ukactive has announced that adjustments in business rates and a fitness-led high street regeneration could see the UK’s fitness industry grow by 2030. The current modelling suggests there could be 5 million more active memberships at pools and leisure centres if changes to VAT and business rates were made to accommodate the sector.
The potential impact to the sector could total more than 15 million members in less than ten years, with vast positive effects on national fitness, health, and resilience. However, more may be required, as recent findings from Swim England have found that the UK could lose 2000 swimming pools forever, with 23% of England already suffering the deficit of at least one average-sized pool.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, has discussed the plethora of benefits that he believes could be had across the physical activity sector by unlocking its “true potential”. He sees “hundreds of millions of pounds” worth of social value to come out of a healthier population with improved life satisfaction and wellbeing. He added:
“Our forecasting shows that a physical activity revolution is within grasp and can happen with a growth in the partnership between the government, its agencies, and the fitness and leisure sector.”
The forecasts and measures necessary to create this future are set to be discussed at the ukactive Conference, at the Guildhall in London on the 13th of October.
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