November 2012
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Owner calls for a level playing field for gyms By Christina Eccles AN independent operator has written a letter to the government appealing for more support for independent clubs, which he feels are a ‘much neglected and underrated British business sector.’ Owner of Sundance Ladies Health and Fitness in Bristol, Steve Hammond, wrote to culture secretary Maria Miller to ask for a more level playing field for independent gyms. In the letter, Steve, who has owned a gym for 19 years, raised concerns about issues affecting him and other privately owned clubs – including paying VAT on memberships, lack of opportunities to get involved in schemes such as GP referral programmes and the cost of business rates. He also said he would like to see more government backing and recognition for the important role independent clubs play in communities. In the letter, Steve said: “I speak regularly to other gym operators around the country and I believe that our problems are similar. “All across this country there are gyms like my own, staffed by people who are passionate about health and fitness, and to use a phrase currently popular with Government media departments,
real ‘Community Hubs.’ With a little backing by Government we could really do so much more.” The reply Steve received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s ministerial support team,recommended other government departments which he could approach for help and he has since written to his local MP Kerry McCarthy to ask for her support. He added: “In my opinion, the government should look at what it is spending on improving the health of the nation and look at how much it would cost to assist independent operators. “I’m sure it would be a tiny amount in the grand scheme of things but it would empower independents to carry on in business. “Everyone in business has to compete but we should be competing on level ground. I cannot think of another industry with a parallel to this one. “I would love to get an invite to go to the House of Commons to put the case forward for independent operators.” What do you think of Steve’s quest to get more support for independent gyms? Contact our editorial team on 01226 734463 or send your comments to Christina Eccles at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk
No 230 £3
Webinars help FIA to pass on its expertise
Trainer to the stars Riccardo Scala is aiming to change the face of personal training by being one of the first coaches in the country to offer a revolutionary new system, which looks at clients’ immune systems. Riccardo, who has trained the likes of Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson (pictured), is now making blood testing system ImuPro an integral part of the 90 day training package at his company, FitBody BootCamp Scotland. For full story see page 22.
THE FIA is offering members a webinar series to expand their knowledge and expertise on key issues related to the sector. The events will cover a diverse range of topics including music licensing, the FIA rebrand, code of practice, using technology to drive footfall, retention, secondary spend and business development. CEO David Stalker said: “The FIA is passionate about getting more people, more active, more often and to do this effectively we know we have to work harder and smarter to make sure that knowledge and best practice moves smoothly across the sector. “We are conscious that everyone is busy, everyone wants value for money and more importantly value for time – yet the changes within the sector are happening at an unprecedented pace. “Our new webinar series is ideal for our busy members who still want to keep up-to-date with these new developments and to engage with the FIA and their fellow members.” Sessions take place every Thursday at 2pm, with full schedule and booking details available on the FIA website.