This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
In these challenging times of funding


cuts, clubs will need to increase their


focus on retention, says Guy Griffi ths


Over 300 local authority delegates and suppliers gathered at SIBEC UK 2010, which was held in Birmingham


local authority, trust and education sectors, with a combination of face-to- face meetings, forums and networking opportunities. Feedback from this year’s event includes: “For me, this was the


S


most benefi cial SIBEC I’ve attended. I’m fairly confi dent we’ll choose


‘taken out to the community’ rather than centres waiting for ‘walk-in’ members. Guy Griffi ths of GGFit adds:


“We’re seeing more clubs directing their attention towards retention programmes, both as a way to generate additional income from existing members and, in some cases, to access more funding for alternative schemes or staff training initiatives, by providing evidence of success. These cuts will help us to focus on results and to improve staff and member retention rates.” And general manager of Octane


Fitness UK, Neil Campbell, feels that while there may be fewer ‘big budget’ projects available, any smaller budgetary spends will be much more selective and targeted. He says: “The smart operators recognise that it’s still possible to create a ‘wow’ factor, even with a limited


august 2010 © cybertrek 2010


IBEC UK brings together suppliers and buyers from the


our supplier from those I met at the event, despite other companies being on the market.” Neil Barker, manager, Valley Leisure “I’ve been attending


SIBEC UK since its inception and believe it to be the most effective business event for our industry. It’s second to none in serving education, networking and business needs, and I would recommend it to colleagues


amount of money. At Octane, we have an offering that’s giving centres a point of difference over their competitors.” Nevertheless, the impact of the cuts


are already being felt at Worthing Leisure, as leisure facilities general manager Duncan Anderson explains: “We knew cuts were going to be made regardless of who got into Number 10, but I’ve been surprised at the extent of them and the speed with which they’ve been introduced. A local college has reduced its bookings with us by almost 50 per cent from September and, as two of the biggest users of our conference site are the PCT and County Council – who have to find £70m of savings in the next four years – we’re anticipating further difficulties with booking and income targets.” Another operator in charge of several local authority facilities, who preferred


in the public and trust sector.” Martin Guyton, leisure contracts manager, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council “What a great way to


gain new business – we secured appointments within weeks of the event fi nishing. SIBEC UK is the most effective and effi cient way to present our company to the decision makers and grow our business.” David Lattimer, Redro


to remain anonymous, agrees: “We’ve seen a signifi cant increase in visits, particularly family usage, as a result of the free swimming initiative. Stopping this scheme early will deter people from participating. This then has longer-term implications for health issues, such as increasing childhood obesity levels. I’m also expecting grants from the PCT to be cut, which will affect the GP referral and cardiac rehab programmes we offer. “I feel that the leisure industry is still


not taken seriously enough by the health sector as a means of preventing illness or aiding recovery, and there should be a better co-ordinated, partnership approach to fi tness across the country from central government.”


healthclub@leisuremedia.com harriet ewing


Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 53


event feedback


© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ANASTASIA PELIKH


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84
Produced with Yudu - www.yudu.com