News update
EU courts rule obesity can be classed a disability
Employers may be forced to adjust work environments to accommodate overweight employees, after the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that obesity can constitute a disability within European law. Intended to protect severely overweight
employees from discrimination, the judgement leaves employers facing the expense of resources like priority parking and sturdier furniture for those affected. Danish courts asked the European Court
of Justice to clarify whether obesity was a disability. The answer – which is binding across the EU – is that if obesity can hinder “full and effective participation” at work, then it can be counted as a disability. The ruling means that employers across
Europe will have to bear the costs of litigation and find ways to ensure overweight workers are not placed at any disadvantage to their slimmer colleagues. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=k6H4a
Leisure Industry Week: New two-day format
Virgin targets virtual fitness
Virtual fitness classes will form a cornerstone of Virgin Active’s offering for 2015, as the chain continues its commitment to technology. The gym group, launched by Richard Branson, has unveiled a series of specialised classes that will be available to members both inside and out of the club. Recognising that fitness is no longer confined to the gym floor, the chain hopes to maintain member engagement by making it easier to access a workout from anywhere via a web portal. “As developments in the tech industry
evolve, we want to embrace the opportunity to enhance our people’s fitness routines,
whether they are in-club or elsewhere,” said EU marketing director Clare Gambardella. The latest phase of the company’s £100m
investment programme over three years (2014-16) will also see the imminent launch of a Virgin Active fitness ‘lab’ featuring a panel of health and fitness experts. The lab will aim to showcase the latest industry trends and expert insight, while members will be invited to trial new products and receive expert advice. 2015 also sees the launch of two new tech-
centric clubs in Paddington and Cannon Street as the chain steps up its presence in London. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=8B5t7
The chain, launched by Richard Branson, is in the midst of a £100m UK investment Xercise4Less targets 100 gyms by 2016 LIW event director James Samuel
Leisure Industry Week (LIW) organiser UBM Live has unveiled a new two-day format for the longstanding trade event, as part of its ongoing repositioning strategy. Following the announcement that LIW
would officially rebrand as a health, wellbeing and fitness-focused event from 2015, the shortened format is another tweak made in response to audience feedback. Event director James Samuel noted there
was a “clear desire” among participants to maximise their time at the event and reduce time away from work. “Return on time and investment are the key drivers for our audience, and fitting the show into a new two-day format will provide an event that maximises both of these,” he said. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=t8N4q
10
Xercise4Less has secured £31m in finance as the low- cost chain bids to turbocharge its growth and reach 100 sites by the end of 2016. The chain, founded in 2006
by Jon Wright, currently has 24 gyms and hopes to utilise the capital for a rapid upscale. It has attracted a further £5m equity investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF), in addition to an increased debt facility of £20m with Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking and a further £6m in asset finance and leasing facilities. “We’re less than halfway through a five-
year plan, with ambitions to grow to over 100 gyms nationwide and create more than 4,000 jobs,” said Wright.
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
Xercise4Less founder and chief executive Jon Wright
“Having investment backing of this kind enables me to fully realise my vision for the business and continue to strengthen our place among the gym sector’s big players.” Details:
http://lei.sr?a=T5v9p
February 2015 © Cybertrek 2015
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