New Government – New opportunities

According to the Times, the health and fitness industry enjoyed its 10th consecutive year of growth and we are now a £3.8bn industry with over 7.4m members (data sourced from the State of the Industry Report, compiled by the Leisure Database Company on our behalf).


That is one hell of a record, given the last 12-18 months. What highlights the significance of this achievement is the other news surrounding us in the Times’ leisure sector roundup. It included the collapse of Buddha-Bar, London hotels attacking the Mayor on a tax issue which will impact their business and the continued growth of Paddy Power. The good news is that gambling and our industry are OK, but the bad news is that the rest of the leisure sector is in deep pain.

In the same week we (i.e. the FIA) have also had very fruitful meetings with the Department of Health and key players in the food and drink industry.

So what does all this mean? Perhaps we can allow ourselves a small cheer of optimism – despite it being probably the most challenging trading conditions in recent memory.

Much has been said about the need to attract the right talent into the industry and up skill the operators who have produced the enviable record of 10 years of consecutive growth – actually, some believe that it is more like 29 years of consecutive growth, but we don’t have the data to back this up – so, despite the urgings of the PRs in our midst, we cannot make that claim.

But, with a new administration in Downing Street, our thoughts automatically turn to the future; to the next 10 years. The question is not ‘will we sustain that growth record’, but HOW will we sustain that growth record?

What does our industry have to offer UK plc and its new management team? Health is obviously key. The TwentyTen Commission points us to skills and new programmes (especially programmes which deliver our ‘Exercise as Medicine’ ambitions). To break through our 12-15% glass ceiling, we will obviously have to engage more effectively with our local communities. But how? Who? Where ie beyond the gym)?

These are the questions which keep me awake at night – these and who will win the World Cup; will Dillon ever learn to heel; will I ever recover from my jaunt up the seven mountains of the world in aid of Help for Heroes.

These are exciting times for our industry. These are challenging times for our industry. But would you want to be anywhere else?

David Stalker, Executive Director at the FIA

FIA Annual Golf Day

Competition = rivalry for supremacy. A definition that is brought to life by the FIA’s Annual Golf Day, teams will compete in a desperate struggle of stamina, strength and pure skill, scrabbling through treacherous forestry and swampland, all to win the most coveted of titles… Best Dressed Golfer.

No really, quite on the contrary, whilst the golf day does appeal to the competitive nature of our industry’s finest, it additionally provides a great opportunity to spend the day with some people that you perhaps don’t know so well but maybe should! The emphasis will be on fun, relaxation, socialising and golf of course.

However, if you’re anything like me then the alternative to 18 holes of greenery, lakes, sand and funny metal sticks may appeal -

We will be offering the chance to dip your toe into the world of golf with a focused golf pro clinic. There will be a maximum of 12 participants per clinic, ensuring you will receive adequate personalised attention to make you the next Tiger! You’ll then stop for lunch before popping around the corner for an indulgent facial, back, neck and shoulder massage before spending the rest of the day in the spa (I feel relaxed just thinking about it).

The Golf Day this year takes place at the Lilley Brook Golf Course in Cheltenham, designed by Dr Alistair Mackenzie (designer of the Augusta course). Lilley Brook describe their course as being “an aesthetic and strategic mix of pleasures for both the eye and the mind”, featuring some beautiful wildlife; red maples, Indian bean trees, walnuts and oaks. Here’s a little tip for success…

On the 12th hole (a 397-yard par 4 that sweeps uphill to the green), keep your tee shot to the left of the fairway to have the best angle into a green which slopes wickedly from back to front!

There is still time to get down the driving range and perfect your swing for this beastly competition – there’s no excuse for coming last… And if you do happen to lose, our after dinner speaker Bob “The Cat” Bevan will be quick to point it out!

The Awards Dinner in the evening will recognise and showcase the high achievers of the day – surely motivation enough to start practising?

I look forward to seeing the best of the industry fighting it out in their Burberry and Callaway on the 13th July! To book your place now click here.

Hayley Bevan
Events and Sponsorship Manager
Fitness Industry Association