N/Dec 2024 . £8 www.paf-media.co.uk A breath of fresh air The evolution of outdoor gyms Also in this issue: Interview with R3 Sport’s Sam Kemp On creating a padel Super League Pakistan’s cricket stadiums Architects BDP redevelop three venues into world-class stadiums
paf-media.co.uk 3 leader A spin in the sun. (p13-p17) Image: The Great Outdoor Gym Company Editor Helen Adkins Sales director Julian Walter Media sales manager Barnaby Goodman-Smith Production Nicola Cann Design Sandra Cid Managing director Toby Filby Publishers Stable Publishing Limited SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. info@stable-media.co.uk www.paf-media.co.uk The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. A breath of fresh air OUTDOOR fitness is evolving. It’s no longer just a case of slapping a few creaky machines into a park and leaving a few curious souls to work them out for themselves. Today these areas are starting to become well-thought-out, fully functioning spaces that genuinely serve communities. Once a box-ticking exercise by local councils, outdoor fitness areas are increasingly becoming integral parts of urban spaces and public parks. The exciting part? They’re actually useful now. We're talking about state-of-theart strength and resistance equipment, as well as accessible versions for people of all ages and fitness levels. From calisthenics-inspired bodyweight training rigs to mobility-focused machines, these gyms are not just about lifting heavy weights–they’re about everyone getting involved, whether you're a gym enthusiast or someone who just wants to stretch without paying for a membership. What’s more, it’s not just about throwing a few gym machines in a public park and assuming people will know what to do with them. Many councils are stepping up, offering free classes, aftercare and a bit of guidance, while some suppliers are turning to tech to aid users’ fitness journeys. And let’s not forget the added bonus: outdoor gyms are outside, offering fitness, vitamin D and nature. It’s heartening to know that the sector is gaining momentum, as we learn on page 13, where we speak to some of the leaders in this field about the developments in equipment and approach. The future of fitness isn’t just about hitting the gym–it’s about opening up outdoor spaces where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can enjoy the benefits of physical activity. No longer the domain of the super-fit or the wildly enthusiastic, these outdoor gyms are actually doing what they’re meant to–making fitness accessible for everyone. Hopefully, it’s also helping to build stronger, fitter and more connected communities – one outdoor push-up at a time. Helen Adkins Editor helen.adkins@stable-media.co.uk SUPPORTED BY
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paf-media.co.uk 5 contents paf-media.co.uk 07 News • Sport England launches a £25m initiative to improve access to physical activity • Strong financial results for Fitness First Clubs Ltd • The Gym Group becomes first operator to certify FITcert® Level 4 • Durham County Council has completed its third major leisure centre redevelopment with Alliance Leisure, marking the £5.7 million refurbishment of The Louisa Centre in Stanley • R3 Sport research reveals sports fans will attend more live events 13 Outdoor fitness Outdoor fitness spaces are evolving into well-thought-out, fully functioning areas that serve communities and are open to all. We speak to some of the people leading the way and hear how the sector is developing. 18 Event preview: paf Europe 2025 The second paf forum Europe promises a stellar line-up of speakers and an immersive business experience, all set against the backdrop of the Alps. 21 Q & A with Sam Kemp Sam Kemp is the new managing director of operations, tournaments and events at the recently established R3 Sport, with a specific focus on expanding the company’s presence in the padel sector. Helen Adkins spoke to him to find out more about the role. 24 Panic and emergency exit hardware We explore panic and emergency exit hardware in leisure buildings, explaining the difference between the two and what should be used where. 28 Pakistan’s cricket stadiums With ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan starting in 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board has tasked UK-based architects BDP to redevelop three international sporting venues into world-class stadiums. 31 Achieving pool access We look at the legal requirements for commercial pool operators regarding access for all users, including those with disabilities using pool hoists. 34 Cleaning and hygiene for floors Tony Peak from floor solution company Bona discusses the problem of hygiene with ageing floors, and explains how floor renewal can be the answer. inside this issue
Strong financial results for Fitness First Clubs Ltd FITNESS and wellness brand Fitness First Clubs Ltd has released its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2024 (FY24), alongside a trading update for the first 26 weeks of its current financial year (FY25). In FY24, Fitness First saw a robust revenue increase of 12%, totalling £38.4 million compared to £34.2 million in 2023. This growth reflects a recovery in customer membership volumes, nearing pre-Covid levels. On a likefor-like basis across 27 sites, membership volumes rose by 7%. The company's yield also increased by 10%, a notable improvement from the previous year's growth of 0.9%. As part of its long-term growth strategy, Fitness First has implemented a restructuring programme that includes the closure of 11 underperforming sites and negotiations for rent reductions. Following cost control and the realignment of its site portfolio, adjusted EBITDA has surged to £5.5 million, a significant turnaround from a loss of £1.5 million in 2023. Fitness First has also invested in its premium gym portfolio, completing refurbishments at Bedford, St Albans, Thomas More Square and Milton Keynes. The company also launched an enhanced ‘Fitness First Premium’ proposition, which offers members perks such as access to book remote appointments with healthcare professionals, including GPs, physiotherapists, dietitians and registered mental health counsellors. This initiative reflects Fitness First's commitment to supporting the holistic health of its members amid increasing waiting times for medical services. CEO Justin Musgrove commented: ‘We are very encouraged to continue to deliver strong improvements in profitability as we return the business to a growth mind-set.’ www.fitnessfirst.com DURHAM County Council has completed its third major leisure centre redevelopment with Alliance Leisure, marking the £5.7 million refurbishment of The Louisa Centre in Stanley. This project forms part of the council’s ongoing multi-million-pound investment programme aimed at transforming leisure services across the county. The redevelopment work at The Louisa Centre has involved modernising existing facilities and introducing new services to appeal to a broad range of users, from young children to older adults, while promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing health inequalities. The goal is to ensure the longterm success of the centre and improve health outcomes for residents across County Durham. The centre now boasts an upgraded sports hall with five multi-sport courts, a large TAG Active indoor assault course and a climbing wall. It also includes three exercise studios, plus a dedicated group cycling studio and a virtual fitness offer. A new Move Hub, featuring power-assisted equipment from Innerva, provides a safe and sociable space for rehabilitation and exercise for those with long-term health conditions. For younger visitors, the centre has expanded its children’s soft play area, incorporating interactive play features, and has introduced a new café offering healthy food options. Essential maintenance has also been completed on the centre’s 25m swimming pool and teaching pool, with upgrades in the plant room designed to reduce emissions and improve the facility’s sustainability. Durham County Council completes third leisure centre redevelopment paf-media.co.uk 7 news
Sport England rolls out £25m to improve access to physical activity SPORT England is launching a £25 million initiative to assist Active Partnerships in creating better opportunities for physical activity and driving positive change across the sector. The funding is designed to ensure that every community in England can work towards making physical activity more accessible and inclusive. This investment is a crucial part of Sport England's broader ‘Place’ strategy, with £250 million from National Lottery and Exchequer funds being directed into local communities over the next five years. The goal is to ensure that individuals in the greatest need can access physical activity and sport. The initiative recognises that location, socioeconomic background and the surrounding environment heavily influence how likely a person is to engage in physical activity. Sport England’s Place Universal Offer will focus on addressing these inequalities and help communities level up their access to sport and physical activity, supporting the objectives outlined in the ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy. With 43 Active Partnerships already operating across England, these networks will work closely with local authorities, the NHS, community leaders and voluntary sectors. The initiative will provide tools, resources and learning opportunities to help local leaders and organisations work together, driving long-term change in communities. The support from the Place Universal Offer will begin with ten Active Partnerships, which have already been tested and refined in collaboration with the sector. From this, Sport England aims to roll out the initiative to all Active Partnerships by 2025/2026, ensuring widespread support for local strategies and encouraging a more active nation. www.sportengland.org 8 paf-media.co.uk news Charity YMCA Fylde Coast unveils wellness suite YMCA Thornton in Lancashire has officially opened an active wellness suite, a cuttingedge facility designed to help individuals of all abilities ease back into fitness and improve overall health and wellbeing. The Active Wellness Suite is equipped with power-assisted exercise machines from Innerva. Specifically designed to support those who may be new to fitness, recovering from injury or managing mobility challenges, the equipment provides a low-impact workout experience. The new suite aligns with YMCA Fylde Coast’s commitment to creating healthier communities by offering accessible and tailored fitness solutions for all, regardless of age or ability. By working closely with Wyre Council, the facility will also serve as an integral part of local health initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the community. YMCA Fylde Coast CEO, Graham Oatridge, said: ‘Increasingly, we are using the words “active wellness” more and more as a reminder that we operate our leisure facilities to try and support all people to improve their wellness by being active, so we are delighted to have worked in partnership with Wyre Council to launch the Active Wellness Suite.’ Innerva marketing and comms manager, Laura Childs added: ‘From the outset, it was clear that both organisations are wholeheartedly committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing community health and wellbeing. Our positive working relationship has been a key factor in driving this project forward, and the shared dedication and passion from all involved has been inspiring. www.ymcayactive.org
paf-media.co.uk 9 news The Gym Group becomes first operator to certify FITcert® Level 4 THE Gym Group has become the first 24/7 UK gym chain to certify FITcert® Level 4, and the second nationwide gym operator in the UK to receive the European certification. Achieving this milestone for health and safety standards comes only a year after The Gym Group received UKAS accredited certification for the international standard for health and safety management systems, ISO 45001:2018. The FITcert® scheme is led by EuropeActive and the Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN) and is the first, recognised, sector-certification programme for Europe. Kai Troll, CEO of EuropeActive said: ‘FITcert® sets the highest quality benchmark across Europe for standards in safety and health in our industry. Operators who successfully achieve this full certification are not only conforming to these European standards, but making a clear statement to their customers, colleagues, stakeholders and the public about their commitment to quality, safety and the overall customer experience.’ Joey Franco, head of Health and Safety at The Gym Group said: ‘As we have grown to over 240 gyms and over 900,000 members nationwide, providing safe spaces remains our priority, and we will work hard to continuously improve our processes. To achieve the externally audited FITcert® Level 4 certification is further recognition of our commitment, and demonstrates to our members and teams how seriously we take the health and safety of our gyms.’ www.thegymgroup.com WORK has officially begun on the £10 million redevelopment of the Citadel Leisure Centre at Ayr Harbour. The first phase will focus on refurbishing the centre's roof and facade, marking the start of an extensive programme to revitalise the leisure facility, which serves around 300,000 people annually. South Ayrshire Council has appointed Alliance Leisure to lead the project, which will be supported by architect Holmes Miller and principal contractor Robertson Construction Central West, with Axiom Project Services handling project management, WPS managing mechanical and electrical engineering and Struer responsible for structural engineering. The project is secured through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). The extensive redevelopment will address critical repairs and introduce new facilities, enhancing the user experience and creating a welcoming environment for sports, recreation and play for locals and visitors. Jonny Curley, director for Scotland at Alliance Leisure, commented: ‘We are excited to begin this transformation. It will address essential repairs and create a top-tier destination for leisure and recreation for the entire community.’ Redevelopment of Citadel Leisure Centre begins
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paf-media.co.uk 11 news Research reveals that sports fans will attend more live events NEW research commissioned by sports and entertainment group R3 Sport reveals that of those British adults that attend live sporting events, 38% are planning to increase their attendance over the next 12 months with one in seven (15%) looking to attend ‘a lot’ more events. The study – conducted by independent research company Viewsbank among 1,062 UK adults aged 18-plus – found that 54% say they will attend the same number of live sports events over the next year. Only 3% are looking to reduce the number of events they attend and just 1% do not plan on attending any (the remainder are unsure how their attendance at sporting events will change). The study also found that one in five (20%) sports fans that attend live events go to two a year on average. Sixteen percent watch live sports three times a year, whilst one in seven (15%) attend as many as five to 10 events. Around 71% rate the sporting events they attend as good value for money. Jonathan Rowland, co-founder and chairman of R3 Sport said: ‘The UK is passionate when it comes to sport and our research shows that fans want to get closer to the action. We expect to see an increase in attendance at live sporting events over the next year with fans set to enjoy a more immersive experience.’ R3 Sport plans to start building two padel tennis venues in the UK that will have between 16 and 20 courts, and is developing a series of major events. www.r3-sport.com WILLMOTT Dixon has been chosen by Central Bedfordshire Council to build a new leisure centre in Clipstone Park, Leighton Buzzard, in a contract worth £31.5 million. The company will start construction of the modern Leighton Leisure and Community Centre in October 2024, with Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre remaining open until the new centre is complete in Summer 2026. The new facility will accommodate a large health club and gym, an eight-lane 25-metre pool, and learner and confidence pools, plus squash courts, multi-use exercise rooms and a bike studio. It will also include a café, community spaces and a creche, as well as accessible parking. The building has been designed to minimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. It will feature electric car charging points and improved access to sustainable travel options, aligning with the Council's Sustainability Strategy and its goal of achieving being carbon-zero by 2030. Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon in the Northern Home Counties region, said: ‘The state-of-the-art facility will provide a hub for health, wellness and recreation, fostering a stronger and vibrant community feel and create a lasting impact which will benefit residents for generations to come.’ Willmott Dixon lands £31m Central Bedfordshire leisure facility
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paf-media.co.uk 13 outdoor fitness The increasing popularity of outdoor gyms across the UK is part of a broader trend towards promoting fitness and wellbeing through accessible and community-oriented spaces. We look at how the sector is evolving and where the future lies PUBLIC parks and green spaces in the UK have evolved beyond being spots for picnics and leisurely strolls – they’ve become fitness hubs for people of all ages and backgrounds. Outdoor gyms, featuring durable, weatherresistant exercise equipment, are being installed nationwide. The growing popularity of outdoor gyms can be attributed to their accessibility. Located in public spaces, these facilities are free and open to all, making fitness more inclusive. Local councils are prioritising healthier lifestyles for communities, especially in urban areas where private gyms may be financially or logistically out of reach. Furthermore, research from Danish outdoor gym company Kompan reveals that 70% of people feel exercising outdoors offers greater benefits compared to indoor workouts. In addition to physical benefits, outdoor gyms often serve as community hubs, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to exercise and socialise, fostering a sense of community. History The development and quality of outdoor gyms in the UK has been patchy since their introduction in the early 2000s. The concept originated in China, driven by the 1995 National Fitness Programme, which aimed to improve public health and encourage a more active society. During the 2000s, China significantly expanded its efforts, investing heavily in outdoor gyms as part of urbanisation initiatives and public health campaigns. These efforts intensified in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. By 2009, the Chinese government mandated that all cities and towns include public fitness equipment in parks, residential areas, and schools. Georgie Delaney MBE, co-founder of The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGO), was a pioneer in bringing the outdoor gym concept to the UK. At a time when no industry standards existed and quality was often lacking, TGO set out to revolutionise outdoor fitness. The company played a key role in designing and installing outdoor gym equipment nationwide, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. Their innovative approach included producing equipment made from ‘Fake Fitness can be defined as equipment that looks like wellknown indoor fitness machines but when used does not result in any meaningful physiological effect’ A breath of fresh air:
14 paf-media.co.uk outdoor fitness recycled materials and manufacturing locally in the UK, setting a new benchmark for quality and environmental responsibility. Delaney explains: ‘When we started in 2007, there were very few outdoor gyms in the UK – mainly trim trails and wooden setups – but nothing like the outdoor gyms we see today. As the concept had really developed in China, our initial range was manufactured there, but the quality wasn’t great and also the equipment style wasn't what we wanted. We ended up designing our own range with the help of safety experts and British engineers, and moved our manufacturing over to the UK.’ Gary Wallis, marketing specialist at Kompan says that much of the outdoor gym equipment that originated in China lacks functionality. In a Kompan company brochure, the term ‘fake fitness equipment’ is used to describe equipment designed to look like indoor gym equipment but without the functionality or resistance, and with poor ergonomics, making it unstimulating and demotivating to use. He says: ‘”Fake Fitness” can be defined as equipment that looks like well-known indoor fitness machines but when used does not result in any meaningful physiological effect. At the beginning, everyone had a version of this equipment, and we had a version as well and it sold, but to be honest, no one ever used it.’ The evolution of equipment These days more companies are supplying pieces with resistance, which are more in line with indoor gym machines. Kompan has its own fitness institute where equipment is designed and tested scientifically to get the best results. TGO also supply bespoke outdoor gym designs, which can include outdoor cardio equipment, street workout calisthenics rigs, PowerSmart technology and activation screens, as well as resistance equipment with tamper-proof weights that are designed to be on par with an indoor gym. Delaney says: ‘At first we developed equipment that would be more geared towards people having a bit of a play, but then we realised we needed to think about equipment that can really sustain people from a beginner's perspective through to intermediate and advanced.’ Tom Willock, managing director of Fresh Air Fitness, stresses the need for equipment to suit all abilities: ‘You do need some variable resistance to challenge people, which covers all body parts, but in a climate when only 15% of the population has a gym membership, we must appeal to the other 85%. We've got an older population, so we've got to bear that in mind, as well as making gear for younger people who are more athletic.’ Fresh Air Fitness’s Big Rig is a 17-user piece, designed for advanced strength exercises, as well as a wide range of exercises for all abilities. QR codes on the machines to link to mobile apps and YouTube channels with over 60 videos, which fit in many people’s learning styles. Calisthenics and community Calisthenics also reflects a growing movement towards more accessible and communityfocused fitness solutions in the UK, and is ‘When first I started in this area 10 years ago, it felt like local authorities were just ticking boxes. It feels less like that now’
paf-media.co.uk 15 outdoor fitness popular outdoors. This form of exercise is particularly well-suited to outdoor gyms due to the minimal equipment needed, and the lack of moving parts as body weight is used as resistance. An increasing number of outdoor gyms now feature rigs with bars, benches and other structures that allow for a wide range of calisthenic exercises. The social aspect of calisthenics is also significant, with many enthusiasts forming communities to train together. Outdoor gyms have become hubs for calisthenics practitioners to share techniques, motivate one another and even participate in friendly competitions. Michael Cachia, the champion calisthenic athlete, designed TGO’s outdoor gym in Punch Trunk Former art teacher Max Rushton, founder and director of Punch Trunk, has worked with ex-prisoners and individuals with complex needs, as well as children with behavioural problems and social, emotional and mental health issues. Combining his love of boxing with the realisation that the people he worked with needed to express themselves, he came up with the Punch Trunk concept, a pro-grade boxing pad that can be taken to a park and strapped to a tree in seconds. Rushton explains: ‘Every behaviour is a form of expression, and after one too many punches to the face, I had a pennydrop moment – a punch in the face is sign language for ‘you aren’t listening to me.’ ‘I’ve always felt we spend too much time indoors, and studies back this up. Men’s Fitness found we spend 95% of our time inside. Other research shows that outdoor fitness has significant mental health benefits, increases enjoyment and improves social interactions.’ Inspired by a similar concept in New York, where people were encouraged to punch a flat pad in the middle of Times Square for release, Rushton experimented with wrapping foam around tree trunks to create a prototype, initially stitching the foam around the cloth with a needle and thread, and using a patented buckle to keep the pad tight around the tree. He has since collaborated with a product developer and sports manufacturer to produce a more sophisticated version. ‘What I always tell people is to use gloves—16-ounce gloves specifically—and never punch without them,’ he explained. ‘Most schools don’t have the budget or equipment for boxing equipment, but this solution works just as well for outdoor spaces. It can be strapped around pillars or trees, and means people can express themselves, as well as get fit.’ www.trainingkitoutside.com
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Burgess Park, South East London, next to the Aylesbury Estate. The gym’s equipment is designed for all levels of athlete from beginners to advanced. Delaney explains: ‘Now we have around 100 people regularly coming to sessions, with four or five guys that run informal classes. We’ve also given them a container with access to other equipment such as bands and weights, so they can bring that out when needed. It’s a really great example of how the community is driving the activation. ‘Our outdoor gym in Shadwell Basin became also become an iconic destination for people doing amazing tricks. Calisthenics has almost become like skateboarding and is very aspirational for young people. There's people of all ages that really love it, but it's really captured the attention of young people, and obviously it's free.’ The future As local councils continue to invest in these facilities, they not only promote physical health but also foster social cohesion and enhance the overall quality of life for local residents, and yet challenges remain for the future of outdoor gyms. Funding is the most significant, with local communities often having limited cash for installation, maintenance or upgrades. The UK climate also poses a problem, although TGO are looking to install roofing in some locations. Yet, outdoor gyms are increasingly being installed in other settings, with suppliers like Sunshine Gym and Fresh Air Fitness leading the way in education, healthcare, prisons and community centres. And while funding remains a challenge, Sunshine Gym offers a helpful Funding Guide. Yet Wallis is hopeful that the outdoor gym will continue to grow in usage and popularity as the quality level and usability improves: ‘As far as the landscape goes, I think the quality is rising and people are demanding more resistance-based equipment. Hopefully, then, everyone else will follow suit.’ Willock agrees: ‘When first I started in this area 10 years ago, it felt like local authorities were just ticking boxes. It feels less like that now. I see more companies looking at developing equipment that has more of an indoor gym kind of capability, with more concentration of bodyweight kind of exercises, but also with variable resistance which is easy to use. So you can go to an outdoor gym, turn a dial and use something that is commensurate with your level of ability. We can't completely replicate what indoor gyms have, but I think we’ve only scratched the surface of where the equipment can go.’ www.tgogc.com www.freshairfitness.co.uk www.kompan.com www.trainingkitoutside.com www.sunshinegym.co.uk paf-media.co.uk 17 outdoor fitness Gokay Fitness Former champion bodybuilder Gokay Kurtuldum, AKA Gok, started his outdoor fitness hub, Gokay Fitness, three and a half years ago after growing his popularity as a personal trainer in local parks. He initially trained clients in public parks but later moved to a nearby rugby club building as his business expanded. Recognising the need for a permanent base, he joined Southwark Community Sport Trust in Dulwich Village and they transformed a piece of derelict land, adding outdoor gym equipment and storage space, and restoring some attached dilapidated outbuildings. He now has a team of personal trainers who run one-on-one sessions, small group strength training sessions and a comprehensive range of classes, including spin cycling and Hyrox sessions. Body sculpting and body transformation programmes are also offered, alongside nutritional advice and, most recently, a 12-week menopause programme, which includes a structured strength training plan, and prescribed medication by their pharmacist specialist who also offers home nurse visits. Around 60% of his clients are women over 40. Gok notes that outdoor strength training is particularly beneficial for this demographic, especially for those going through menopause, with the majority of clients wanting to train outside. He says: ‘I think if I suddenly opened an indoor studio, I’d lose half of my clients.’ Whilst the hub now has three indoor studios, most of the training remains outside. ‘I always wanted to set up an outdoor fitness hub,’ he explains. ‘After talking to my clients who were training outside in the park, I realised that being outdoors was what they wanted. People don’t think about training outdoors if they want to start strength training, but those clients who came with me didn’t want to go into a gym environment. ‘Exercising outdoors makes you happier, mentally and physically. People generally work from home these days, so it’s a good way to get out for fresh air and it’s more hygienic, with probably less chance of catching a cold. You have to dress appropriately, but otherwise you can train all year round, even in the snow.’ www.gokayfitness.com
18 paf-media.co.uk event preview Join us for the second physical activity facilities forum Europe in February 2025, which offers the unique opportunity to combine an immersive business experience with the activities and backdrop of the Alps THE physical activity facilities forum Europe is set to take place from 24-27 February 2025, in Switzerland, offering a unique blend of business and leisure against the stunning backdrop of the Alps. For the second year running, this groundbreaking event merges the excitement of winter sports with invaluable business networking opportunities. Held in the charming Swiss town of Andermatt, the forum helps professionals from across the industry connect and grow their businesses in an unparalleled setting. The Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the heart of the Alps, will serve as the venue for the forum. This luxurious hotel offers easy access to a range of winter sports and is the perfect base for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. After a day of networking and outdoor activities, guests can unwind with a soothing massage at the on-site spa or relax in their rooms. Andermatt's breathtaking mountain scenery promises to elevate the forum experience beyond typical business events. Attendees will enjoy guided tours of the historic old town, insightful talks on the region’s past and stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks. We’ve chosen Andermatt for its enchanting environment and we’re confident you’ll be captivated by its beauty, just as we have been. Work hard, play hard The forum kicks off with a fireside chat featuring leading figures from the fitness and leisure industry, who will explore current trends, challenges and innovations, in addition to delving deep into the hot topics of the day. The event provides a platform for delegates to connect with industry peers while engaging in productive discussions and network opportunities. Packages include a two-day ski pass, equipment rental and lessons for all skill levels. A highlight of the event will be a fondue party at 2,222 meters on the mountainside, as well as a gala dinner, entertainment and additional alpine activities. Unprecedented networking opportunities Helen Adkins, the new paf editor, highlights the unique networking possibilities in this picturesque setting: ‘This is an unparalleled chance for the leisure and fitness industry to
paf-media.co.uk 19 event preview engage in tailored networking against a stunning backdrop. It really is a must-attend event for anyone in the sector.’ Stable Events MD Toby Filby adds: ‘We are thrilled to host the second year of this successful forum, combining meeting rooms with mountain views. And our events wouldn’t be possible without the support of our event partners, which include ukactive, Europe active, Elevate and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS).’ As a complimentary buyer, you’ll stay at the forefront of the evolving landscape of physical activity facilities, meeting innovative suppliers and forging valuable business relationships. Suppliers, in turn, will gain exclusive access to key decision-makers involved in the design, build and management of physical activity facilities, including operators, local authorities, universities, architects, contractors and consultants. Join us in Switzerland for a forum where business meets adventure, and make the most of this exceptional opportunity to advance your career and network in a truly memorable setting. www.paf-europe.com Partners & Supporters: Dave Stalker, on paf Europe 2024, speaking at the event ‘paf Europe 2024 has been exciting, different and intimate. It’s been incredibly well structured, with enough time to chat and get to know each other. It’s such a change from most standard events – this stands on its own. The great thing about the audience here, is that it’s packed full of really busy people whose time is valuable, which means Stable Events have got the right audience. I would say my time is also valuable, but I have endless time for an event like this if it’s going to add value, so, for me, people are getting really stuck in because they know these conservations are important. Some conversations will result in small changes to their business, and some might be niche ideas, but some of the conversations I’ve had could literally be game changing. It's rare that I come to an event like this where I don’t know everyone. You’ve brought people from Europe, but also from different industries together and it’s been seamless. And that is the strength of the event. I’ve come across ideas and spoken to people from many other industries. I might never use those ideas, but then not everything has to be a commercial decision that I make some value out of. Improving my knowledge and learning about new things is so valuable because I’ve seen things through a new lens. I’ve spoken to people from the industry I know and love, but I’ve spoken to people from other industries here and that has never happened in 35 years of being in health and fitness. Would I come again? That’s a no-brainer. I’ve loved the intimacy of this event, and I think it will expand and grow. I would say to everyone I speak to that they have to try this one. I go to thousands of events and this one is just ‘wow’. To attend as a supplier, contact: julian@stable-events.co.uk To attend as a complimentary buyer delegate, contact: georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk
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In your new role, you will spearhead the launch of a Padel Super League, in addition to supporting charity events such as PadelAid and building up events to establish R3 Sport and padel in the industry. Can you tell me more? We are currently in the planning phase of developing a Super League. We’re looking to deliver a host of R3 Sport events, alongside our charity arm, as we continue to plan and ensure the timing is right to launch. At present, in this country especially, there are a lot of unknowns, so we’re doing a lot of research around the interest in padel and, more broadly, the interest in attending live sports events. A lot of the focus on padel in the UK so far has been on participation. We know that participation numbers are increasing and the interest is there, so now we are using that information to understand the demand from a spectator perspective which is looking really promising. At the moment the interest in padel is growing quickly so we’re building a strong evidence base to successfully deliver a Super League. A lot depends on the venue infrastructure and the ability to create spectator space around these venues. In the short term, we will be creating the event space ourselves and taking padel to nontraditional venues, but the longer term vision needs the infrastructure to catch up with us. Can you explain the padel leagues in this country At the moment, there are a number of recreational padel leagues. The LTA run the National League, which offers the opportunity for a recreational club players to compete. There are also a number of other recreational leagues, some of which are gaining interest from professional players. These leagues are focused on player participation and not so much on being spectator events for a large number of people. We are also supporting league opportunities in education settings. R3 Sport are the title sponsor for the National Universities Padel League (NUPL), which is an initiative to offer students a competitive league for padel. With our support, the league has launched successfully, providing students with the opportunity to play on a regular basis for free while they study. The difference with the Super League is we aim for this to be the first major spectator event for padel in Great Britain. So this will be for professional players to compete at prestigious venues, with the focus being on spectator and fan experience. That's really where the event sits apart from all the other current offers – we really want to provide fans of the sport unforgettable experiences and support professional British players with additional opportunities to compete. How are you going to ensure that this sport is going to reach traditionally underserved areas and communities? In addition to developing the Super league, at our roots we want to develop the sport and players in this country at every level. Our sponsorship of the NUPL allows access to free padel competition for students and we’re in the process of developing venues with the aim of providing accessible, affordable padel to under-privileged communities. We're aiming to combine that with providing highquality development opportunities for professional and aspiring professional players, and use their stories and experiences to inspire the next generation of players. Can you talk about your previous role at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and what motivated your transition to R3 Sport I’ve always been passionate about sport, so my whole career has involved roles within sport and this led me to the LTA as part of their regional participation team. I was working solely in tennis in the South West, developing competition structures and paf-media.co.uk 21 interview Sam Kemp is the new managing director of operations, tournaments and events at the recently established R3 Sport, with a specific focus on expanding the company’s presence in the padel sector. Helen Adkins spoke to him to find out more about the role R3 players at training camp in Madrid Nikhil Mohindra, R3 Sport co-founder and British No. 4
22 paf-media.co.uk supporting officials and venues to deliver more and better competition. When British Padel was integrated into the LTA in 2019, I was asked to manage the development and growth of padel competition for the LTA. From 2019 to 2023 we saw an increase of over 1000% in the number of padel competitions delivered as I supported new padel venues to become registered, operate efficiently and integrate into the LTA. As part of that role, I was positioned as the go-to contact for padel venues across the country and built a good network of contacts. However, 75% of my workload was still tennis related. As my personal passion for padel continued to grow I took the exciting opportunity to join R3 Sport where I am able to work in padel full-time and hope to make a really positive impact and support the growth of padel. How did your passion for padel develop? I don’t come from a racket sport background so padel really gave me a great opportunity to enjoy a racket sport from the very first time I played. You can pick up a racket, get on court and within minutes you and friends are all playing and having a laugh, and it doesn't really matter what the standard is. I don't think there's many other sports where you can fall in love with playing quite as quickly as padel. It’s played in a small enclosed space, so you don't waste energy chasing the ball so much and the ball has less pressure so it's not power dominant. You serve underarm and it's always played in doubles so it’s a more inclusive, fun and enjoyable sport. I also love new, exciting, innovative things, so padel provides a space within sport where you can properly innovate within the sector and do new things, introduce concepts for the first time and create experiences that maybe people haven't had before. Where do you see the future of padel? Will it become an Olympic sport and what will that mean for sport in this country and for R3 Sport? Padel was in the European games, which is seen as one of the major stepping stones towards the Olympics. As a country, it’s really our job now to make sure that we are in a strong position to start competing on the European and International stage so when padel is announced at the Olympics, we’ll have done enough to make sure that we can compete successfully. For me, I think that’s one of my main aspirations. I want to try and propel padel to become one of the major participation sports in this country, which is a real challenge, bearing in mind the historic nature of sport in this country. We know the major sports and that young people at school will often follow a traditional path, whether it's football, rugby, netball, hockey or tennis. We need to get padel into that conversation as quickly as possible, and the best way for us to do that is to position ourselves to compete at the Olympics, provide accessible venues for young people and use our best athletes to inspire the next generation to get on the padel court. www.r3-sport.com interview ‘I don't think there's many other sports where you can fall in love with playing quite as quickly as padel’ R3 Sport Team Catherine Rose, British No. 3 The Padel Twinz, Luke and Cam, in action
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exit hardware DURING an emergency, such as a fire or an evacuation due to a security threat, enabling swift and straightforward egress from a building is crucial. In facilities like leisure centres, sports halls, gyms and other physical activities venues, the choice of exit hardware is especially significant. These environments often cater to a high volume of visitors, including members of the public who may not be familiar with the layout of the building. Ensuring that all users can locate and operate exit doors safely and efficiently is not just best practice; it’s a legal and ethical responsibility. Architectural ironmongery is at the heart of this consideration and getting the specification right is paramount. Panic versus emergency exit hardware Choosing between panic and emergency exit hardware depends on the building’s type, its use, the number of occupants and whether the space is accessible to the general public. The primary distinction lies in the familiarity of users with the premises and the expected level of public access. The difference between the two is as follows: • Emergency exit hardware is only used when building users are familiar with exit routes, such as private premises including offices and warehouses, and the building is not accessible to the general public. This type of hardware would therefore not be suitable for public areas of a leisure venue but could be used in back offices or staff facilities. Devices for emergency exits could be a simple push pad-type device or a lever handle that operates a mortice escape lock or nightlatch. • Panic hardware is used in buildings where members of the public have access to the building but may not be familiar with the exit routes. Leisure venues are a prime example of such buildings, but this type of hardware also applies to any building that has more than 60 people in it. • Any doors in areas that are accessible to the public must have a device fitted that is operable by a horizontal bar covering at least 60% of the overall door width. As well as being easier to see and use from an accessibility point of view, it adds another layer of safety functionality in the event of an emergency. Performance standards When it comes to panic or emergency exit hardware, there are two British and European Standards to be aware of when planning necessary door hardware for a building. These standards, which are British adoptions of European standards listed as ‘BS EN’, specify the requirements for product manufacture, performance and testing: • Emergency exit hardware: BS EN 179:2008 applies to type A (lever handle operated emergency device) and type B (push pad operated emergency device). • Panic hardware: BS EN 1125:2008 applies to type A (push bar panic bolts) and type B (touch bar panic bolts). Both standards require the following markings to be visible on the product when fitted; the manufacturer’s name or trademark or other means of positive identification, an identification number of the certification body and a CE/UKCA mark. There are also markings which must be visible before fitting; the number and year of the European standard, the full classification code for the product, and the month and year of final assembly by the manufacturer, which can be in a coded form. Don’t forget security and accessibility Any additional functions, such as the need for enhanced security and accessibility in the building, must also be considered at specification stage. That’s because these factors will dictate the type of device required. To deliver a basic level of functionality and a standard level of security, a door may only require a device with a panic latch passage function. However, if there is an additional security requirement, a panic bolt device would normally be recommended. A panic bolt has a vertical rod to suit the door height and has locating bolts that go into the floor and the top of the door frame Rob Adams, technical manager at ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, highlights the essential aspects of panic and emergency exit hardware in leisure environments, guiding facility managers, architects and specifiers towards informed decision-making Panic and emergency exit hardware 24 paf-media.co.uk
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