September 2013
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Record year for newcomers to Fitness Awards By Christina Eccles A RECORD number of newcomers have entered the 2013 National Fitness Awards – indicating encouraging signs for the industry. A wide range of individuals and clubs who have been in the fitness industry for less than two years have put themselves forward for the Newcomer of the Year award – with entries from as far afield as Somerset, Birmingham, London and Reading all vying to make the shortlist and put themselves in with the chance of picking up a trophy. The awards – organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout and headline sponsor Servicesport – have also seen nominations from many clubs entering for the first time throughout the rest of the categories, with all corners of the country represented. National Fitness Awards’ director Judith Halkerston said: "It's been a great year so far for the Fitness Awards – we have been delighted by the sheer volume of nominations and it has been brilliant to see so many new names among the entries. “Once again gyms the length and breadth of the country have been nom-
inated – and we are delighted to report that our northern-most nomination this year has come from a gym in the Shetland Isles. "Another hugely encouraging sign, not just for the awards but for the industry as a whole, has been the strength and volume of entries in the Newcomer of the Year category. It has been a real struggle to choose just six for the short-list as the innovation and enthusiasm shines through in so many." The Workout team is currently contacting clubs who have made the shortlist to arrange the next phase of the judging process – a visit to their facilities to take a look around and chat to members and staff – and will be spending the next few weeks out and about visiting clubs who have made it through. Bookings are now also being taken for the awards’ night, which takes place at The Palace Hotel in Manchester on Friday December 6, hosted by presenter and former TV Gladiator Caroline Pearce. To book your place at the event, visit the website www.nationalfitnesswards.co.uk or contact event organiser Liz Lee on 01226 734459.
No 240 £3
Employers encouraged to take on apprentices
West End star and TV personality Denise Van Outen launched the UK’s first Cinigym, a concept which allows time poor Brits to combine exercising with watching a film. The event, created by insurance company Direct Line, saw participants working out on equipment including treadmills and rowers, while watching a series of film clips, chosen for their ability to motivate and inspire during a gym session. For full story see page three.
LONDON based health and fitness employers have been urged to take on more young apprentices, following an increase in the amount of funding companies are eligible to apply for. The National Apprenticeship Service, in conjunction with the Greater London Authority and London Enterprise Panel, has increased the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) 16-24 Grant for fitness businesses in the capital. This means that the £1,500 available through the existing AGE 16 to 24 Grant has been matched by £1,500 from the LEP to create an enhanced grant of £3,000 for the London area. CEO of Lifetime Training Alex Khan said: “Apprentices can form the bedrock of fitness businesses offering them extra support where they need it most and can be used to fill skills gaps. The enhanced grant is great news for London employers and young people. Thanks to the NAS, there’s no better time than now for businesses to take on their first apprentice and start reaping the benefits of enthusiastic and motivated learners.”