The physical activity sector has the potential to broaden its appeal to investors and gain ‘an even bigger wingspan’ if it can demonstrate its true economic value, according to new ukactive chair Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson,

Making her maiden speech at the ukactive Flame Conference in Telford this morning (24 June), the cross-bench peer said the physical activity sector must be bold, pro-active and push boundaries if it is to continue on its growth trajectory and reach new heights.

There have long been calls for a true indication of the sector’s value (in terms of its wider economic impact) and a detailed report is expected to be delivered by ukactive in the coming months. Recent market developments have made the City of London ‘prick up its ears,’ noted Grey-Thompson, adding that powerful backing could help the industry accelerate its progress.

“The astronomic growth of everything that we have to offer will attract the funders, investors and speculators that give the sector an even bigger wingspan,” she said.

“And we are moving every closer to a true economic value of the sector which will open up new doors and unlock new potential.”

Although a number of major gym chains have already attracted private equity investors, wider accessibility to funds could help the physical activity sector bring even greater benefits to society.

“You keep the nation fit and healthy,” she told the audience of 900 industry delegates.

“And that’s the benefit of working with businesses in this sector – because when your model succeeds, society succeeds.”

“If you get more people, more active, more often; whether it’s through Tough Mudder, the TRX ropes, on the treadmill… or just going for a walk – everyone wins.”

Grey-Thompson urged the physical activity sector to continue ‘steaming ahead’ of the government in finding solutions to tackle the nation’s inactivity crisis. She envisioned a future of closer sector collaboration with the music and videogames industries to make new apps and push the boundaries on ways to “digitalise and datify sites and centres.”

“Over the coming years, the physical activity sector… will continue to take on its role as the vanguard of the nation’s health,” said Grey-Thompson, who has called on MPs to help turn the tide of physical inactivity and push physical activity further up the political agenda. She added that physical activity will play an increasingly prominent role in society, including the fundamental design of cities and housing"to build activity back into daily life.”

Health Club Management will be on hand throughout Flame 2015, live reporting on the latest developments throughout the conference/awards ceremony and posting them straight to the Health Club Management website. Head of news Jak Phillips will also be tweeting from the event, follow him on Twitter by clicking here.