Key representatives from across the leisure sector met at Lord's Cricket Ground, London, on 10 November for Business In Sport and Leisure's (BISL) annual conference.

A number of speakers were present to address delegates under the Fit For Growth scheme, which examined how the sector is to go forward amid government spending cuts. Despite general consensus that the UK economy is on the right track, there were words of warning for both the government and operators on a number of issues.

Among one of the early speakers was Sky News political editor Adam Boulton, who said the government will place the onus on the private sector to drive the recovery – his message to the industry being "you're on your own". Boulton indicated that the coalition government is to be a long-term arrangement and businesses will have to lead; something Cameron Cartmell, Jim Bowden and Andrew Goodwin of Ernst and Young had also suggested in their analysis previously.

Richard Segal, chair of Esporta Health Clubs, offered the views of an entrepreneur in his speech to delegates, having helped to rejuvenate the health club chain during his tenure. However, Segal warned that the government had to do more to encourage businesses to operate if the private sector is to pick up the slack from the public sector over the coming years.

"If any politician expects the private sector to create 500,000 new jobs over the medium term, then they should provide an environment that encourages businesses to flourish," he said. "I don't see the sense of imposing higher taxes on jobs. Trading conditions are tough and higher employment costs, such as next April's National Insurance hike, will pile on even more pressure."

Segal also indicated that the proposed Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme (CRC) should be put "on the backburner" until market conditions are more favourable; a sentiment later echoed by BISL executive director Andy Sutch. However, Sport England's Jennie Price remained optimistic despite the cuts to public sport funding outlined in the spending review, indicating that "radicalised solutions" and sustainability were most likely to drive decision-making in future.

Baroness Ford, chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, was also upbeat when discussing the future of East London following the 2012 Games, with the Olympic Park hosting one of the UK's largest regeneration schemes. Delegates also heard from Derek Lloyd, chief executive of Danoptra - parent company of operator Leisure Connection; MPs Justin Tomlinson and Andrew Percy and Marylebone Cricket Club secretary and chief executive Keith Bradshaw.

Business secretary Vince Cable had originally been scheduled as a key note speaker but was unable to attend due to forming part of the Prime Minister's trade delegation to China. However, Cable did contribute a brief video address. The 2010 conference was capped with an entertaining speech from ex-British Lions and England rugby union player Martin Bayfield, before closing comments from BISL chair David Teasdale brought this year's event to an end.

BISL has confirmed that its next conference - entitled '2012 Opportunities' - will be held on 10 November 2011. Image: Adam Boulton addressing delegates