FOUNDER FOREWORD
LEISURE DB
FOREWORD
Martin Luther King never once said: ‘I have a nightmare.’ Instead, he gave us his vision, a horizon and an invitation to start the journey with him. I believe all progress requires this sort of positive vision, and I like to think that this report, events like EVOLVE and the ethos of the team at Leisure DB serve to accelerate our own dream: one of collaboration, communication and change within our sector. On a day when I give thanks to the Herculean efforts of the team behind the scenes, auditing all fitness sites across the UK, we publish the results. The data provides the most accurate, granular view of the supply-side to the UK fitness industry. The figures will be adopted by the industry, operators, all levels of government, media, investors and the financial sector. This unique data set also becomes the backbone of our industry-standard supply demand model – just one of our many services developed for the industry, by the industry. The figures this year show fewer sites, but more members than last and the greatest market value this report has observed. Although the devil is in the detail, let me suggest that the pandemic, inflation and higher energy costs will, in the long term, be seen to be good for the industry. The pandemic removed the ‘sleepers’ – a long-term embarrassment – while ‘health as the new wealth’ has encouraged those who remain to value and use the product more. Meanwhile, higher costs legitimised monthly price rises without impacting member numbers; for the first time, a cumulative increase in monthly fees has raised the value of the industry to new heights. Low-cost brands are moving into the mid-market, mid-market brands are moving into premium and we’re seeing the adoption of a new super-premium category – all positive signs of the sector’s long-term resilience. A growth in wellness and health offerings at all levels is also encouraging consumers to spend on aspirational products that promote individual wellbeing. Many encompass new technology that enables long overdue measurement. With it, our sector will achieve far greater transparency, dispelling our illusions but – I strongly believe – without leaving us disillusioned. Measurement will also enable us to weave achievements by members and the wider community into this annual review; there are so many personal achievements that need to be published. And, of course, measurement allows us to quantify our value and contribution to society. Let’s look to the Arts for a great example. Always far more advanced in its embrace of technology than the sports and fitness sectors, newly published independent research found that over 800 Arts organisations secured their future during the pandemic – saving around 220,000 jobs – because they could evidence their worth to government. Armed with this data, heavyweights Richard Sharpe (later to become Chair of the BBC) and Richard Buffini (founding partner of global investment firm Permira) repeatedly went back to the Chancellor, now PM, to secure more funds, leading to the creation of the £1.57 bn Culture Recovery Fund. Sport and fitness had no-one on the inside and could not compete on the data front; the Leisure Recovery Fund was just £100 m. This must change, and through EVOLVE, Leisure DB – together with our partners, suppliers and operators across the industry – is working to spearhead collaboration,
Let me suggest that the pandemic, inflation and higher energy costs will, in the long term, be seen to be good for the industry.
DAVID MINTON Founder, Leisure DB
communication and change within the industry. Join the movement for a fitter, healthier UK!
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023
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