Long-standing FIA board directors Andy Jackson, FitPro’s business development director, and Fred Turok, chair of LA Fitness, have been appointed FIA vice chairs to support the recently-promoted FIA chair, Harm Tegelaars.

We asked them: “What major changes do you think need to take place if the industry is to progress?”

Turok said: “We must develop products and services that attract the 60 per cent of the population who don't currently use our facilities. These people are the neediest and will, with strong lobbying, bring with them government funding. Such funding will help us to develop services that demonstrate the role our expertise can play in remedial and preventative medical treatment.

“The industry must also support the FIA as it raises awareness, both within government and society, about our role in improving quality of life and reducing the tax burden of illness.”

Jackson added: “We need to deliver our promise of fitness to the large proportion of our customers who don't feel they are getting results from their memberships. Getting customers fit should be our main focus, not driving commercial sales. If we deliver results at all levels, the commercial aspects of our industry will fly.

“In progressing the industry, we also need to be careful to protect our current strengths. We have a reputation for being dynamic and innovative, and should continue to propagate this within our teams by rewarding innovation.”

Photograph: Fred Turok, left, and Andy Jackson