UK Active has announced details of its annual health and fitness industry awards ceremony, which will take place in Birmingham on the evening of Thursday 3 October at the International Convention Centre.

The trade body has created 16 award categories for 2024, including new additions, with the Outstanding Leadership Award now separated into two individual awards; one for an Outstanding Individual Leader and the other for an Outstanding Leadership Team.

The awards are open to fitness and leisure operators of all sizes, as well as industry suppliers, sports organisations and sector partners. A full list of categories is given below.

Entries will close on 24 May.

Last year, UK Active separated the awards from Active Uprising – its annual conference – running them as a standalone event.

This year will follow the same format, with Active Uprising taking place five months later on Thursday 6 March 2025.

Last year Places Leisure took home both the Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for its ‘Big Sister’ project.

Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre – part of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council – won the National Club/Centre of the Year Award and Les Mills UK was Supplier of the Year.

Study Active received the Education Provider of the Year Award.

Details of 2023 winners can be found here.

Huw Edwards, CEO of UK Active, said: “Our members and partners have shown incredible strength and determination in the face of continued economic challenges, delivering some truly exceptional programmes and continuing to serve our communities to support more people to lead active, healthy lives.

“We encourage all our members to get involved, to recognise the great work of their teams and members.”

Ali Beckman, president of the The Swimming Teachers Association (STA) – the awards' headline sponsor – said: “The UK Active Awards celebrate leadership, creativity, innovation, diversity, and excellence – all that is good about our fantastic industry.

“There are so many organisations in this sector that are innovating and making a real impact in their communities. We encourage everyone who’s made a difference in getting more people more active to enter – these awards are the perfect way for you to be recognised.”

Rates for entry in 2024 are £195 + VAT for UK Active members and £295 + VAT for non-members.

The award categories are divided into three groups for organisational excellence, specialist impact and individual achievement.

The comprehensive three-part judging process culminates in mystery shops, public votes, UK Active board input and a judging panel, with Proinsight working to collate results. Full details of the judging process can be found here.

The UK Active Awards 2024 categories are as follows:

· Outstanding Organisation of the Year· Outstanding Leadership Team Award

· Outstanding Individual Leadership Award· The Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award

· Physical Activity Hero Award· BUCS Award for Physical Activity Excellence

· Supplier of the Year

· Education Provider of the Year· New Build or Design of the Year

· National Club/Centre of the Year

· Regional Club/Centre of the Year

· Healthy Communities Award· Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award

· Digital Transformation Award· Marketing Campaign Award

· Organisation Innovation Award

To enter the 2024 UK Active Awards, click here

UK Active Awards 2024 Timeline

Entries open: 15th April

Entries deadline: Friday 24th May

Finalists announced: W/C 22nd July

Virtual Judges’ House: 12th - 28th August

Awards ceremony: Thursday 3rd October

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