little as £51.45 through BBM Wellness' tax efficient mechanism, which includes the company's 10 per cent service charge to the employee, plus the 12.8 per cent national insurance contribution from the employer.

There are currently 20 employees taking part in the programme, which will last for six months and should result in a significant improvement in health and fitness levels and a potential reduction in sick leave.

Commenting on the new venture, BBM Wellness's, Rob Burrows said:

"We are all absolutely delighted to be piloting the scheme with such a forward thinking organisation. Strategic Team Group clearly view their workforce as their main asset and our scheme is designed to promote a fitter, healthier team, improving employee engagement and efficiency."

Strategic Team Group's managing director, Andy Watson added:

"We hope that by participating in the scheme, BBM Wellness will act as a catalyst for a fitter and healthier future for our employees. The health and wellbeing of our team is fundamental to our success and is a subject that we remain totally committed to."

"BBM Wellness is the brainchild of three great athletes and fitness experts each in their own right, so we are confident that the pilot scheme will be a success and will prove invaluable to our employees and to the business."

Collectively, BBM Wellness' founding partners have over 40 years combined experience working in the health and fitness industry, both as service providers and international athletes. As well as being a world renowned rugby league halfback, Rob Burrows is an accomplished masseur, cyclist Ashley Brown is a personal fitness conditioner and sport massage therapist, whilst Jim Murgatroyd specialises in stress management, rehabilitation and physical training. BBM Wellness has built relationships with a number of sports service providers including Xercise Health Clubs and Fitness First.

For further information on BBM Wellness contact 0845 052 6707 or visit www.bbmwellness.com.