May 2022

UK Active asks government to provide support for the fitness sector 20 Dec 2021 UK Active has sent letters to three government departments, asking for them to provide the fitness and physical activity sector with direct financial support. The industry body sent letters to the Treasury, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the DCMS, outlining the industry's needs, as well as offering its help in tackling the resurgence of COVID-19. The letters to the DHSC and DCMS offer the physical activity sector’s "full support" – by making the case for how the industry is already keeping people healthy and re-purposing facilities as local vaccination centres. Meanwhile, the letter to chancellor Rishi Sunak seeks assurances of the government's support and protection, as the country is now "entering a critical phase of the pandemic" with measures to counter the omicron variant. In the letter to the Treasury, UK Active CEO, Huw Edwards, writes: "The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for the fitness and leisure sector over the past year. "Our sector headed into the 2020-21 financial year as one of the fastest-growing areas on the high street, but with nine months of closure across the lockdown periods, and just seven months of suppressed trading since 25 July 2020, industry finances are fragile. "The commencement of Plan B restrictions this week will unquestionably slow our sector’s recovery and we are already seeing reductions in footfall, especially in city centres. "With each Government announcement, consumers are becoming more risk-averse and ahead of such a critical trading period for our businesses in January, we are seeking assurances on the additional support required." HCM understands that Edwards will be meeting ministers – from different departments – in the run-up to Christmas, to make the case for dedicated support for the sector and in a bid to keep gyms open in the event of lockdown. HCMeditor, Liz Terry said: "We've had nearly two years of lobbying government since the start of the pandemic, and it's to be hoped that we have built solid relationships that will enable us to represent and protect the sector as we enter this critical winter phase. "It's vital we make a strong case to the government to show why health clubs and gyms should be allowed to remain open in terms of the economic value of the sector, the number of jobs it supports and the impact our work has on UK plc in terms of underpinning the fitness of the workforce. "We must also continue to provide clear evidence that we can operate safely in spite of the pandemic and that health clubs and gyms are some of the safest places people can spend time. "But most importantly, we must present all the scientific data which shows how being fit and healthy, with lower levels of bodyfat, leaves people far less susceptible to poor outcomes from COVID-19. "Once all these points are stacked up, it makes a compelling argument for the government to not only support the sector with VAT breaks matching those offered to hospitality but also to let us carry on trading. "If we can keep the industry open this winter, it will be a major achievement and a milestone on our road to establishing the sector as an essential service. This must be our goal." back Latest member news The Pelican Centre, Tyldesley, celebrates 10 years of community ownership Community leisure and fitness centre and registered charity the Pelican Centre in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, celebrated its 10th anniversary last month. read more... Hyndburn Leisure Centre cuts carbon emissions by 74 per cent with £2m eco grant Hyndburn Leisure has announced an ambitious action plan to cut carbon emissions by 74 per cent with a complete energy infrastructure transformation of its Church- based facility. read more... Healthy lifestyle pop-up clinic launches at Clements Hall Leisure Centre A healthy lifestyle pop-up clinic has launched at Clements Hall Leisure Centre, managed by Fusion Lifestyle on behalf of Rochford District Council. read more... Nonagenarian still stepping it out for health An Edinburgh nonagenarian and aerobics fanatic has celebrated reaching his 90th birthday on 26th April 2022, by taking part in one of his four weekly step class, followed by cake and a celebratory cup of coffee with his fellow steppers. read more... Breaking barriers and defying the odds: the remarkable story of young swimming star Heidi Rogerson After being told “so many times that she would never be able to swim”, 14 year old Flint resident Heidi Rogerson has defied the odds and “rocketed through” Aura’s Learn to Swim programme to become a fantastic swimmer as well as one of Flint Swimming Club’s newest members. read more... Cancer support programme for men launched in Suffolk A new cancer support programme for men has been launched in Suffolk to help keep male cancer patients active throughout their cancer journey. read more... Trilogy Leisure Announces Partnership with the University of Northampton Trilogy Leisure and the University of Northampton have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will see the organisations collaborate in areas including research, education, knowledge exchange, project funding and business support. read more... Kitting out the Borough North East leisure trust Tees Active are working in partnership with Stockton-on- Tees Borough Council to drive forward a new initiative which will help disadvantaged children throughout the Borough participate in sport and physical activity. The ‘Kit out the Borough’ initiative recovers unwanted children’s sportswear to be reused by disadvantaged familes to improve accessibility across Stockton-on-Tees. Donations colected from Tees Active’s leisure centres will be distributed amongst local families to ensure every child has equal opportunity to enjoy taking part in physical activity. read more... The magnificent Redbridge Outdoor Arts returns to Ken Aston Square Vision RCL’s Redbridge Outdoor Arts (ROA) programme presents a summer of arts and culture in Ken Aston Square on Barkingside High Street. A programme for all ages to enjoy, where everyone in the community is welcome and all events are FREE of any charge. read more... Lauren’s charity fitness challenge gets boost from DCLT Lauren Weston is taking on an exhausting endurance fitness challenge to raise money to fight childhood cancer. read more... CHAPS Free Men's Health Checks Supported by Impulse Leisure Impulse Leisure was the proud sponsor of an event supporting men’s health and wellbeing at The Civic Hall, located next to their Blackshots leisure centre in Grays, Essex. On the 22nd of February, local men were invited to receive a free men’s health check, which included diabetes checks, skin cancer screenings, heart disease screenings and more. read more... Online archive of stories from across the Highlands and Islands A new website from Spirit of the Highlands and Islands, filled with stories from across the region, is now available to visit. read more... SLT’s double health & safety accolade yet again Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) has once more been awarded the highest possible accolade in the internationally-renowned Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) 2022 Health and Safety Awards. read more... Historic finds under the rafters at Stamford Library The initial phase of renovation works at Stamford Library, which is operated by charitable social enterprise GLL, has been completed, meaning the landmark, Grade 2 listed building, which now boasts a new roof, will reopen on 3rd May following a six-month closure. read more... Refurbishment of former Northfield Swimming Pool well underway The Northfield community will soon have access to one of the best health and wellbeing facilities of its kind in the city, with progress well underway for the revamp of the former Northfield Swimming Pool, based at Kettlehills Crescent. read more... Renfrewshire Leisure completes transformation into OneRen The transformation of Renfrewshire Leisure to OneRen has been met with a tremendous response - reinforcing the charity’s significant role in its community. read more... more Community Leisure UK member news >> Latest industry news from leisureopportunities.co.uk 06 May 2022 Research provides new evidence of how exercise can counter diabetes damage Being physically active can counter the damage of diabetes by enabling the activation of a natural system that grows new blood vessels. read more... 04 May 2022 1Rebel snaps up Core Collective in pre-pack administration deal – reveals international growth plans 1Rebel has acquired two Core Collective clubs as part of a pre-pack administration deal, along with London studio Sweat It which it bought from liquidators in February. read more... 27 Apr 2022 Egym acquires Gymlib to expand corporate fitness portfolio Fitness tech firm Egym has acquired French corporate fitness and wellbeing business Gymlilb for what has been described as a 'high double-digit million' purchase price. read more... 22 Apr 2022 New David Lloyd club is revamped Virgin Active David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) has opened a new club in Cricklewood Lane, London. The launch completes phase one of a £5.25m redevelopment initiative that forms part of the company’s mergers and acquisitions strategy. read more... 21 Apr 2022 Pure Gym plans to double in size by 2030 Pure Gym has revealed it's planning to double the number of clubs in its portfolio, with a target of reaching more than 1,000 clubs by 2030. read more... 14 Apr 2022 New baking course teaches recipe for mindfulness Baking is the focus of a new one-day course designed to help people learn about mindfulness in the wake of the pandemic read more... 07 Apr 2022 Final report from UK Active shows health clubs beating COVID UK Active has released its final report on COVID-19 cases among health club, leisure centre and swimming pool customers. read more... 06 Apr 2022 Deloitte says European fitness sector is recovering: memberships and number of clubs up in 2021 The number of people with a gym membership in Europe increased by 1 million (or 2 per cent) during 2021 – from 55.2 million in 2020 to 56.3 million by year-end 2021. read more... more industry news >>

Events All weekly HR and finance meetings have been ceased. For more information about Special Interest Group and regional / national members meetings, please contact [email protected] General Meetings & Conferences General Meeting, London 18 May Regional Meetings North East & Yorks Regional Meeting 25 May 2022 Special Interest Groups SIG – Health (England) 10 May 2022 SIG – Safeguarding 17 May 2022 SIG – Chairs and Trustees (England & Wales) 25 May 2022 Job vacancies Aquafit Instructor Salary: £13.18 0 £14.26 per hour + 10% market supplement Location: Melksham, UK Company: Wiltshire Council Read more and apply Leisure Assistant/Lifeguard Salary: Location: Flitwick, Bedford, UK Company: Stevenage Leisure Limited Read more and apply Swimming Teacher Salary: Location: Letchworth Garden City, UK Company: Stevenage Leisure Limited Read more and apply General Manager Salary: £27,000 - £30,000pa OTE £30k-£33k Location: Bow, London, UK Company: énergie group Read more and apply Lifeguards: full-time and part-time Salary: £19,264 - £20,043 pro rata Location: Melksham, UK Company: Wiltshire Council Read more and apply Fitness Consultants: full-time and part-time Salary: £20,043 - £20,852 pro rata Location: Melksham, UK Company: Wiltshire Council Read more and apply Swimming Teachers Salary: £13.18 0 £14.26 per hour + 10% market supplement Location: Melksham, UK Company: Wiltshire Council Read more and apply Sports Centre Manager Salary: Location: Devizes, UK Company: Dauntsey's School Read more and apply Lifeguards Salary: £19,264 - £20,043 pro rata Location: Wiltshire, UK Company: Wiltshire Council Read more and apply Operations Manager Salary: £28,000pa Location: Highgate, London, UK Company: Highgate School Read more and apply Kingston Wheels for All Co-ordinator Salary: £20,020 FTE - £8,080pa for 14 hrs per week Location: Kingston upon Thames, UK Company: Wheels for All Read more and apply Lifeguard Salary: £17,901 - £18,530 pa + shift allowance Location: Liverpool, UK Company: University of Liverpool Read more and apply Sports Assistant / Lifeguard Salary: £19,209 - £20,092 + 10% shift allowance + benefits Location: Bath, UK Company: University of Bath Read more and apply Leisure Attendant / Lifeguard Salary: £20,174pa Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, UK Company: Capita Plc. Read more and apply Sports Development Officer Salary: £24,100 - £26,264 FTE Location: Pontefract, UK Company: New Collaborative Learning Read more and apply more job vacancies >> Diary dates 15-16 Jun 2022 Elevate London, United Kingdom more 30-30 Jun 2022 Active Uprising 2022 Birmingham , United Kingdom more 12-13 Sep 2022 2022 Salt Therapy Association Conference Lake Buena Vista, United States more 21-21 Sep 2022 National Fitness Day London, United Kingdom more 25-28 Oct 2022 Interbad Germany more 25-28 Oct 2022 Synergy - The Retreat Show Ibiza, Spain more 01-07 Dec 2022 World Leisure Congress 2022 Dunedin, New Zealand more 17-18 Mar 2023 PerformX Live 2023 London, United Kingdom more more diary dates >>

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Contact Community Leisure UK Kirsty Cumming, Chief Executive Tel: 020 7250 8263 [email protected]		Submit news The Community Leisure UK ezine is published in association with leisureopportunities.co.uk Please email news and images for consideration to [email protected]		Your subscription To add a colleague to this mailing list click here This e-zine is produced and distributed on behalf of Community Leisure UK by Leisure Media, publisher of Leisure Opportunities, HCM and Sports Management