Just 18 months after launching, Sencio Community Leisure has seen centre and fitness membership levels increase by 30-40 per cent, customer satisfaction levels are up, and the new business has firmly established itself at the heart of an area with contrasting and challenging demographics.

“We were established as a provident society and exist solely to provide leisure to the people of the Sevenoaks district,” said Mark Whyman, managing director.

“We worked closely with the council to create a business that while not-for-profit, has to be commercially astute and market sensitive to maximise income for reinvestment into services.

“We can no longer expect customers to simply roll up and commit to a facility because it’s on their doorstep. People are quite rightly more demanding, have more choice and are always looking for best value and a better experience.

“By leisure trust standards we are young and while that has presented some obstacles in terms of early business development, it also affords us the flexibility to pioneer new ideas and services.

“There is no better example of this than Edenbridge Leisure Centre – a facility that serves a small community in the south west corner of the district. I am very proud of the centre for many reasons. It is a text-book example of what a true community-focused leisure facility should be.”

When the local branch of Age Concern needed a new home for its weekly day care and activity initiative, Sencio’s Edenbridge site stepped in and provided a space released as a result of centre refurbishment.

“We have a successful community partnership and the Sencio team has been quick to move on to the next stage by linking with West Kent College to develop a sports academy, using its facilities as a key component of vocational education for those seeking a career in leisure,” said Whyman.

“Our great ambition for Sencio is to further develop what we have already achieved at Edenbridge and replicate this at our other facilities. The challenge is to do things differently and to find new, innovative and creative ways to engage people in the experience and the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.”

“Sencio Community Leisure differentiates itself from its competitors by providing great value for money, delivering leisure activities and affordable fitness for all at the heart of the community,” added Lesley Foster, Sencio’s sales and marketing manager.

“We are not trying to reinvent the wheel with Sencio Wellness but what we are saying is that exercise and fitness is no longer just about opening the gym doors and hoping for the best.

“It is about creating an environment in which people have the opportunity to find an activity that is truly suited to their interests, and one which they can enjoy for the long-term in a sociable and supportive setting.”