Greater Manchester’s first public sector power-assisted exercise studio unveiled
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Sector to support NHS workforce with easy access to fitness and wellbeing
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Alliance Leisure begins works on centre’s decarbonisation project
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FITNESS, SIMPLIFIED
MP champions health and fitness provider
NORTHAMPTON health and fitness provider Trilogy Active has been championed by one of its local MPs during a recent visit.
Lucy Rigby KC, the Member of Parliament for Northampton North, visited Trilogy Active with Northamptonshire Sport to see and hear about the work that is delivered to support the community of the town.
The health and wellbeing trust operate Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths and the Forum Cinema in Northampton, Belper Leisure Centre in Derbyshire and Berzerk Active Play Centres in Northampton, Derby and Birmingham.
“It was great to meet the Trilogy Active team.” said Lucy. “They have provided a place for residents to live healthy lives and I was especially pleased to hear the schemes Trilogy run to ensure our older and vulnerable residents are still able to use their fantastic facilities.”
Northamptonshire Sport is a leading physical activity, health and wellbeing charity.
As one of 43 active partnerships across England, they collaborate with local partners to create the conditions for a more active county, using the power of sport and physical activity to change lives in Northamptonshire
During the visit Lucy viewed local facilities and heard about the difference that they make to the community.
In partnership Trilogy Active and Northamptonshire Sport deliver falls prevention classes for older people, holiday activities and food sessions through the school holidays and activity on referral opportunities in partnership with local GP surgeries.
“It was great to welcome Lucy and share the impact of our work.” said John Fletcher, managing director of Trilogy Active.
“This includes delivering HAF Northants, a government funded
school holiday programme that ensures disadvantaged children, young people and families have access to healthy food and enriching activities throughout the school holidays.”
“Trilogy are a brilliant local organisation, supporting people from all backgrounds to be active – whether that’s as a member of their gyms, a learner on their swim programme or part of a club using their facilities,” added Chris Holmes, chief executive of Northamptonshire Sport.
“Northamptonshire Sport is proud of the work we’ve done together and look forward to many more years of partnership.”
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Advertiser’s announcement
TMD now taking bookings for custom welcome packs
IT’S already time to get organised for your New Year membership drive.
Taylor Made Designs supply uniform and merchandise to some of the UK’s leading fitness, health and wellness brands … and they have already started work on custombranded member packs for January 2026.
“Custom gym merchandise is a great way to attract new members every January,” said James Taylor, global sales director of Taylor Made Designs.
“A growing number of clubs are coming to us for branded welcome packs.
“There’s a lot we can do in-house at short notice, but we like to get a head start where possible.”
TMD work year-round on branded products and can supply everything from custom-printed steel padlocks to towels, bags and trolley tokens.
Leading fitness brands tend to prepare for their new year membership initiatives in autumn, so it’s no surprise that it’s the busiest time of year for gym merchandise orders
James added: “We’ve made some beautiful welcome packs for a broad range of brands.
“Some clients come to us for a simple branded bottle-and-bag combo, while others want welcome
packs packed with premium tech items, fountain pens, cups … you name it.
“Every welcome pack is different. What matters to us is that – on every welcome pack we create – clients get premium quality, competitive pricing and low order volumes.”
Custom branded welcome packs typically take anywhere from two to 12 weeks to produce.
Taylor Made Designs suggest customers make contact by September 1 to guarantee a midDecember delivery date. Call on 01202 473 311 or email hello@taylormadedesigns.co.uk
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Resources launched for gyms and leisure centres to continue creating safer spaces
ukactive and Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, in partnership with CIMSPA and Women’s Aid, have published new resources to help fitness and leisure facilities continue to create safer spaces for women and girls to be active.
Research shows that sexual harassment is prevalent across society, with 71 per cent of women of all ages having experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space.
A survey commissioned by ukactive and This Girl Can in 2023 also found that four in 10 (42 per cent) of women said they had experienced at least one form of sexual harassment or intimidation, such as inappropriate comments, staring, or encroachment of personal space while in a gym or leisure facility.
This figure almost doubled for those aged 16 to 24, increasing to 83 per cent. Among all female gym users, five per cent reported feeling ‘unsafe’ in relation to sexual harassment and intimidation at their fitness or leisure centre.
Hattie Jones, head of membership and sector development at ukactive, said: “We are proud to work with This Girl Can, CIMSPA and Women’s Aid to develop these practical resources, which marks the latest step forward in our sector’s commitment to ensure that every woman and girl feels confident and welcome using gyms and leisure centres.
“It is vital that all industries take
responsibility in helping to tackle sexual harassment, and the launch of these resources will support more gyms and leisure centres to create safer spaces so more women and girls can confidently reap the rewards of being active.
“We want to continue this journey of improvement and ensure all operators and their workforces feel empowered and supported to respond appropriately to any instances of sexual harassment and intimidation.”
The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025 shows that 11.5 million people over the age of 16 are members of a health and fitness club and the Active Lives Survey 2023/2024 showed that fitness activities among women and girls aged 16 and over have seen the largest growth across all types of activity since 2022/2023 (1.9 per
cent) – with 7.6 million having taken part at least twice in the previous 28 days. Given this reach, it is vital that the sector plays its part in addressing this societal issue.
The new resources, launched on the updated ‘Safer Spaces to Move’ hub, cover a range of operator guidance and provide operators with staff training modules to ensure they have the foundational protocols in place to respond to any instances of sexual harassment and intimidation, should they occur.
The new resources include: n Operator handbook: containing recommendations for operational policies and guidance, advising on best practice in response to sexual harassment or intimidation reported within a facility.
n Staff training modules: designed to help staff recognise and understand sexual harassment
and intimidation and know how to respond to incidents.
The modules are free of charge and available to any fitness or leisure operator to download.
These resources were developed by the project partners in consultation with experts and representatives from across the physical activity sector.
This included consultation and review with the Safer Spaces to Move Taskforce, a group comprised of individuals from all areas of the sector including public, private and independent operators.
Claire Edwards, head of campaign activation at This Girl Can, added: “This Girl Can exists so that all women feel they have the opportunity to be active in ways that they love.
“Our research continues to show that more can be done to protect women in all active spaces. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected when exercising. Harassment, whether in gyms, leisure centres, or elsewhere, in unacceptable.
“Sexual harassment is a crime, but it is sadly a daily experience for many women. This launch enables us to empower gyms, leisure centres and other facilities with the knowledge and tools they need to identify harassment and respond decisively, creating safer spaces for all women to be active.”
To access the Safer Spaces to Move resource hub visit https:// saferspacestomove.ukactive.com
Gym equipment donation for Morecambe community project
A MORECAMBE community project has taken delivery of a set of gym equipment donated by a North West hotel group.
Morecambe FC Community Foundation is raising the bar for youth development and wellbeing for local children, thanks to the installation of the fitness equipment in its community centre.
English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues has donated the equipment which includes an array of cardiovascular apparatus including treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines and spin bikes. There is also a full range of resistance machines and free weights including dumbbells, barbells and a versatile Smith machine. In total more than 40 pieces of equipment have been donated by the hotel group.
David Brayshaw from Morecambe FC Community Foundation said: “Our community centre here really
is ‘hand to mouth’ when it comes to finances.
“Our income from the gym is really important as it supports the fantastic work that we do with the kids on our 3G pitch.
“The gym equipment we had was old and in quite a poor state of repair. This had an adverse effect on membership and income.
“The upgraded equipment donated to us by English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues has enabled us to move the gym into a bigger room and our members are really pleased with it all. We’re already seeing members return and new members joining. This donation has made a huge difference to us and we are extremely grateful to English Lakes Hotels for their generosity and thought.”
Morecambe FC Community Foundation operates a range of projects supporting education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. Its programmes include extensive work with schools, local partnerships, charities and other organisations, supporting initiatives which promote health
and well-being, especially for those with special needs or from socially deprived areas.
English Lakes Hotels group operations director Michael Kay added: “We have worked with David and Ben Brayshaw and their respective teams for many years and it’s a privilege to have been able to help them make a difference with this project which is so close to their hearts.”
Gary Tennant from the hotel group was invited to visit the community centre to see how the donated apparatus has improved the facilities for members, as well as the overall look and feel of the gym.
He said: “It was great to see the gym equipment put to beneficial use again and the whole layout has had a much deserved refresh.
“Hopefully it will help the community centre to attract more members and put it on a firmer footing.”
Ben Brayshaw from Morecambe FC Community Foundation with Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues.
Greater Manchester’s first public sector power-assisted exercise studio unveiled
LIFE Leisure has launched the new Move Well Studio; the first public leisure studio in Greater Manchester offering cutting edge power-assisted equipment designed specifically for older adults and those with more complex health conditions.
Located at its award-winning Avondale health and wellbeing hub in Stockport, Life Leisure is the first organisation within the GM Active collective to offer Innerva’s specialist equipment responding to both demand and demographic trends.
Michelle Childs, head of health development at Life Leisure and chair of GM Active’s Health and Wellbeing Group, said: “Stockport has one of the fastest-growing older populations in the North West.
“We already serve a large older adult demographic and our latest investment in the new Move Well Studio gives us a dedicated space to better meet these customers’ needs and do something really impactful for older adults.”
Equipped with Innerva’s power-assisted technology, the 10-station studio is designed for people who find traditional gyms too intimidating or physically challenging, particularly those living with mobility issues or complex health conditions.
Life Leisure receives close to 3,000
clinical referrals a year and already works closely with health partners in areas such as neuro, pulmonary and cardio rehab and falls prevention.
The Move Well Studio will help the organisation to engage with new partners and is also an option for those who have completed rehabilitation and need ongoing support to stay active.
“The industry has been talking about inclusivity and ageing populations for years, but expect these people to take a linear journey into regular exercise – signing up, getting fit and sticking with it,”
added Michelle. “Real life doesn’t work like that. The Move Well Studio allows us to take a more pragmatic approach offering a flexible, lowbarrier entry into activity.
“It’s taken some imagination and we’ve had to knock through walls and rethink unused spaces, but we’ve created something that really works for the people we serve.”
The new studio offers a space for people to meet others on similar journeys.
Life Leisure’s health and wellbeing team, 15 members of which completed Innerva’s specialist
Advertiser’s announcement
training, were particularly inspired by how the solution supports social and emotional wellbeing.
Michelle said: “The power of social connectedness can’t be overstated, especially for this demographic.
“Feelings drive behaviour and people are more likely to stick with activity if they feel welcomed, supported and part of a community.”
Located on the ground floor, the studio was created by repurposing underutilised space, including a former crèche, corridor and office.
The conversion was delivered by Fortitude Equip in partnership with Matrix alongside a major refurbishment of the main gym.
Liz Wright, national sales manager at Innerva, added: “We’re proud to be working with Life Leisure on the Move Well Studio, which represents the next evolution of Avondale health and wellbeing hub and is an inspiring example of how public leisure can adapt to shifting needs.
“Life Leisure has long been a leader in inclusive fitness, with a strong track record of supporting older adults and working alongside healthcare partners.
“The Move Well Studio reflects their continued commitment to reaching those who are deconditioned, physically inactive or face greater barriers to activity.”
Formula One team extends long-standing collaboration with Matrix Fitness
BWT Alpine Formula One Team has extended its long-standing collaboration with Matrix Fitness.
As part of this renewed cooperation, Matrix has worked with the team to develop a new state-ofthe-art training space and provided fitness equipment for the ‘Alpine Human Performance Centre’.
The AHPC is designed to optimise the physical conditioning of BWT Alpine Formula One Team drivers as well as its roster of Alpine Academy drivers and team members.
The training facility places a
particular emphasis on strength, core and upper body training
Matrix Fitness has supplied industry-leading functional strength equipment, free weights and resistance machines to help drivers build and maintain the muscle endurance necessary for optimal performance.
Additionally, a dedicated fullyconnected cardiovascular zone featuring Matrix’s latest treadmills, ellipticals and bikes supports the team’s endurance and recovery training, ensuring both drivers
and staff can perform at their peak throughout the season.
The equipment provided by Matrix is the latest milestone in Matrix Fitness’ ongoing commitment to elite sport, ensuring athletes and professionals have access to the highest-quality training equipment to achieve their performance goals.
Matt Pengelly, managing director at Matrix Fitness UK, said: “Our extended collaboration with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is a testament to the shared values of both brands – performance,
innovation and pushing boundaries.
“We are proud to provide the team with world-class fitness solutions that contribute to the training and wellbeing of their athletes and staff.
“Strength training is a fundamental element of a Formula One driver’s conditioning, and we are thrilled to support BWT Alpine Formula One Team with the very best equipment, ensuring the team is race-ready at all times.”
To find out more about Matrix Fitness and its high-performance training solutions visit www.matrixfitness.co.uk
Advertiser’s announcement
Why it’s so important to have sales specialists in your club
By Dean Godfrey
HAVING sales specialists working in your health club is crucial, not just for selling memberships, but for sustaining long-term growth, retention, and brand reputation.
Here’s why:
They turn leads into paying members
Sales specialists are trained to qualify leads and understand the customer needs.
They can then present the right membership or service, handle objections and close deals efficiently.
Without a sales specialist a lot of potential revenue walks out the door, or never walks in at all.
They create a professional first impression
The first point of contact for a new customer often defines the whole experience.
A sales specialist welcomes, builds rapport, and gives a professional gym tour.
They then convey confidence which builds trust and increases the chance of sign-up.
If you compare that to an untrained front-desk person giving a rushed tour, it’s night and day.
They understand and sell the value of your gym
Many people see a gym as just “a place with equipment.”
But sales pros know how to highlight unique selling points such as expert coaches, community, and results.
They can then explain the value versus the cost and customise pitches to each person’s fitness goals and pain points.
Remember, people don’t buy memberships; they buy solutions to their problems.
They increase revenue beyond memberships
A well-trained sales specialists can upsell personal training, group classes, or premium packages.
They also promote challenges, workshops, or nutrition programs, sell supplements, or branded gear.
A good sales team grows every revenue stream, not just memberships.
They improve retention through better onboarding
Good salespeople don’t just “close” a sale, they help members start strong by introducing them to staff or trainers, they can set the customers expectations and make them feel welcomed and accountable.
Better onboarding = better retention = more long-term revenue.
They save you time as the owner
As a gym owner or manager, your time is limited.
By having a competent sales specialist, it allows you to focus on operations, service quality, and
leadership.
The structure and consistency that they bring to the sales process frees up your time to work on the business.
It’s key to think of them as revenue-generating staff, not an extra overhead.
They use data to optimise sales strategy
Experienced sales teams track conversion rates, follow-up success, and lead sources.
They run your CRM systems and design the automated follow-ups whilst also testing new promotions and refining your offers. This data-driven approach improves sales performance over time.
By now hopefully you can see the value in a well trained sales person/team.
A gym without sales specialists is like a restaurant with great food but no waiting staff.
You might have a great product, but you’re not making it easy (or appealing) for people to buy. n Dean Godfrey is the chief operating officer of Creative Fitness Marketing.
Organisations partner to support men’s mental health
THREE organisations in the UK’s fitness and wellbeing sector –awarding organisation Active IQ, training provider Future Fit, and men’s mental health charity StrongMen – have partnered to provide StrongMen volunteers and staff with accredited wellbeing qualifications.
Through this collaboration, Future Fit Training will provide its Wellbeing Coach qualification free of charge to 30 StrongMen staff and volunteers, while Active IQ covers all registration and certification fees.
This initiative aims not only to upskill the volunteers, but also to equip them with valuable tools to support others in their community through a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Jenny Patrickson, managing director of Active IQ, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support this initiative that puts real purpose behind professional training.
“By removing financial barriers to qualification, we’re supporting StrongMen’s volunteers to gain recognised credentials to enhance both their personal and professional lives, while strengthening their ability to support others.”
The qualification made available to StrongMen further strengthens
the charity’s capacity to deliver impactful, person-centred support.
Importantly, all of StrongMen’s volunteers have experienced loss, bringing a unique empathy and understanding to their roles.
StrongMen is a charity dedicated to helping men navigate bereavement through comprehensive support, including weekend retreats, peer networks, and other helpful services.
Its volunteers, all of whom have experienced grief themselves, play a vital role in delivering emotional support and building meaningful connections within the community.
These qualifications will enable them to use physical activity more
effectively as a tool for recovery and long-term resilience. StrongMen is an advocate for bridging the gap between mental health, wellbeing and physical activity, and views this training as an important step in strengthening that connection.
Tom Goodwin, group operations director at Future Fit, added: “Education is a force for change. Partnering with StrongMen and Active IQ to provide high-quality training at no cost is our way of investing in people who are already making a difference.
“These volunteers are inspiring, and it’s an honour to be able to support them in broadening their impact through fitness.”
This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with shared ambitions to expand training opportunities and continue fundraising efforts in the years ahead.
Efrem Brynin, co-founder of StrongMen, said: “We’re truly thankful for this partnership and the opportunity it brings to our community.
“Our volunteers have first-hand experience of grief, and this programme allows them to channel that experience into something meaningful. Fitness has always been a key part of our support strategy, and this takes it to a whole new level.”
Dean Godfrey
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With Health Secretary Wes Streeting calling for health interventions in non-NHS settings, the question is how could it work? This study from GM Active could be part of the answer.
Physical activity really is medicine
DELIVERING physical activity as a health intervention via exercise referral programmes in leisure centres, community venues and green spaces is potentially very cost-effective, providing more than £20,000 of social value per person using the HM Treasury-endorsed WELLBY, and £5,600 worth of health improvements using the NHS QALY.
The independent study was commissioned to economists, State of Life (named advisors on the 2021 HM Treasury Green Book supplementary guidance on wellbeing for appraisal) and who provide robust evidence on the social value of physical activity using Treasury-endorsed methods.
This study builds on State of Life’s work on a new model of social value for Sport England.
A survey dataset of more than 3,000 respondents across eight Greater Manchester localities contributed to the study.
Around 2,000 were current or previous participants in the programmes, taking exercise prescribed by a healthcare professional or self-referred. A further 1,000 were awaiting the start of the programme, providing an essential control group and enabling a high standard of evidence.
The findings revealed that taking part in the programme is associated with significant improvements in personal and mental wellbeing, community cohesion, individual development, physical health, and reduced reliance on NHS services.
One notable highlight includes a 1.32-point difference in life satisfaction between participants and those on the waiting list, which is almost three times greater than the improvement seen in the national data when moving someone from unemployed to employed.
The biggest boosts to life satisfaction were seen among those with a lower baseline wellbeing, such as being physically inactive, having a disability or a long-term health condition, or
those living in more deprived communities.
Specifically, it was found that the greatest wellbeing gains came from those who participated at least four to six times a week, attended supervised sessions, attended specialist classes and stayed in the programme for at least four to six weeks.
The report also shows that benefits were still high among people who started in a programme up to two years ago.
Wellbeing value is up to eight times higher when working with those participating in exercise referral schemes compared to the average adult.
Using HM Treasury-approved wellbeing valuation methods, this converts into a social value of £21,800 per person per year.
As a comparison, through State of Life’s work with Sport England, they found that a member of the general population being physically active is worth £2,500 of social value.
Participation in a GM Active programme is, therefore, worth eight times more, highlighting the expertise the collective organisations have in supporting those with the most health benefits to gain.
Good health is also good business State of Life, who analysed the
survey’s 3,181 responses gathered over two waves of data collection, says: “The NHS’ 10-year strategy sets out to ‘deliver health outcomes in non-NHS settings’. This study makes a very good case for just how to get started.
“What’s more, 80 per cent of participants say they plan to stay physically active (after finishing a programme), and 66 per cent say they intend to continue as ‘customers’ at their GM Active centre.
“This suggests many participants transition from being funded referrals to self-sustaining members, contributing directly to the financial viability of the service providers.”
NHS QALY value and reduced service use
The survey also included the EQ-5D5L questionnaire to measure healthrelated quality of life.
The EQ-5D index was used to calculate QALYs (Quality-adjusted Life Years), a standard used by NICE and the NHS to assess whether health interventions, including drugs and services, offer good value for public money.
Findings suggest that participation in GM Active’s exercise referral programmes is associated with an average health improvement equivalent to £5,600 per person in QALY terms.
Based on a conservative NHS production cost benchmark of
£15,000 per QALY, this implies the programmes would represent value for money if delivered at a cost under £1,200 per participant per year – early estimates in the GM Active study suggest the costs could be less than a quarter of this figure. Exactly what Wes Streeting wants to hear.
Participants also reported 19 per cent fewer GP appointments over a 28-day period compared to those on the waiting list, suggesting that these programmes not only improve health-related quality of life but also reduce pressure on frontline NHS services.
Long term, it is likely this reduction is the tip of the iceberg for NHS savings – and looking at a longitudinal study of these sorts of inventions at a national scale is almost certainly worthwhile.
These findings make the compelling case for expanding and embedding exercise referral as a critical component in the shift from treatment to prevention.
They also support GM’s wider ambition to create a population health system that reduces inequality, boosts wellbeing, and reduces pressure on public services.
Andy King, chair of GM Active, said: “The results of this study are significant.
“We were determined to properly understand the effect that physical activity could have when used as an intervention to improve a person’s health and well-being.
“We were prepared to be disappointed with the results – that’s the risk we took – but we were confident that physical activity really is medicine.
“The impact upon people’s lives is clear; at a time when central government is looking for transformational changes in its approach to health services and across Greater Manchester and the UK there is unequivocal commitment to the Live Well initiative, this study gives ample evidence of the role that physical activity can play.”
B Fit Group acquires Leighton Buzzard based business
B Fit Group, a South Wales based fitness business, has acquired Leighton Buzzard based Hunt Fitness.
Founded by serial entrepreneur Kev Foley, an expert business owner and coach with more than 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry, B Fit has developed a specialist focus on personal training and small group training for people aged 40 and above. He said: “The goal remains simple: help more people feel stronger, healthier, and more confident for life. Hunt Fitness
now becomes part of a group built to do just that, together.”
This acquisition is the third deal completed by B Fit Group as the business builds on its mission to create a group of high-quality coaching gyms across the UK.
Hunt Fitness has built an excellent reputation in the South East of England, with a brilliant team and a strong community.
Joining the B Fit Group will enable to scale the gym through the next stage of growth.
The deal was advised on by lGS Verde Group, who operate across
the UK and Ireland with its unique approach to supporting M&A transactions by combining law, finance, tax and deal origination services.
Kev added: “I would especially like to thank our partners at GS Verde Group who provided smooth, end-to-end support throughout the acquisition.
“Their expertise and timely communication made the journey far more straight forward. Thank you also to our internal team and partners who supported us through the process.”
Sector to support NHS workforce with easy access to fitness and wellbeing
A MAJOR collaboration between the physical activity sector and public health is giving millions of NHS workers and their families free access to The Everything App, a new digital platform offering on-demand, live-streamed, and in-person fitness, sport and wellbeing services.
As the UK’s largest employer, the NHS has more than 1.8 million staff, with recent NHS England Digital data showing 2.1 million Full Time Equivalent days lost in a single month due to sickness, driven by stress, mental health challenges and musculoskeletal issues.
To help tackle this and aligning with the Government’s recently published Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England, The Everything App gives easy-access and community-based health and wellbeing support to NHS workers.
The Everything App provides free, all-in-one fitness, wellbeing, and lifestyle support exclusively for NHS staff and their immediate families.
It offers on-demand and livestreamed sessions from expert brands including Johnson Digital and Fun & Moving, plus discounted local, in-person sessions, bookable directly through the app.
Already adopted by 158 NHS Trusts, representing 79 per cent of Trusts across the UK and a further 40 NHS organisations, including Integrated Care Boards, GP practices, care homes, and ambulance services, the app brings significant scale to the partnership.
The Everything App includes fitness, nutrition, mental health and wellbeing sessions tailored for health and social care professionals, with activities ranging from 10 minutes to one hour, including Pilates, yoga, strength training, meditation and family workouts. NHS wellbeing leads will also gain access to real-time workforce engagement data to support evidence-based health outcomes.
Powered by Fibodo, the app builds on the success of DoingOurBit – a first-generation fitness app launched during the pandemic to support frontline NHS teams.
The initiative is led by a steering group including Julie Davis, former deputy chief operating officer of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Delivery Network, Anthony Franklin, CEO of Fibodo and David Monkhouse, director of Active Insight.
“The Everything App breaks down participation barriers for users and gives the physical activity sector a gateway to a huge, traditionally hard-to-reach audience,” said Anthony. “Through its seamless search and book functions, the ecosystem provides a safe, trusted environment where people can begin their journey with movement, then take it into the real world as their confidence grows.
“Users can search for activities near them and book directly through The Everything App website or mobile App.”
The initiative aligns with ukactive’s mission to get five million more people using gyms and leisure centres by 2030 and supports Sport England’s ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy.
ukactive CEO Huw Edwards added: “There’s a real opportunity here. The NHS employs more than 1.8 million people and if you add in their families, the potential reach is more than 5 million people that can be supported.
“The UK’s health and fitness market currently has more than 11.5 million members, and the more people we can influence to get
involved in physical activity, both within our sector’s facilities and beyond, the better.”
The Everything App is a partnership-led initiative that leverages the collective strength of the physical activity sector.
Early adopters include leisure operators Fusion and Snap Fitness, plus national governing bodies of sport such as Swim England, with Fibodo providing free access to its platform for all physical activity stakeholders to deliver local, realworld services across the UK.
Active Insights director David Monkhouse said: “We’re also calling on the support of independent, accredited fitness and sports professionals including personal trainers, group exercise instructors and health coaches. There is no cost to getting involved.
“The Everything App is not just about generating a health impact, it’s also about creating a commercial opportunity for fitness professionals and organisations to help grow the physical activity sector and embed its position as a key delivery partner in the achievement of government’s national physical activity and health ambitions.”
Innerva achieves government security accreditation
INNERVA has achieved Cyber Essentials Plus, the highest accreditation under the UK Government’s Cyber Essentials scheme.
The achievement demonstrates Innerva’s commitment to safeguarding its digital assets and customer data against the growing threat of cyber attacks.
The milestone comes as the power-assisted exercise specialist prepares for an exciting new product launch as the company continues its drive to bring the leisure and health sectors closer together.
Managing director Jon Hymus said: “In today’s digital world it’s essential that we protect both our own data
and our customers’ information.
“The recent spate of high profile cyber attacks highlights the devastating impact these incidents can have on businesses.
Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus
shows that we are doing everything we can to protect against cyber threats, reassuring our customers and partners that we take data protection seriously.”
Backed by the UK Government
and the National Cyber Security Centre, the Cyber Essentials scheme is designed to help organisations protect themselves from the most common internet-based threats by implementing key technical cyber security controls.
As the most advanced accreditation in the scheme, Cyber Essentials Plus also includes a technical audit and independent verification for greater assurance.
“Cyber Essentials Plus demonstrates our commitment to cyber security and ensures the business is more resilient as we continue to innovate and develop to meet the needs of the UK’s growing ageing population,” Jon added.
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Is your gym stuck in survival mode?
Here’s how to break free
By Wayne Heath
RUNNING an independent gym takes commitment, grit, and more early mornings than most people can imagine.
It also takes a mindset of relentless problem-solving, because when something breaks, stalls, or simply doesn’t get done… you’re the one who steps in.
But what happens when that same survival instinct, the very thing that helped you get your business off the ground, becomes the thing that’s holding it back?
I speak to gym owners every week who are doing everything right in theory: they work long hours, care deeply about their members, and pour their energy into building something great.
But despite all that effort, they feel stuck. Growth has plateaued, burnout is creeping in, and every day feels like an uphill battle.
That’s survival mode. And the hardest part? Most gym owners don’t even realise they’re in it.
Here are five common signs your gym is operating with a survival mindset and what to do instead if you want to build something scalable, sustainable, and set up for real growth.
1. You’re involved in everything, all at once You coach the classes, answer the emails, reorder the protein bars, chase payments, and post on Instagram – often all in the same hour. Being hands-on is part of the deal, especially in the early days. But if you’re stuck in the middle of every operational task, you become the bottleneck. The result? Nothing moves unless you do.
The shift: Delegate and automate. Use gym management software to take recurring tasks off your plate, from member communications to class bookings and renewals. So, you can focus on growth, not just maintenance.
2. You’re always reacting, never planning If you spend most of your week putting out fires, from chasing missed payments to responding to last-minute cancellations.
It’s a sign your business is reacting, not leading.
The shift: Block out dedicated time each week for strategy. Use your data: check attendance trends, retention rates, and revenue performance. Build a plan. Even one hour a week spent looking ahead instead of down can radically change your direction.
3. You are the brand (and that’s a risk) If your members only turn up when
you’re on the timetable, or they contact you directly for everything from bookings to advice, you’ve built a business that depends on your physical presence.
That’s great for loyalty, but it’s also limiting. It means the business can’t grow without you and you can’t step away without it stalling.
The shift: Build systems that deliver a consistent experience regardless of who’s on the front desk or teaching the session. Invest in your team, standardise onboarding, and use your software to ensure no part of the member journey relies solely on you.
4. You avoid tech because it feels overwhelming Still managing bookings in your DMs? Taking payments manually? Tracking members with spreadsheets?
It might feel familiar, but it’s not scalable. These DIY solutions create friction for your members and complexity for you. And as your business grows, those cracks only widen.
The shift: Lean into modern gym tech that simplifies your operations. The right software doesn’t add to your workload, it replaces it. Think automated payments, live schedules, online joining, instant member comms, and everything in
one place.
5. You’re always busy… But nothing’s really moving You’re maxed out, your team’s stretched, and there’s never enough time to work on the business.
And yet, membership is flat, revenue is unpredictable, and you’re constantly chasing your tail.
The shift: Step back and audit your time. What are you doing that someone else or something else could handle? Use automation for repetitive tasks. Hire or outsource where possible. Then reinvest that time into activities that directly support growth, like partnerships, marketing, or member experience improvements.
It’s time to stop surviving and start scaling Getting stuck in survival mode doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’ve outgrown your original setup. And that’s actually a good thing. You’ve proven that people want what you’re offering.
Now it’s time to evolve your mindset from “I do everything” to “I lead something bigger.”
Because growth doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from working differently. It comes from systems that scale, tools that support you, and a mindset that lets go of the small stuff so you can chase the big vision. At ClubRight we’re proud to help independent gym owners step out of survival mode and build something smarter, leaner, and more sustainable.
Our all-in-one gym management software is trusted by more than 1,000 fitness businesses across the UK, helping them streamline their operations and refocus on what really matters.
n Wayne Heath is the founder and CEO of ClubRight
Give us a call today on 0203 884 977 or book a free online demo with one of our product experts to find out why we’re trusted by more than 1,000 fitness businesses across the UK.
EGYM Hussle and Mytime Active partner to expand offering
EGYM Hussle and Mytime Active have entered a long-term partnership agreement that will see all seven of Mytime Active’s fitness venues added to EGYM Hussle’s B2B fitness marketplace.
The collaboration aims to drive increased participation in fitness through EGYM Hussle’s employee benefits service, which is used by major employers and private medical insurers including AXA Health and Bupa.
Mytime Active joins a growing list of major fitness operators, including SLM, Nuffield Health and Fitness First UK, who partner
with EGYM Hussle.
Garry Spreadborough, sales director of EGYM Hussle, said:
“This partnership is a major win for Hussle and reinforces our position as the go-to platform for operators looking to grow their corporate fitness revenue.
“Together, we’ll unlock new opportunities to connect employers and their people with high-quality, accessible fitness experiences across the UK.”
The recent expansion of the EGYM Hussle network has been supported in part by EGYM’s $200million growth capital
investment, secured in August 2024 from leading investors L Catterton and Meritech Capital – an investment that valued the business at more than $1billion.
Following its acquisition by EGYM in 2024, Hussle has shifted its focus entirely to the B2B sector.
Kelly-Anne Stead, commercial director of Mytime Active, added: “We’re excited to be partnering with Hussle to expand Mytime Active’s reach in the corporate fitness market.
“As more employers prioritise workforce wellbeing, this
partnership will allow us to connect with a wider range of businesses in the communities we serve and provide their employees with flexible access to our facilities.
“It’s a great opportunity to support more people to lead active, healthy lives.”
EGYM’s portfolio includes the Wellpass corporate fitness network, which connects 17,000 sports partners with 14,000 corporate clients and is used by six million people every month across Europe and the United States of America.
Wayne Heath, ClubRight founder and CEO.
DESIGNED IN CONJUNCTION WITH KATIE BULMERCOOKE, FORMER UK PERSONAL TRAINER OF THE YEAR AND UK FITNESS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Katie has worked with us to create a challenging programme which will provide a real test for everyone from beginners to seasoned fitness lovers.
The programme is designed to be as inclusive as possible, without relying on gyms holding expensive items of equipment and kit, meaning that all that is required to be able to compete is:
• Rowing machine (minimum 2 units)
• 5kg dumbbells (minimum 4 units)
• 10kg dumbbells (minimum 4 units)
• 10kg kettlebells (minimum 4 units)
• 20kg kettlebells (minimum 4 units)
• Cones
Introducing The National Fitness Challenge — a done-for-you, ready-to-run challenge designed specifically for independent gyms like yours.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR GYMS?
• Fully outlined challenge workout with movement standards.
• Event day checklist and promotional assets - if you’d like to make a real splash with it.
• Access to leaderboard submission.
• Finisher patches for all members who complete the challenge.
• The chance to win prizes focussed on improving your gym.
Wattbike launches Healthspan Score
WATTBIKE, the pioneering indoorcycling brand trusted by elite athletes and health-conscious consumers alike, has unveiled the Healthspan Score, an intuitive, science-backed metric that turns complex cardiorespiratory fitness data into a single, easy-tounderstand number.
By reframing CRF as a Healthspan Score, Wattbike makes it simpler for everyone to see how fit they really are, and how many healthy, high-quality years they could add to their life.
The Healthspan Score is widely recognised as one of the strongest predictors of long-term health and longevity, reflecting how efficiently the heart, lungs and muscles work together during exercise.
Studies consistently show that a low score is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and all-cause mortality, while improvements deliver powerful
protective benefits.
Improving your score you can make significant improvements in healthy lifespan, as well as reducing the risk of age-related decline.
Now live on the Wattbike Performance Touchscreen 2 (PTS2) and recently showcased in the networking area at Elevate 2025 with live demonstrations, the Healthspan check and score feature will roll out to the free Wattbike Hub app in the very near future, giving home users and club members the same clear benchmarking and progress tracking used by professionals.
A Healthspan Score can be established in as little as six minutes by riding the Healthspan Check workout.
Because the assessment is submaximal and fully guided on the bike’s console, staff and users require no training to complete it and users never need to push
to exhaustion, a perfect tool for onboarding new members.
Eddie Fletcher, lead sport scientist at Wattbike, said: “Data only makes a difference when it drives action. “And it only leads to action when people understand it. The Healthspan Score packages decades of exercise science into a simple number that speaks to everyone, motivating new members and elite athletes alike.
“It helps people understand not just how fit they are, but what that means for their long-term health.
“Because it’s grounded in validated VO₂ max science and easy to use without specialist input, it’s a trusted tool for operators and a motivational milestone for users. This isn’t just training for performance, this is training to live better, longer.”
For operators, independents and personal trainers, the Healthspan Score unlocks a new, measurable way to engage
Advertiser’s announcement
members, drive revenue and boost retention.
Users can benchmark with the score, trainers can create personalised programmes and clubs can show science-backed results that demonstrate a proven boost in member longevity.
Sam Theyers, commercial sales director at Wattbike, added: “The fitness industry is evolving, and longevity is the new frontier. With the Healthspan Score, we’re giving our partners, from boutique studios to large gym chains, a powerful way to deliver what people truly want: more healthy years of life.
“And yet, it’s more than a lifechanging benchmark; it’s also a business tool that drives retention, adds value to memberships and helps clubs prove they’re improving lives in a measurable, sciencebacked way.”
For more information visit www.wattbike.com
From sales floor to gym floor: How CFM’s
Jonny Packard turned around a local club
FOR many gym owners the journey into fitness isn’t just a business decision, it’s personal.
That’s certainly true for Jonny Packard, business development manager at Creative Fitness Marketing, who recently stepped into gym ownership himself after 15 years of helping others grow theirs.
Jonny’s fitness career began with CFM as a sales assistant on the road, working directly with clubs to boost memberships and re-engage local communities.
Over the years he progressed to marketing manager and now leads as business development manager, helping gym operators across the UK and Ireland develop strategies for sustainable growth.
But last year Jonny took on a new challenge, and it was one very close to home.
“We bought a gym in Alnwick that had been struggling for a while,” he said.
It had potential, but needed a lot of work, from the branding and facilities to the community’s perception of the space.”
The result was Urban Fitness, a reimagined local gym with a fresh identity, a full class timetable, a
refurbished interior, and a growing membership base.
Turning the gym around hasn’t been without challenges.
“The hardest part was changing how people saw the place,” Jonny added.
“We had to rebuild trust, prove we were offering something better, and create a welcoming environment that people wanted to return to.
“But once we brought in a passionate team and focused on building a positive atmosphere, things started to shift.
“Membership has grown steadily, and the feedback has been fantastic.”
A year in, the club is now preparing for another leap, replacing all the equipment to match the high standards the team has set.
For Jonny, owning a gym has deepened his passion for the industry.
“Fitness is fast moving, people focused, and incredibly rewarding.
You get to see the impact on real lives, that never gets old.”
And as for how his career at CFM helped with this new venture?
“Having worked with hundreds of gyms across the country, I had a clear sense of what works and what to avoid,” he said.
“That experience gave us a head start, we could build Urban Fitness on a strong foundation from day one.”
For other gym owners, especially those running independent clubs, Jonny’s story is a reminder that with the right approach, a struggling space can become a thriving one.
Creative Fitness Marketing has been supporting gyms and health clubs for more than 35 years, helping more than 1,200 facilities grow their memberships, increase income and connect with their communities.
If you need help taking your gym to the next level, get in touch with Jonny today on 0115 777 3333.
Alliance Leisure begins works on centre’s decarbonisation project
WAKEFIELD Council is investing millions in carbon cutting technology at Sun Lane Leisure Centre, supporting its commitment to reduce carbon emissions across its estate and work towards net-zero targets.
The multi million pound project is being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd on behalf of the council.
Work is scheduled to begin this autumn with an estimated delivery period of six months. The leisure centre will mostly remain operational throughout, with a short closure when the new heating systems are switched over.
The project will see the centre’s fossil fuel-based heating systems, including gas boilers and the combined heat and power unit, replaced by three rooftop air source heat pumps.
These will be installed alongside a suite of energy-efficiency upgrades including the installation of solar panels, upgrades to the building management system, replacement LED lighting throughout, new heat emitters, the integration of an 8,000-litre thermal store to optimise heating performance plus general upgrades to the electrical infrastructure.
Councillor George Ayre, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “This latest investment is part of our wider decarbonisation journey at
Wakefield Council.
“In 2019 the council declared a climate emergency and issued a pledge to become a carbon neutral authority by 2030.
“Sun Lane Leisure Centre is one of our most energy-intensive buildings.
“These works will not only help reduce emissions but will also improve operational efficiency and resilience for the future.”
Funding for this project is being made available through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and the council’s own reserves.
A total pot of almost £5million is being invested which also includes the support of works at Upton Primary School in Pontefract, being delivered separately.
To deliver the project, Alliance Leisure has assembled some of the country’s most experienced leisure development partners.
These include: Hensall as principal contractor, CGP MEP as MEP designer, Bradshaw, Gass and Hope as principal designer, and Axiom as project manager and quantity surveyor.
Tom Gardner, business development manager at Alliance Leisure, added: “Through the UK Leisure Framework we have delivered many decarbonisation projects for various councils.
“Bringing together such a stellar group of experts we ensure fast, compliant procurement and a highly efficient delivery from planning through to project completion.
“This project is no different. Works will ensure a vast improvement in the energy efficiency of the leisure centre, taking the council one step further along its ambitious decarbonisation journey.”
How Balanced Body keeps the Royal Ballet’s dancers at their peak
JANE Paris has led the Pilates studio at the Royal Ballet, housed within the prestigious Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London for more than 29 years.
As a Pilates and conditioning coach, Jane has played a pivotal role in maintaining the physical excellence of some of the world’s finest dancers. With her background in professional dance and Pilates training, she expertly addresses the unique challenges ballet places on the body.
Ballet is one of the most demanding forms of dance, requiring exceptional strength, flexibility and endurance.
These physical demands can lead to significant strain on the body. At the Royal Opera House studio, Jane works closely with dancers, utilising Pilates — specifically Reformer Pilates — to enhance strength, alignment, balance, flexibility
and stamina.
“Pilates is critical not only for injury recovery but also for prevention, ensuring dancers spend as much time as possible training and performing,”
Jane said.
“Many dancers visit the studio multiple times per week, whether for injury rehabilitation or ongoing conditioning.
“Each session is tailored specifically to the needs of the individual dancer, ensuring their unique physical demands are met.”
“Pilates has helped many dancers return to the stage, often after career-threatening injuries.
“These success stories underline the importance of a dedicated, carefully structured Pilates regimen in the world of elite ballet.”
The Royal Opera House Pilates studio is equipped with Balanced Body® products.
“I first encountered the Balanced Body equipment while running my own studio in Edinburgh and have worked with them ever since.”
Jane added.
“The quality of their products, exceptional customer service and continuous innovation in Pilates equipment and education are unmatched.”
The studio is fully equipped with Reformers, Cadillacs, the CoreAlign, and various chairs and barrels.
These versatile tools meet the evolving needs of the dancers, with specialised equipment like the Clinical Reformer and the Cadillac frequently used for rehabilitation and technical work.
The precision and reliability of Balanced Body products are essential to delivering effective Pilates sessions that meet the rigorous demands of professional ballet dancers.
MD appointed to power next phase of growth
CREATE, formerly Create PT, has welcomed digital technology and training mastermind
Ollie Bell to its board as managing director.
Previously director of client services at the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity and before that commercial director at Future Fit Training, Ollie has his feet firmly in the education space, whilst also pioneering the power of emerging technology.
His past achievements include consulting on strategy and tech integrations with many of the sector’s leading training providers plus working with Google to create and deliver an award winning, sector specific, digital upskilling program.
“Fitness professionals are the industry’s most valuable, yet under-appreciated asset,” Ollie said. “By developing and harnessing their potential we unlock huge growth commercial and opportunities. Create champions fitness professionals through the delivery of an exceptional tech-driven training experience, whilst also developing products that solve recruitment and retention issues for employers.”
He joins Create at a pivotal time in the company’s evolution. Co-founded in 2017 by gym owner turned entrepreneur, Adam Rhodes, CEO and Josh Thursby, commercial director, Create delivers quality fitness education to more than 80 learners every month, many of whom have used their learnings from Create to springboard and develop successful careers in the global
Ollie Bell
fitness industry.
Ollie added: “Create is on an exciting journey and I am thrilled to join as it moves into its next phase of growth. Having already delivered thousands of highly skilled personal trainers into the workforce via employers that include PureGym, The Gym Group and David Lloyd Leisure, Create is well established and highly respected yet still has a relatively low visibility in the industry.
“We are set to change this and grow the brand into one of the industry’s leading training providers.
“Looking ahead, our focus is on integrating the latest technology and digital innovations to
deliver an exceptional learner experience.
“Through the development of career pathways, across fitness and health, wellbeing, digital and business education programmes that map to an evolving industry, we will continue to support individuals through CPD programs that align to employer needs, creating an environment that builds careers for life and retains talent for employers.”
Create is already an official CIMSPA training partner, with all its training and education mapped to CIMSPA standards.
Adam Rhodes, founder of Create added:
“Over the last seven years we have built a successful digital training platform focused on supporting personal trainers into work.
“The next step is to expand our product offer to be able to train and upskill a wider segment of the physical activity workforce.
“Alongside, we are also developing a suite of tech-driven products that solve widespread training and recruitment challenges for operators. This move will cement our position as one of the most innovative, exciting and results-focused training providers in the sector.
“As well as being a really genuine, likeable individual, Ollie brings with him a rare and valuable combination of skills and experience that marries emerging technology with education. His innovations have already won multiple awards in both the fitness and education sectors and his input will be absolutely critical to the onward success and growth of Create.”
ukactive reveals National Fitness Day 2025 theme
ukactive has revealed a new theme for this year’s National Fitness Day: Powered by you!
Taking place on Wednesday September 24, National Fitness Day will see millions of people of all ages and abilities get moving and celebrate the importance of physical activity in their daily lives.
This year’s campaign puts people at the heart of the movement and this message will be driven across digital platforms as well as on the ground, with free activities hosted at fitness, leisure and sport facilities in every corner of the UK.
The ‘Powered by you!’ tagline highlights that everyone – from individuals and communities to businesses, schools and hospitals –can play their part in spreading the message around the importance of being physically active.
As well as highlighting the power of the individual to reap the benefits of physical activity, the new tagline has been designed to be personalised because the ‘you’ in ‘Powered by you!’ can be interchangeable.
For example, whether it is ‘Joe’s Gym’ deciding to use the line, ‘Powered by Joe’s Gym’, to promote their services and exercise classes on the day, or a school choosing to encourage children to come to a dance class with the line, ‘Powered by Wake Up Shake Up’, supporters can get creative and personalise the tagline for use across their
channels to best suit their plans and motivations for the day.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “As our nation continues to place greater value on physical and mental health, National Fitness Day is a powerful reminder of the many benefits of regular exercise — helping to support our mental wellbeing and overall quality of life.
“This year’s theme, ‘Powered by you!’, demonstrates that anyone can get involved, whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just beginning your health and fitness journey.
“With an increasingly healthconscious and active nation, the Government also has a golden opportunity to utilise this year’s
campaign by supporting our sector and the communities we serve to improve activity levels, which will also help the NHS and ensure a healthier workforce for economic growth.
“We encourage all our members, partners and organisations across the UK, to get involved and help power National Fitness Day in every community.”
National Fitness Day is now in its 14th year and continues to go from strength to strength.
This year’s theme encourages people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get involved in whatever way they wish.
The National Fitness Day 2025 guide is now available to download
– providing gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, sports clubs, schools and businesses top tips to help everyone get involved on the day. Additional resources will soon be available, such as digital posters and social media assets, to help activity providers promote their events on the day.
A quarter of the population in England is classed as inactive (averaging less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week) – with women, those from lower socioeconomic groups and Black and Asian people less likely to be active than others.
The Government’s new NHS 10-Year Health Plan for England is called ‘Fit for the Future’ and outlines the importance of using public campaigns to motivate millions more to move on a regular basis.
As a proven campaign, National Fitness Day offers an opportunity for the Government to raise awareness and engagement to help achieve its ambitions. The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025 revealed that a record 11.5 million people are now members of a health and fitness club in the UK, with more than 600 million individual visits recorded to clubs in 2024.
With more people than ever using these services for their physical and mental wellbeing, National Fitness Day 2025 can help reach even more people with the physical, social and mental benefits of an active lifestyle.
Drab receptions ‘signal rude staff and stingey company culture’
GYMS and health clubs with drab reception areas risk being seen as unfriendly, uncaring and ‘cheapskate’ by their members, according to a new survey.
The study reveals that 75 per cent of consumers form an immediate negative impression when greeted by tired or uninviting reception areas.
More than a third (36 per cent) see dull receptions as a sign that businesses don’t care about their customers, and almost a quarter (23 per cent) equate scruffy reception areas with unfriendly venues.
For a fifth (21 per cent) of people, a scruffy reception space conveys a ‘cheapskate’ quality to the entire business.
Amongst the generations, 18-to24-year-olds are the most likely to be influenced by the look and feel of a reception area.
Just 15 per cent said their spending would not be affected by a business having a dull or uninspiring reception area, suggesting that 85 per cent would be put off if a reception space looks drab.
The research also shows that men are more sensitive to reception
aesthetics than women. Thirty per cent of women said a dull reception area would not affect how much they spent with a business, while only 22 per cent of men in the sample group felt the same.
Across all demographics, only 26 per cent of people said a dull reception area would not have an impact on their willingness to spend money at a venue.
This indicates that 74 per cent of people are deterred from spending
money in venues that make a poor impression upon entry.
Matthew Drury, director and coowner of Saturn Visual Solutions, who commissioned the survey, said: “The findings highlight the critical role that reception spaces play in shaping customer perceptions.
“Receptions set the tone for every interaction that follows and can define whether your business is seen as modern, engaging, and customerfocused, or outdated, unfriendly
and uninspired. In competitive environments where every detail counts, a poor first impression can cost you money and repeat business.
“Increasingly, people are seeking experiences and memorable moments when they visit leisure, retail and hospitality venues.
“By transforming reception areas into engaging spaces, businesses can curate that first memorable interaction with their customers –drawing people in and encouraging them to return.”
The survey was carried out by OnePoll with 2,000 UK-based, adult full-time and part-time workers.
Coming at a time when technological advancements are driving people to expect more from customer-facing businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries, the research is intended to help businesses boost their appeal and stay competitive.
It underlines how investing in the look and feel of reception spaces could transform customer experience and drive repeat visits.
Saturn has used its research to produce a white paper called The Power Of First Impressions.
