independent
q&aoperator q&a
dave wright
The new FIA board representative for single site
operators talks to Kath Hudson about making
the voice of independents heard
A
s owner of an attempt to support independent
Feelgood Fitness Q
W
hy did you want to be on
the FIA board? operators. Five hundred delegates came
& Ladies-only I was nominated by a few people within to the meeting, which shows that they’re
Suite, a six-strong the independent sector. I figured I could looking for support and keen to band
independent health club continue complaining, or get stuck in and together. The FIA is keen to capitalise
operation – as well as CEO of make some changes from the inside. I on that and get them as members; there
Creative Fitness Marketing, a aim to be the down-to-earth voice of are around 2,000–3,000 independent
sales and marketing company the independent sector on the FIA operators in the UK, but only about 200
specialising in the independent board. It will be an exciting way to unite are currently FIA members.
sector – Dave Wright has the whole industry. Independents want some form of
replaced Reebok Sports Club’s togetherness. IOU will therefore
Ian Mahoney as representative become a collection of independent
for independent operators on Q
W
hy do you the think the
FIA wanted you on its board? clubs ring-fenced within the FIA, but
the FIA board. He talks about I had the great privilege of founding nevertheless sitting under its umbrella.
his plans to make the voice of Independent Operators Unite (IOU) at
independent operators heard. Leisure Industry Week in September, in
Q
W
hat changes do you
want to make?
The FIA has failed the independent
sector in the past. At the moment,
there’s no value in an independent club
joining the FIA, and the FIA would be
.COM/RICH LEGG the first to admit that. The association
T
O
was formed by the multiple site chains
and is geared towards them, especially
OCKPHO with the block voting system – votes are
©IST
commensurate with the size of the
company, which makes the whole thing a
bit of an old boys’ club. That’s one of the
first things I want to change.
Q
How can you encourage
independent operators to join?
What we need to do first of all is add
value to the membership, as this will
immediately enhance its appeal. One of
the best ways of doing this is to use
economies of scale to boost
independents’ buying power. I’ve written
to every supplier and their reaction has
been terrific, because they also know
this is a huge potential market.
Another way to encourage
independents to join the FIA would be
for membership to include the provision
of advice and support on issues like risk
Wright wants TV ads that encourage people to call and find their nearest FIA gym assessment, health and safety procedures,
46 Read Health Club Management online february 2010 © cybertrek 2010
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