SAPCA UPDATE A


ccording to Chris Trickey, CEO of the Sport and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), in these


uncertain economic times, buyers and operators of play and sports facilities need to have confi dence in the credibility and fi nancial stability of any chosen supplier. “While clients should always undertake


their own checks, choosing a contractor, consultant or supplier that is a member of SAPCA is a great starting point – thanks to the association’s rigid membership requirements,” he says. “SAPCA was created by the industry


as its trade body more than a decade ago to promote higher standards in the construction of play and sports facilities. Not only does the association insist that companies comply with strict membership criteria in order to gain admission to SAPCA, but it regulates its members in several ways.” Financial Stability: Financial strength


has always been an important membership criterion for contractors, as part of SAPCA’s application procedure, but the association has now introduced a new system to strengthen its requirements. To ensure that the assessment of a company’s fi nancial


NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK


NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK


How the association ensures a supplier fi ts the bill


stability is impartial, SAPCA works closely with the credit reference specialist Experian, and bases its membership requirements on the Commercial Delphi Scoring System used within the Experian Risk Reports. All SAPCA contractor and supplier


applicants must have a minimum Commercial Delphi score of 40 out of 100, which means that, as a starting point, applicants must be in the top 70 per cent of UK businesses for fi nancial stability. T e association also monitors the fi nancial stability of its members on an annual basis and requires that contractors and suppliers comply with requirements for fi nancial stability in order to renew their membership at the start of each new membership year in January. Quality Assurance: SAPCA has


introduced an annual Technical Audit Programme through which it monitors the standards of members’ workmanship and their continued compliance with the relevant membership criteria. Each year, a number of member companies are selected for this audit with inspections of completed projects being undertaken by an independent assessor. Feedback on the companies’ performance


is also sought from clients, sports governing bodies and the wider industry.


While there are


potentially serious consequences should a company be seen to have performed below the expected standards, the overall process is designed to be constructive – providing valuable, informed feedback and encouraging companies to consider possible improvements. T e benefi t for clients is the reassurance that SAPCA members undergo quality assurance testing and, if an issue does arise, that SAPCA can undertake a mediation role in any dispute. Setting Standards: SAPCA provides a


Chris Tricky, chief executive of SAPCA


valuable source of specialist companies that have the requisite expertise and experience for specifi c types of play and sports facility projects. Its on line database can be searched for appropriate suppliers and its Codes of Practice, education programmes and national events all ensure that the SAPCA marque is invaluable to anyone involved in specifying, buying or operating a play or sports facility.


SAPCA expands its technical team


S


APCA has expanded its technical team with the appointment of a new technical and training manager and a


new technical assistant. Commenting on the appointments,


Chris Trickey, CEO of SAPCA says: “One of the most important areas of activity for SAPCA is its technical programme and the comprehensive qualifi cations and training structure it undertakes for the industry. T ese new appointments will reinforce and further develop these vital activities.” Marie has a strong background in the


industry, having spent the last 11 years as, initially, one of the few female synthetic turf installers in the country and, latterly, as a contracts manager. She fi nanced her way to an honours degree from Loughborough University in Sport and Leisure Management by installing pitches on a part-time basis


Issue 3 2011 © cybertrek 2011


Marie Cooksey is one of the few women involved in the construction of sports facilities


and has since worked for several key companies in the sports construction industry. “I am very pleased to be a part of the SAPCA team. Since 2000, I’ve spent my entire career working within the industry, building pitches and specialising in synthetic turf systems. I am keen on raising standards for sport and play facilities and I’m particularly looking forward to providing the continued support and development of both technical and training structures for the industry,” Marie says. Marie will be joined for a year by Emma


Townend, who will be working for SAPCA as part of her under-graduate studies at Loughborough University.


Free seminar and expo at Twickenham SAPCA event


SAPCA, supported by Sport England, is holding a Sports Facility Construction day at Twickenham Stadium, in West London, on Tuesday 29 November. Ideal for those involved in the design,


procurement, construction operation and maintenance of sports facilities, the day includes a series of seminars and workshops and is supported by an exhibition – featuring products and services from across the sports construction industry. Attendance is free of charge.


For more information, visit www.sapca.org.uk or scan the QR code here with your smartphone.


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