Live Active Leisure Annual Achievement Report 2018 - 2019 Contents Our Vision: To be the provider of choice in Perth and Kinross 04. 05. 08. for everyone to ‘live active’ lives. Chairperson’s Report Fitness Wellbeing 11. 12. 16. Plus Sport Bell’s Investment Our Year in Numbers 18. 20. 21. Corporate Perth City Highland Perthshire Strathearn 75% 305 Partners customer satisfaction (against a target of 215) 12 22. 24. 25. Sport Hubs Kinross Eastern Our People 603 Hours 46% of professional development Membership for Swimming Teachers Opened 26. 28. 30. Retention Rate Marketing Environment Looking Forward

Live Active Leisure is a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered Charity No. SC000175. This document is written and designed by Red String Ltd. Chairperson’s Report 04 05

The Wellbeing team continues to grow, Active Leisure is also working closely with with £60,000 secured towards staff the Gannochy Trust, to consider ways to posts and they have done some excellent improve Bell’s. It is testament to the hard work towards the Health and Social Care work and enthusiasm of staff, trustees, agenda, particularly the partnership work coaches and volunteers that we therefore £1.4m and advisory role we’ve held in the Care have so much to celebrate, and with these About Physical Activity initiative in the new capital schemes to look forward to, Membership Sales area. In addition the All Ability Cycling the future looks positive despite the short programme got a huge boost with the term budgetary concerns. (2.7% up year on year) new wheelchair bike thanks to £9,000 of “We are encouraged to see year additional fundraising. Mike Robinson, Chairperson. on year increases during these I was also delighted to see the heart- challenging economic times” warming response to the #PKThankYou campaign run by the Live Active Sport Paul Cromwell, CEO team - recognising the dedication of volunteers and coaches in the area by asking individuals to record a message of thanks for their club coaches. Their first Coaching Conference was also a great Membership Sales success. and Retention As on of the first Leisure Trusts in the UK to produce a carbon reduction plan, Membership over 2018-19 experienced s we continue to work in a climate it is also great to see continued progress an 8% increase, with a net additional 289 of austerity with continuing cuts in this area, with the launch of the DD members at April 1st 2019 compared A and increasing utility and other Environmental Champions and a reduction to April 1st 2018. This encouraging costs, pressures remain as great as ever, in CO2 emissions across the business by uplift saw the membership income up by and there are many challenges to address 47 tonnes over 24 £10,000 on budget to give membership to ensure Live Active Leisure is able to months . revenue of £1.4M, a figure that reflects a continue to deliver accessible, affordable, 2.7% increase on the previous year. quality sports and fitness. Within There is a very this context, it is especially gratifying positive recognition One of the Fitness Class Usages Continue to Grow During such challenging economic therefore to see such positive progress in from people at times this achievement is all the a number of areas of Live Active Leisure’s every level of the first Leisure he trend for class-based fitness We continued to build on our long-term more impressive and has been made operations. importance of active Trusts in the across all localities has continued partnership with Les Mills, with the new possible thanks to a combination of lifestyles, and the T to grow in 2018-19, with an agreement configured to improve the the aforementioned fitness provision Our commercial arm, Live Active Leisure crucial role they play impressive 10% increase on 2017-18 – provision across all venues, bringing enhancements; significant results from Trading Ltd, was still able to generate a in the overall health UK to produce which had grown by 8% on 2016-17. favourites such as BodyPump, CXWORX specific sales campaigns (see p26-27); small contribution back to the business of and wellbeing of a carbon and RPM to rural venues and new and improvements in the cancellation £10,000 over the period and this is thanks local people. As a This reflects industry-wide reportsprogrammes such as Barre and Sprint to and conversion process following the to the local businesses and organisations result, we have seen reduction plan around class-based fitness; consumer Perth City. recruitment of a dedicated Customer who choose to use Dewars Centre for their good progress on expectations have changed and people Sales Advisor. conferences, meetings and events. As the a small number of now want their fitness to be as much This commitment brings with it an economy faces further uncertainties in much needed capital about socialising and engaging with like- ongoing investment in the team, and an Based in the Marketing team office, and the year to come, this additional revenue projects. We invested minded peers as it is about health and additional 20 fitness training courses working directly with venues and the source will only become more and more more than £800,000 in improvements wellbeing. were undertaken by instructors across a Fitness Manager, this role is focused important. and repairs – most notably the roof of variety of different fitness programmes. on pro-actively selling memberships, Bell’s Sports Centre and the Strength and Of course, today’s customers are also converting cancellations, and improving There was a big uptake in Fitness Classes Conditioning Gym. The announcement of more value driven, and the Company has The Company also held its first Fitness retention. The estimated annual value across the venues, with the company up the pool and new facilities in Blairgowrie, worked hard over the past two years Development Day for venue management of the role is forecast to be £36,000 10% as a whole. This is due in no small way is a welcome signal. to improve the fitness class offering staff, focusing on the quality of our for the first year based on direct sales, to an extensive reshuffling of the fitness across the board. Significant programme fitness class programme from a customer retention of members and an improved programme both in terms of product and Working more closely than ever with changes across all areas have proven to service perspective, and the sustainability customer experience, and this figure is timings. It shows unequivocally that LAL colleagues within PKC, plans continue for be effective, with popular classes such as of it across all venues. predicted to grow as the role evolves is still very much at the heart of fitness in PH2O, after PKC helped fund and support kettlebells and yoga rolled out into new and improvements are made to our the lives of Perth & Kinross residents. a revision to the business case. Live areas and timeslots. membership journey. Les Mills Virtual: A Partnership Success Story

s a company, Live Active Leisure is buzz leading up to us having this big committed to ensuring our brand global brand was huge. We launched A values are reinforced in all that we the partnership with BodyPump and Les Mills do. In order to do this, we look to all areas BodyCombat and it was an instant hit. ‘Virtual Class Programme’ of our business including the partners and Arlene actually led the very first class, and suppliers we choose to work with. she still teaches today – she’s gone from launched in Strathearn release 46 to release 110 with some of Community Campus in Jan One such partner is Les Mills, the global the long-standing Rodney customers!” fitness phenomenon established in 2019 with an investment Australia in 1968 that has built its brand on Today, Live Active Leisure is the largest of approximately £6000 quickly and easily implemented workouts, Les Mills provider in Perth and Kinross, made by the Company. designed by professionals and backed by offering the full range of RPM, Sprint, science. Hugely popular amongst fitness BodyPump, BodyBalance, BodyCombat, enthusiasts and beginners alike, it is Barre, BodyBalance, SH’BAM, CXWORX It recorded almost 1000 present in more than 100 countries, is and Grit. usages in Quarter 4. employed by some 20,000 clubs, and has Fitness Class Usage 140,000 instructors worldwide delivering Virtual classes are the newest addition (Jan - Mar 2019) classes. to our partnership, and were introduced at Bell’s Sports Centre in 2017 as part of the Les Mills RPM offering. A Virtual Company Wide: 10% up 144104 vs 131382 class combines Les Mills’ programmes At the end of March with technology to deliver all the social and motivational benefits of a class 2019, Bell’s Sports environment for customers, without the Centre and Strathearn Live Active Rodney: 9% up 46194 vs 42569 need for an instructor. Community Campus Bell’s Sports Centre: 3% up 20086 vs 19519 offered a combined 59 Ensuring continuity and sustainability Virtual classes each in the fitness class programme is a key North Inch Community Campus: 11% up 9942 vs 8965 week. focus for the Company, and Virtual allows us to do both. We can now provide more Perth Leisure Pool: 2% up 6981 vs 6815 opportunities for customers, with classes offered at times we wouldn’t normally Strathearn Community Campus: 16% up 21951 vs 18946 Live Active Leisure joined the brand in cover due to instructor availability. Live Active Blairgowrie: 32% up 15048 vs 11426 2005 when Live Active Rodney launched Les Mills BodyPump with release 46. The intention is to roll the Virtual model Live Active Highland: 25% up 8320 vs 6669 Graeme Lackie, Fitness Manager for the out across all localities, offering additional Company, remembers it well: classes at more flexible times. Modern (Live Active Atholl & Breadalbane Community Campus) lives are busy and we want to ensure that Live Active Loch Leven & Loch “I was the Operations Manager at Live we continue to bring value and quality to Leven Community Campus: 7% up 17670 vs 16475 Active Rodney at the time, and the our members and users. 08

Activities for All Stages of Life The Wellbeing Team Live Active Leisure’s Wellbeing team is Additionally, the attitude to exercise instrumental in delivering, and partnering amongst all participants was notably in the Community on, a number of health-focused community different and the increase in independent projects within Perth and Kinross. As part living was hugely encouraging; one The Live Active Leisure of the Company’s ongoing commitment to participant now walks 10 minutes into Wellbeing team delivered a the Health and Social Care agenda (H&SC), town to do her own shopping, a task she variety of projects and weekly significant support has been provided to hadn’t had the confidence to do for the classes across Perth and the Care About Physical Activity (CAPA) past two years following a fall. Kinross, including: programme. In addition to working with individuals, the CAPA’s aims are to improve physical “Attend Anywhere” Technology Enabled All Ability Cycling activity awareness and make long- Care programme offers instruction Macmillan Move More term behavioural changes to lifestyle. remotely. Working with Health & Social Six individuals took part in a 20-week Care, Paths For All and Parkdale Care Community Classes and programme that included structured Home, we have developed this virtual Engagement Events exercise sessions with home programmes, resource, that involves video footage of a Health & Social Care nutritional diary analysis and discussions Live Active Leisure instructor, being used on healthy eating; assessments were to promote chair-based activity in care Agenda Partnership Active Communities: £60,000 Funding for Wellbeing Posts based on the exercise programme. settings. This has encouraged additional, Splashtots Programme independent sessions which do not need Hand grip strength, sit-to-stand in 30 an instructor. Activity Referral Classes ollowing the success of the Active this problem, and this has been reflected These simple activity sessions and walks seconds, and range of movement through and Programmes Communities initiative launched in in the results garnered over the past three all help contribute to a reduction in this the main joints were all tested at the start F 2016, the Company has secured years of this initiative. problem. The Community Wellbeing and end, and each participant showed a £60,000 of funding to support two Active Coordinators work in partnership with marked increase in all areas. Communities Wellbeing Coordinator posts More than 300 participants have taken Health and Social Care at NHS Tayside and for an additional two years. The posts will part in activities in the past 12 months, Perth & Kinross Council, and third sector start on April 1st 2019 and continue to and of those, 103 participants took charities, to deliver the activity sessions. March 2021. part in the final survey. 80% of people The sessions vary across the area and reported that they felt more confident in include guided health walks, chair-based Kirsty Eadie: Wellbeing Coordinator The new funding has been allocated leading an active life, with 69% stating exercise classes, and social circuits, through the Health and Social Care Older that their fitness had improved. 100% of amongst others. Venue/Business Stream - Wellbeing based at Bell’s Sports Centre Person’s board to support people rated the classes the Thriving Third Age. and walks in the Satisfied The posts will focus or Extremely Satisfied Kirsty has worked with the Company for seven years, including five years Live Active Leisure’s as a coach where she helped out with the Holiday Hero programme and primarily on supporting 80% of people categories. Wellbeing Coordinators: other sports sessions. For the past two years she has been part of the older, inactive people, reported that they Wellbeing team, and is now the coordinator responsible for the fantastic care home residents, As well as physical, and individuals with felt more confident mental and emotional All Ability Cycling programme. Improve quality of life and long- mobility problems and in leading an success stories, the term independence by encouraging other medical conditions long-term impact of this healthy lifestyle choices. Kirsty is a keen netball player and plays for Cherrybank in the Perth that impact on overall active life on participants’ overall Ladies Netball League. wellbeing. wellbeing will reduce Reduce the risk of falls through pressure on the NHS in strengthening muscles and improving balance. Kirsty says, “I love working on the All Ability Cycling project; this year There is growing evidence highlighting the the area, and bring a far greater quality of we’ve helped 301 different people to get out and about cycling on one importance of staying active throughout life to the older community at large. Provide positive social connections of our adapted bikes. It’s brilliant!” our lives, with particular emphasis being for participants, improving mental given to the third age. However, it is also As an example, anyone can have a fall, wellbeing and reducing isolation. true that as we age the barriers that but older people are more vulnerable and present challenges for leading an active likely to fall, especially if they have a long- life increase significantly. term health condition. Around one in three After Participating: Community class usage 17% up 6488 V 5537 adults over 65 who live at home will have 80% of people felt more confident Wellbeing Stats: Community class income 34% up £24K V £18K The Active Community initiative has at least one fall a year, and about half of in leading an active life. 69% Overall wellbeing income 2.7% up 9.9% up on target provided a simple, yet effective solution to these will have more frequent falls. stated that their fitness had Wellbeing Classes 20% up 20385 V 19966 improved. Wellbeing Swim 9% up 3604 V 3295 11

ewars Centre is known across Scotland, and the global curling D and bowls community as a centre for sporting excellence, but as well as delivering major tournaments for curling and bowling, it is also the Company’s flagship venue for meetings and conferences.

The sheer size of the ice rink and bowling hall coupled with the viewing gallery and restaurant area, makes Dewars the largest conference and events facility in Perth City. Consider the board room, Hay Suite and Gannochy room, and it is easy to see Customer Spotlight: the opportunities presented by this large All Ability Cycling flexible space. Additionally, having our own catering All Ability Bikes Rolling Forwards facilities on site means we can offer everything from coffee and cake to “My name is Kirsty Walker, I’m “Over time I got quicker and quicker Led by Live Active Leisure, the All Ability Cycling cold finger buffets, hot fork buffets and 47 years old, have cerebral palsy and noticed my love for challenges initiative has grown significantly in the three years delicious sit-down dinners. Wee G&T Festival and I am registered blind. Despite and races coming back. In December since its launch in April 2016. The Wee G&T Festival, a popular Perth Live Active Leisure Trading this, I don’t lie down to things. I of 2017 we did a 5k and called it Situated just a few minutes from Perth event owned and managed by local Limited is the commercial arm of am a determined person and love The Santa Dash. Last year I cycled Following funding received by various partners City Centre, Dewars enjoys a convenient independent business Provender our business, with any surplus challenges. an incredible 246k – I am loving it. including Perth & Kinross Council Common Good Fund, location just off Perth’s Glasgow Road. Brown, held its third annual festival generated donated via Gift Aid The Gannochy Trust, Cycling Scotland and The Baily It has plentiful parking and underground in Dewars in September 2018. The to the Charitable company and “In 2008 I wanted to get fit and got “The challenges are getting longer Thomas Charitable Fund, the fleet now boasts 15 overnight vehicle stay for conference event had outgrown its home in the reinvested in the venues we own a Personal Fitness Trainer. Since and better, and my latest goal is to bikes in total with additional services offered such delegates and event visitors. Salutation Hotel and organisers were and the communities we serve. then I have done five 5ks and a 10k do a virtual ride from Land’s End as training for instructors. The newest of these is keen to explore expanding capacity for various charities and my last to John o’ Groats by cycling from a £9000 wheelchair bike which was added to the whilst maintaining break-out rooms for race was in 2013. In March of 2016 Bell’s Sports Centre to Bertha Park offering in January 2018. DEWARS gin masterclasses and recipe demos. In March 2019 a £10,000 I injured my ankle and was told not and back again each week until it’s Gift Aid donation was made to exercise. This made me sad and completed. The bikes are available for anyone to hire, and NON-SPORTING EVENTS Held in the Gannochy Room with depressed. individuals without carers who require assistance on masterclasses in the Hay Room and to Live Active Leisure. Scottish Federation of Meat “I’ve realised that I’m a driven a two-person bike can book the support of a qualified Traders AGM on the balcony, organisers were in a “I was told I could exercise again person. I set myself challenges and instructor. Additionally, ‘Come and try sessions’ position not only to increase ticket in September 2017 and I was see if I can improve upon them year with qualified instructors and volunteers are open Festival of Yarn availability but also to offer additional overjoyed! A friend told me she on year. An example of this is to to people of all ages on a weekly basis from the All Tabletop Scotland stands to the waiting list of gin distilleries. was going to cycling sessions at see if I can go further on the bike Ability Cycling base at Bell’s Sports Centre. Legion Scotland Bell’s Sports Centre; I arranged one in the time I have – two hours. The The Scottish National Scale The events team at Dewars seized the opportunity to gain additional revenue and add for myself and I loved it! I started furthest I’ve achieved in two hours The positive impact of this three-year project is Model Show value for the client. They worked with organisers to improve their artisan gin offering by using a hand bike and couldn’t is 14.2k. Next time I tell myself I’ll now apparent, both in terms of participation levels at the bar, as well as creating a snack menu for their attendees. Model Railway Exhibition believe it; I was riding a bike! I never do more. and income generated – which is now being used thought I’d ever be able to ride a to assist in delivering the project. 753 individual or The Association of Scottish This move of venue was a huge success for the client, with a 51% increase in bike. “The benefits of the programme for group sessions – including carers – were recorded Philatelic Societies 90th attendees compared to the Wee G&T Festival 2017. They also had four additional me are both physical and mental. If over the period, with income up from £462 to £1425. Annual Congress distillers on board compared to the previous year, resulting in an immediate rebooking “One day whilst on the hand bike I I feel well physically then it impacts Significantly, the new Wheelchair bike Participatory Wee G&T Festival of Dewars Centre for 2019. mentioned to my trainer, also called hugely on my mental health. Kirsty Budgeting (PB) funded sessions have proven popular Kirsty, that I wished I could pedal is very kind, caring and patient with with all 60 places made available fully booked. a bike with my feet. She told me me – I think when she was made about the side-by-side bike, and they broke the mould! She’s perfect The project has also achieved a Silver Scottish Cycling encouraged me to try. Again, I could for this job and she encourages Community Friendly Award and received positive not believe it – I managed to cycle me and inspires me to see what is feedback following the Community Learning and 352 Non-Sporting Events took 153 bookings were over two There was a total of 316 full with my feet. There was nothing possible.” Development inspection. Eight new cycle leaders have place at Dewars Centre resulting days or more. 25 events had days’ worth of bookings stopping me now! been trained to accommodate the growing demand. in 28,364 attendances. over 100 attendees each. (based on an eight-hour day) Football 12 Development

In October 2018, a new and innovative partnership came to fruition with the Coaching Success Scottish FA jointly funding a Club and Community Football Officer post he Company hosted its first Coaching Conference in change psychology, to help coaches understand how mindset within the LAL Sport Team, for a two- February 2018, welcoming 80 sport coaches from across can help to create a culture of improved performance. Leading year period. T Perth and Kinross, and beyond, to Loch Leven Community into the event, and continuing on to the Perth and Kinross Sports Campus. A range of topics were included ensuring an engaging Awards in March, the Sport Team launched the #PKThankyou The post will encourage an increase in event for recreational, grass-roots coaches campaign. participation in football across Perth and those delivering to performance-level and Kinross, the development of clubs athletes. This campaign was created to promote and communities to grow capacity, a culture where coaches and volunteers and better volunteer and coach Included in the programme were topics 96% of people are thanked for their commitment to recruitment and development. such as recovery strategies, performance sport across Perth and Kinross, and both analysis, physical literacy, mental health marked the individuals and teams were encouraged to The initial five-month period has and wellbeing, strength and conditioning send in a short video to say thanks to their focused on local level partnership and conflict management. speakers and coach for the difference they had made. working. This resulted in opportunities across five local regions: Highland The guest speaker for the event, Professor workshops at 5 29 videos were sent in over a three- Perthshire, Kinross, Perth City, Eastern Damian Hughes, was extremely well month period, covering a variety of sports Blairgowrie and Strathearn. received and feedback was exceptional stars including swimming, football, netball, judo with 96% of people marking the speakers and fencing. The videos were combined to In football development, partnership and workshops at 5 stars. make a compilation that was displayed at working within the Perth and Kinross the Perth and Kinross Sports Awards. It can Strategic Facilities Group (PKSFG), Professor Damian Hughes, an international speaker and be viewed via our YouTube channel: has secured the introduction of bestselling author, combined his practical and academic fun fours, super fives and central background within sport, organisational development and youtube.com/user/liveactiveleisure 7-a-side leagues at the South Inch. This development has allowed for 25 additional small-sided pitches and a central festival format to be available.

In order to embrace this momentum the ‘Club Together’ forum was launched, providing a space where clubs can discuss best practice and the direction of football. An excellent turnout from local clubs, and positive feedback, indicate good collaborative working moving forward.

At a participation level, two new participation centres focusing on pre-school football in Aberfeldy and Kinross were launched, and two Regional Girls Football festivals for both the 11s and 13s age groups saw more than 200 girls and 20 regional teams in attendance. PACES 130+ clubs registered 97 clubs accredited 10 Gold, 17 Silver and 70 Bronze

The PACES accreditation scheme was relaunched in March 2018, and in that time the number of clubs registered has grown by 66% with fully accredited clubs increasing by 24%.

The team worked closely alongside many of the Scottish Governing Bodies to align a set of minimum operating standards that would drive quality and ensure all participants receive adequate, safe provision.

A number of clubs have received support in developing documentation, establishing new roles for committee members and building stronger relationships with local partners.

Since the relaunch, more than 50 new clubs have joined PACES including Perth City Swim Club, Strathtay Harriers and Kinross Volleyball. 2018 Winners Sports Personality of the Year Stephen Milne (Swimming)

Young Male Sports Personality of the Year Active Schools Success Active Schools Perth & Kinross Sports Awards Jack Muncey (Swimming) Highlights 2018-19 Young Female Sports Personality he Live Active Leisure Active officiating qualifications during school porting stars were hailed at the The evening’s host was sports journalist of the Year Schools team, comprised of an holidays, or on in-service days, at a 2018 Perth and Kinross Sports and broadcaster, Jim Spence, who Cerys Cairns (Netball) T Active Schools Manager and reduced rate of £10 per course. In order 47% of Perth and Kinross school S Awards at a ceremony where introduced Provost Dennis Melloy to 12 Active Schools Coordinators, is to access this qualification, they must pupils took part in at least one Olympic swimmer Stephen Milne was formally open the awards. Twelve Disability Sports Person of the Year dedicated to developing and supporting volunteer a minimum of 20 hours in a extracurricular school sport activity named the Sports Personality of the Year. category awards were presented, as Freya Howgate (Athletics) the delivery of quality sporting school or community club setting. The awards, sponsored by Thorntons well as certificates being awarded to ten opportunities across all primary and Girls’ participation remained stable at and hosted and organised by Live Active local sports clubs who had achieved Gold Team of the Year secondary schools in Perth and Kinross. A total of 18 coaching and officiating 46% of the total school roll Leisure in partnership with Perth and PACES accreditation. Perth and Kinross County Golf courses were delivered across the area, Kinross Sports Council, were held on Boys Area Team The aim is to provide more physical which were attended by 220 secondary Participation amongst pupils living in Friday March 8th at Dewars Centre. The guest speaker for the evening was School Team of the Year activity opportunities, of a higher school pupils. Subsequently, the team our poorest communities remained one of Scotland’s most accomplished Perth High S1 Netball Team quality, before school, after school and supported 478 young sports and dance stable at 38% of the total school roll Milne - a long-time member of the Live international athletes, Eilidh Doyle. during lunchtime. The team also strives leaders this year, 384 of whom actively Active Leisure Talented Athlete Scheme Doyle, with an overall tally of 17 major Official of the Year to develop effective pathways between engaged in sports or dance volunteering, 1,061 volunteers supported - was one of three finalists, seeing off international podium places, received a Lianne Gibb (Netball) schools and sports clubs in the local resulting in over 7,600 hours of delivery. delivery of extra-curricular school competition from fellow swimmer, Scott standing ovation from the 140 guests Club of the Year community. sport, of whom 384 were senior McLay, and World Junior Silver medallist, in attendance following her passionate, Perthshire Rugby Football Club The development of young people as pupils curler Robin Brydone. insightful and inspiring speech. This year the delivery of the 10th sports and dance leaders was identified Coach of the Year School Sport Coaching Project (SSCP), by the Perth & Kinross Council Physical The Perth based swimmer had an This continues to be a fantastic event Phil Shore (Rugby) funded by the Gannochy Trust and Education, Physical Activity and outstanding 2018, starting the year that recognises the achievements of Young Coach of the Year managed by the School Sport Planning Sport Steering Group, as a significant with a Bronze and Gold at the British local athletes and the commitment of the Rachael Devine – Gymnastics Group in which Active Schools plays contribution to young people’s Championships, followed by two medals coaches and volunteers that make sport a lead role. The project offers school development of skills for learning, life at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. happen in the area. It is also encouraging, Volunteer of the Year pupils from across Perth and Kinross the and work. Selection for the European Games in that as a result of the work carried out Lesley Morby (Gymnastics) opportunity to complete coaching and Glasgow brought more success, as he with clubs over the period, there was The George Mortimer Lifetime won Gold as part of the 4 x 200m relay a 102% increase in the number of Achievement Award and Bronze in the mixed equivalent. nominations received. Douglas Yeats (Football) during winter months. Destratification Bell’s Sports Centre Celebrates 50 Years with fans have also been installed in the main sporting arena to redistribute heat that pools at the top of the dome to lower Two Major Developments levels.

ell’s Sports Centre, Live Active Working with Perth-based property Underneath the dome, a long-standing B Leisure’s flagship venue, celebrated and construction consultants Hardies, partnership between Live Active Leisure 50 years of service to the local and local roofing specialists Aim and Perthshire Rugby Club facilitated the community of Perth, with two substantial Developments, the project was carried successful launch of a new, state-of-the- projects coming to fruition: a £750,000 out using the innovative Limpet art strength and conditioning gym and upgrade to its famous domed roof and Technology system, which is the first coach education room, with a joint total an £88,000 investment in a modern time technology of this type has been investment of £88,000. Strength and Conditioning Gym. used in a roofing application in the UK. The project was funded in part by a Bell’s Sports Centre opened its doors As well as the challenges that come from £41,500 grant secured by Perthshire to the public on Tuesday October 15th the unique shape of the Bell’s Sports Rugby in the final round of Scottish 1968. The impressive dome was 58ft Centre roof, the Company requested that Rugby’s Club Sustainability Fund awards high and more than 200ft in diameter and disruption to our customers was kept to last October. This additional funding was recognised as the largest dome in a minimum. allowed for an exemplar facility to be the UK. In fact, architect David Cockburn installed with Perform Better equipment, was presented with a Guinness Book of Limpet Technology features a remotely the recognised market leader for this Records certificate and held the record operated lifting unit which provides type of installation, delivering a superior until the opening of The Millennium safe working at height for repairs and finish to the new gym. Dome. maintenance. The system used at Bell’s Sports Centre saw units installed at the Fast forward 50 years, and the iconic top of the dome allowing the roofers to dome once again made the headlines, work safely whilst moving up and down, with new technology used in the first leaving them free to install the roof cover Perthshire Rugby is major upgrade since the 1980s. The without any access issues. delighted to have £750,000 investment, which was borne in full by the Trust, addressed structural As well as a new roofing cover to stop partnered with Live concerns and brought improved energy water ingress, a layer of insulation was Active Leisure to secure efficiencies to the unique building. installed to the dome to reduce heat loss this fantastic new strength & conditioning facility for the use of our members & the local community.

Allan Brown, Chief Executive of Perthshire Rugby

Wall mounted racks, Duratrain flooring with oak lifting platforms, dumbbells, benches and a range of functional equipment including training ropes, medicine balls, rings and plyo box are all on offer. Additionally, early morning gym access for all customers is now available Monday to Friday from 7:15am.

Studies show that expert strength and conditioning tuition can make a significant difference to an athlete’s performance, power and mental strength and the new facility will serve rugby athletes, members of Live Active Leisure’s Talented Athlete Scheme, and customers from the wider community. Perth City 18 Gymnastics at Every Level Bell’s Sports Centre is now At the same time, they had the firmly established as the home Live Active Leisure Gymnastics of Scottish gymnastics but in team looking for a date to hold December 2018 the venue their first showcase event for played host to a sporting ‘first’. parents, to highlight the work of the young gymnasts, including Two separate gymnastics the pre-school classes. events were held in the arena on the same day, bringing The opportunity presented the talents of the Scottish itself to accommodate both Men’s Artistic Gymnastics events on the same day, and participants together with the with a bit of logistical creative inaugural event for Live Active thinking, Bell’s hosted the Leisure’s own gymnastics kids’ men from 8am to 2pm, and club. turned the arena around to accommodate the kids’ Forced to reschedule at showcase event. short notice earlier in the year, Scottish Men’s Artistic The day was a great success, Gymnastics were faced with solving SGA’s fixture problem having to pay for the full cost of and giving many children the event. Keen to support our their first opportunity to use Julie Gibson: Customer long-time partners, the team a sprung floor in front of an at Bell’s rallied around to find a audience of delighted parents. Sales Advisor solution. Julie has worked with the Company for the past eight years, starting in Bell’s Sports Centre as a coach where she developed her excellent A Community Celebration customer service skills and fitness brand knowledge. First for Les Mills Barre in Perth and Kinross In one of his first public announcements Could he have envisioned the thousands As discussed on page 7, the Les Mills as CEO, Paul Cromwell heralded a free of customers some half-a-century In December 2018 she took up a partnership plays a significant role in the community event for the people of later, who would come together in a new position as Customer Sales fitness offer across all of the Company’s Perth and Kinross, day of activity Advisor which sees her working venues. Barre is the latest class offer to celebrate the to commemorate as the link between Marketing and from the global fitness giant, and true Company’s iconic this inspired Fitness with the aim of growing the to form, it has proved to be immensely flagship venue, conversation? membership both through campaign popular with audiences worldwide. Bell’s Sports Centre, The journey of work, sales and promotional turning 50 years People of all ages initiatives and retention. A modern version of classic balletic old. this incredible patiently queued, training, Barre is a half hour workout some who had As you might expect, she is super designed to shape and tone postural The journey of this building began been there in 1968, sporty and enjoys playing netball muscles and build core strength. incredible building during a train and joined in what with a local team. When it comes to Incorporating classic ballet positions with began during a train proved to be a classes she’s all about the Spin and music, it offers a combination of cardio ride to Edinburgh ride to Edinburgh fantastic event for can be seen at Bell’s Sports Centre and strength with high reps of small when the then Lord the community. picking up an early morning class. range-of-motion movements and very Provost discussed light weights. plans for a sports From a giant Julie says, “I am super excited, and so arena with Mr inflatable assault proud, to have exceeded my targets Live Active Rodney, who first introduced WG Farquharson, the Gannochy Trust course to a gladiator joust, an inflatable for the first three months of my new Les Mills to Perth City in 2005, launched Chairman at the time. Pointing out the bungee to a DJ, magician, and lots post.” the area’s first Barre class in October benefit it would bring to the community, of games and challenges, this was a 2018, resulting in an immediate uptake he soon had Mr Farquharson enthralled. fantastic party for the entire community. from members and casual users to the city centre venue.

The introduction of Barre was part of a Success at North Inch Go play hire: up 38% Go play pitches: up 62% more significant programme review at Live Active Rodney that resulted in 7% Community Campus: increase in usage over 2018-19. Fitness gym: up 3.5% Steps term time: up 7% Highland Perthshire 20 Strathearn 21

Weightlifting at Live Active Atholl Channel Challenge

Breadalbane Community Campus took a challenging new approach to increasing swimming participation across all age groups when they launched the Channel Challenge in August 2018. By inviting customers to sign up to swim 22 miles – with each mile consisting of 64 lengths of the Breadalbane Pool – they created a fun, engaging reason for people to get in the water and increase their pool time.

The results were excellent; with very minimal costs attached, there was a Alison McKinnon: increase in pool usages for fitness Facility Operations swimming over the period. Live Active Strathearn turns 20 Years Old Manager Not only did this challenge bring a new and engaging reason for using the pool, Strathearn Community Campus, known More than 1000 people joined in the Alison joined the Company this year it also went a long way to combat what as Strathearn Recreation Centre when it celebrations – held over two days on and is the Operations Manager for could have been a significant decrease in opened on Monday August 31st 1998, August 31st and September 1st 2018 Strathearn Community Campus, overall use due to the Active Energy disco celebrated 20 years of providing sports – which included an evening disco and Breadalbane Community Campus Known nationally for weightlifting, Live The event is testament to the and pool inflatable being temporarily and fitness for the people of Strathearn a day of activity with a giant inflatable and Live Active Atholl. Active Atholl continues to host the centre’s excellent facilities which were removed. with a free community party. assault course, gladiator joust, inflatable National Weightlifting Championships in refurbished in 2017, and to the ongoing bungee, DJ, and lots of games and As a person who is passionate about conjunction with the local weightlifting success of the local club which once In January 2019 the team launched the challenges. her industry, Alison likes to keep club every two years. again dominated the winner’s podium. second challenge of what has become a active by getting out mountain swim series, with the Loch Tay Challenge biking or snowboarding. Although The Scottish Senior Championships and Holly Morrough-Bernard, one of the inviting members to swim 19.5 miles in The History of Leisure in Crieff she tells us that thanks to our the Scottish Under-18s Development venue’s regular relief staff and a long- two months. unreliable Scottish weather, she’s Cup are both held in our Pitlochry-based term member of the weightlifting club, Twenty years ago a dream finally came Arts, £800,000 from the Scottish Sports enjoyed spending more time in the leisure centre and, as well as bringing succeeded in breaking the Scottish true when Strathearn Recreation Centre Council Lottery Fund, and £473,000 from past year getting to know her way a significant income of over £400 per Under-23 category records, which she opened to the public on Monday August PKRF Ltd including £200,000 passed around the gym! event, there are many local participants. herself had previously set. Holly has now 31st 1998. It was officially opened at a from the former Perth and Kinross District set 430 records. formal ceremony on Wednesday October Council and its accrued interest. Alison says, “My first year with 28th 1998, hosted jointly by SRC Ltd and the Company has certainly been a PKRF (as Live Active Leisure was known Additionally, there was a £200,000 challenge with a lot to get to grips at the time). grant and £200,000 loan, £25,000 of with! I have a definite sense of which was later converted to grant, from accomplishment when I reflect on my Fraser Brown: Duty Leisure Manager David Crosbie, Chairman, in welcoming the the Gannochy Trust. The Executors of first year and feel as though I’ve built guests, said: ”This is the culmination of a the former Strathearn Institute of Crieff a huge knowledge and experience Fraser has been with the Company for an impressive 11 years, starting lot of hard work and determination from offered £65,000 and a further £22,000 about the company and the venues at Aberfeldy Recreation Centre as a leisure assistant. He is one of the across the community, in partnership came from Scottish Enterprise Tayside I look after.” longstanding team members who worked through the transition from Rec with other agencies, the efforts of which towards landscaping. Centre to Breadalbane Community Campus and in that time has coached will be of benefit to the community of swimming lessons, led fitness classes and honed his customer service skills. Strathearn for years and generations to Perhaps most impressively of all, a come.” staggering £222,000 was raised locally through a series of fundraising events by Fraser’s background is in windsurfing coaching on Loch Tay, and this remains Funding for the £2 million project came customers of all ages, some of whom still a passion of his although you’ll often find him in the gym building strength from major funders, including £50,000 use the venue today. and keeping fit during the cold winters. from the Foundation for Sports and the

In 2018 he was promoted to Duty Leisure Manager and has undertaken management courses to develop and prepare him for his new role. Fraser says, “I’ve always liked managers who are open and approachable and I’ve tried to implement that in Overall Strathearn Since its upgrade in November 2017, the Strength 278% up my new role. I’m proud to be part of the team inspiring a new generation of leisure assistant.” and Conditioning Gym at Strathearn Community Usage: 13% up Campus has seen incredible increases in usage: 4756 V 1257 Kinross 22 Customer Spotlight 23

Customer Spotlight: Owen Wilson

fter a productive meeting with has lost nearly eight stone since pharmacist Alasdair Shearer, he decided to make a positive A who deals with clients suffering change in his life. Mentally and from chronic pain, the Wellbeing physically he is stronger and he team identified a need to offer a pain is more confident in dealing with management specific class in Kinross. his illness. Alasdair then identified 6 clients of his who would benefit from this and referred “Working with people like Owen them on via the Activity Referral scheme. gives me a happiness in knowing that what we do in Live Active Owen Wilson was one of the six, and he Leisure is incredibly important. was referred due to his ongoing poor The opportunities that we physical health. He had severe sciatica, provide are invaluable in helping Kirsty Bathgate: multi-level degenerative to change the disc disease and was very lives of those Operational Manager overweight. This had a who need that very negative impact on little extra Kirsty joined the Company a year ago, his mental health. Owen these guidance and and oversees the Kinross locality lives near Glenfarg and support. It is looking after both Live Active Loch uses the facilities at Live guys a privilege to Leven and Loch Leven Community Active Loch Leven. help someone Campus. will to realise their Ian Hutton, one of our potential.” Her first nine months with the Wellbeing Coordinators change company have been both challenging covering Kinross Owen agrees. and rewarding and have brought commented: your “My progress about some fantastic results including has been a sell-out Holiday Heroes camp in her “Our main focus was to life incredible over Building On Holiday Hero Success first summer. firstly break down the the two years barriers Owen had put up and that’s Live Active Loch Leven is renowned duty management team. A fun, onbrand A real water baby, Kirsty loves for himself. Allowing him a sentence throughout the Company for its Holiday campaign is consistently executed in the swimming and is also a keen water to see the benefits formal exercise can I never thought I’d ever say. Hero success story with their week- lead-up to booking with reminders going polo player, and has set her sights on have on the body and mind. We set some Having lost eight stone has long Sport & Splash camps selling out out daily. further expanding Kinross’s popular goals initially for the short term then more completely changed and saved in as little as an hour when spaces are pool based activities. longer term goals when I realised how my life, I still struggle, I still suffer released! Kirsty Bathgate, Operations Manager, much Owen was willing to give. Our goals as my illness will not improve commented, “The team in Kinross are Kirsty says, “I’ve taken some time included simply attending once per week with it being progressive. Our Activity Referral This year’s programme ran for eight proud of their reputation as the go-to this year to get to know the staff initially then on to sustained weight loss, However due to the dedication, care and Programme supports weeks with 20 spaces per week all activity provider for holiday fun in the and customers and as I embark on my improved muscle conditioning, reducing constant support of Ian and the team it customers in their efforts selling out. Activities are designed to area, and are continually looking at ways second year, I’m very much looking pain and potentially medication dosage. has made every single step an important ensure that kids enjoy a wide range of to develop the programme and maximise forward to ensuring that we are All of which we achieved. one. to become more active pool and sports hall fun including short its popularity.” delivering a venue that reflects the by linking their doctor’s tennis, climbing, trampolining, water polo needs of all the residents of Kinross.“ “We used Live Active Loch Leven gym “I feel healthier, stronger, more confident, and the ever-popular Friday Inflatable Plans for 2019 / 2020 include the as it was accessible and the best suited and my appearance is changing which is surgery or health care Aqua Run. introduction of a Rookie Lifeguard course location. Because Owen is a wheelchair very important while dealing with illness. practitioner with their local and extended Sport & Splash camps. user, we focused on weight training, I would not be here today without the One of the reasons behind the success at building up gradually from using fixed support I have from Ian. I’d just like to Live Active Leisure venue. Kinross is the proactive approach to social weight machines to free weights. Owen say to anyone with a physical or mental media at a local level undertaken by the has now progressed on to using the disability or illness, these guys will The programme’s main recumbent bike during his sessions as change your life. They will enable you to his back in under less pressure and his overcome obstacles and beat the odds to focus is to encourage long fitness is much improved. give you hope that life can be better if term changes in health or you give it a chance.” medical conditions via a Swimming Up: “We have now been working together New members 15% up £19,000 NB: No space for staff spotlight, for almost two years. Owen still regularly simple 12 week programme. “The700 closure usages of local year hotel ongym year presented the team at Live Active Loch already too content-heavy attends the two Live Active venues in Leven with specific 4%target increase group for new membershipsincrease and theyin swimmingseized the revenue Kinross and also works out at home. Owen opportunity.” – Paul Cromwell, CEO Eastern 24 25

erth Autism Support (PAS) sessions Fourteen coaches from sporting Live Active at Live Active Blairgowrie have disciplines including swimming, football The Talent Pool is P been running since 2015. Funded and archery attended the workshop through the Perth and Kinross Leader designed to raise awareness when Launched Blairgowrie in Programme these fun sessions offer coaching young people with autism. children with autism the opportunity to n June 2018, the Company enjoy swimming sessions and multi-sport Angie Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer announced a new initiative, inviting Partnership sessions that have been specifically of PAS, commented: I staff members from all areas of designed to create an enjoyable, inclusive expertise to apply for a place on The atmosphere. “We are delighted to support Live Talent Pool. with Perth Active to develop their understanding Following on from this great partnership, of supporting individuals on the autism The HR team had observed that there Autism the Live Active Sport team has been spectrum. At PAS we believe that all of our was little movement internally into working with PAS to deliver training children and young people should have promoted posts. They identified a gap in sessions for club coaches throughout the same opportunities for social and knowledge that was holding back good Support Perth and Kinross. The sessions were leisure activities as their peers. Through people from progressing and knew organised following feedback from training delivery with partner agencies that by addressing the management a Disability Inclusion Workshop last we are assured that young people have skills needed, people would gain the August, when participants requested choice and meaningful inclusion and can confidence required to further their support around coaching children with have supported access to whatever their career. non-physical disabilities such as autism choice of leisure activity might be.” and other learning disabilities. A successful application to Perth College UHI’s flexible workforce development fund secured £10,000 in funding which allowed the Company to recruit 12 staff onto the programme. These were people who were interested and showed potential to progress their careers into management roles.

Starting in August 2018, the first stages Laura Sorbie: of the programme had eight individuals undertake the CMI Level 6 Certificate in First Line Management qualification, Talent Pool Success a prerequisite for staff in management positions within the company. All 12 Laura Sorbie is the Duty Leisure And so I spoke to my line managers participants also attended a series of Manager at Breadalbane, and was and it was agreed I could apply and internal workshops covering a range amongst the first wave of staff that I’d be supported to complete of topics relevant to Duty Managers. to benefit from the Talent Pool the coursework during my first six These were delivered by existing initiative. Laura started with the months in post. Managers within the Company. Company at Live Active Loch Leven when she was just 16 years old, “I think having been to uni, I was Laura Sorbie is one of the initial and worked there until she headed prepared for the Certificate in participants. She took up her new role in off to University. She then returned Management (level 6) that we October 2018 and remains committed to Perth Leisure Pool as a Leisure undertook with Perth College UHI. to developing via the management Assistant where she worked for a The in-house training was really programme. further three years. useful and it was good to get an understanding of things like Health When the Talent Pool launched, Laura & Safety and finance in relation to was approached by one of her duty our LAL systems. It shows really managers and encouraged to apply clearly how they relate to your day- for this exciting new opportunity. to-day role.

“I applied and got onto the programme, “It has been a bit of a rollercoaster and then just as I was about to start but I have enjoyed it and the team are a Duty Leisure Manager’s job came great. Everyone has pulled together up at Breadalbane. ‘Why not go for to make our new team work and I’m that too?’ was the advice I was given! so glad I took the decision to apply.” 26 Marketing & Communications This year, there has been Fit For Festive Energy Campaign significant increases in all 265 Fit For Festive 177 Energy communication metrics: memberships sold, 16% up memberships sold: on the previous year. Website Sessions: 1670% increase on Income generated was 31% the previous year. 51% up up on the previous year 5555 usages: and 491,000 vs 325,000 54% of members were retained increase of 22% Online and Traditional Press Articles: Corporate Businesses January Campaign 348% up By March 2019 we Annual and DD fitness 314 vs 70 membership sales were had 143 corporate up 23% in January when Social Media Impressions: businesses included compared to 2018. in the Corporate There was also a 40% up Membership Scheme, a 32% increase in fitness 7million v 5million 48% increase. usages compared with January 2018

Campaign Communications Spotlight: Success Stories on the Rise Marketing Team Most Proud Of: strong working relationship Corporate membership work began In this age of ever-changing Based at Head Office in Bell’s Sports posters to region-wide campaigns, social between the Fitness team and in October 2017 when we removed communications it is more important Centre, the Marketing Team’s office is media strategies to press releases and “This year it has A the Marketing team is always the administration sign-up fee for than ever to ensure that our message is always a hive of activity. Responsible the Company’s website. Looking after to be our amazing essential to the success of sales businesses. We built upon this with clearly presented to our customers and for ensuring Live Active Leisure remains all 15 venues, Head Office, corporate campaigns. The Company is pleased a focused campaign via Perthshire stakeholders. at the forefront of people’s minds when communications and all ten sub brands results in corporate to announce, therefore, that we have Chamber of Commerce who now promote thinking about sports, fitness and including wellbeing, sport and fitness, the recruited a new Sales Advisor who works our Corporate Partnership as part of their Our corporate communication strategy wellbeing in Perth and Kinross, their remit five-strong team are a font of knowledge and Active Energy, closely with the Marketing team. Julie own members’ perks. 94 businesses had plays an essential role in ensuring our is as varied as the services and venues when it comes to what’s happening, started her career with us as a Coach at signed up at the end of March 2018 – an customers and stakeholders are aware of that they promote. where and when! and on a personal Bell’s Sports Centre. She will now focus increase of 20.5%. the services we deliver and the ambitions on improving the members’ experience we hold for the health and wellbeing of The team is headed up by Kelly Parker, “There is never a dull moment in level, I loved our and advising customers on the best From April 23rd to May 6th 2018 we everyone in our communities. who has been with the company since Marketing!” says Kelly. “We’re lucky to membership solutions for them. ran a membership promotion for young 2000 when she joined us as an assistant. have so much involvement and we’re find a Holiday people aged 15 to 18. This promotion The stats on the following page Kelly was promoted to Marketing & often the first people to hear about The role has a strong foundation from was developed to help support our young demonstrate our success in this area over Communications Manager in January exciting new initiatives and big events. Hero campaign. which to build with two extremely people during study leave and exam the past year. 2019 and instantly started building on successful campaigns in the form of time. During the same period in 2017 the strong foundations she had created “Being responsible for the brand and its Great work!” Corporate membership and Active Energy we sold 10 Active Energy memberships, as the supervisor. values, for ensuring membership sales membership promotion taking place in throughout this campaign we sold 177. are pushed and our achievements are Kelly Parker the first two quarters. Marketing and communications is recognised locally and industry-wide Marketing & Communications Manager one of the few offices who speak to is both challenging and rewarding – everyone. As the voice of the Company although it is made easier when you have they create everything from local venue such a great product to get behind!” Environmental 28

Live Active Leisure has implemented EnergyA proactive campaign Consumption of change across saving of 154,400kWh equates to 7 a documented Environmental the Company has now been in motion million laptop hours or 1.5 million kettles Management System to ensure Savingsfor three years, with lighting in all venues being boiled. In the period April 1st 2018 continual improvement, and being a key focus. Over this report to March 31st 2019 the average kWh is committed to promoting period, we built on the success stories cost 11p, producing a cost saving of environmental management policies of Loch Leven and Bell’s Sports Centre approximately £17,000. and practices at every level and in by replacing the lighting in the sports hall every department of the organisation. at Strathearn Community Campus. Since then, the venue has saved just under Gas reduced by 48,000 kWh – enough Additionally, we aim to increase £2,000 a year in energy usage. to supply four average homes awareness of environmental responsibilities amongst staff, users Overall, the Company has achieved an Electricity reduced by 113,000 kWh and other stakeholders such as energy consumption decrease of 5% - enough to power 31 average homes suppliers, and to incorporate long- over the past 24 months. This reduces term strategies for energy efficiency our CO2 emissions by 47 tonnes. To 97% of our waste was recycled or into planning and development. bring some perspective to this, the total diverted from landfill

LAL saved 154,400 kWh over two years. Environmental Champions Spotlight

How far does 1 kWh go? ollowing on from this, an We realised that there were a number Mr Watson continued: “An effective Environmental Champions group of basics – things like turning lights off environmental policy needs ongoing F has been set up to ensure that and making sure dripping taps are fixed management, and buy-in at all levels. By continued improvements and increased quickly – that were being overlooked appointing the Environmental Champions 4 Hours of awareness become embedded in the and forgotten about in the busy day-to- our aim is to ensure we have a network Company’s operational culture and that day operations of our sports and fitness of enthusiastic staff who are passionate green policy continues to influence future venues.” about our environmental goals. Desktop strategy and procurement decisions. As well as reintroducing some basic Computer Use The group is made up of team members initiatives into venues, the team are also of all levels from across all LAL venues the point of contact within their localities and services, and is being led by Director for both staff and customers, and are pro- of Operational Services, Gary Watson. actively looking for opportunities that The group will can help us reduce our environmental 3 Hours of Mr Watson commented: “The Senior impact.” Management team at Live Active Leisure help identify Television has had clear targets for environmental savings built into strategy for some time local level now. We are all too aware that as the Live Active Leisure area’s leading operator, spread over 18 Environmental Policy venues, we make an impact. opportunities. 48 Hours of As a company, Live Active Leisure “Key projects targeting energy savings recognises that our activities impact have included a £15,000 investment for upon the environment both through Laptop Use the replacement of sports hall lighting routine internal operations and 10 Kettle Boils at Starthearn Community Centre. By infrastructural development. replacing old halogen bulbs with new Focused around energy savings, waste LED lighting units that have sensors and management, recycling and a back- We acknowledge a responsibility for, settings designed to facilitate additional to-basics initiative, the group will help and a commitment to, the protection 1 Washing energy saving, half of the hall can be identify local level opportunities, and of the environment and prevention of switched off whilst the other half is will develop an action plan for roll pollution at all levels. The Company being used, and lights will switch off out. The first action has already been fully complies with applicable environmental legislation and Machine automatically when no one is in the hall. implemented, which means that printed regulations and other requirements to paper receipts for cashless transactions which the organisation subscribes. Cycle “From here, we have scrutinised all areas are no longer produced automatically in of the company for green opportunities. Live Active Leisure venues. anyone needs help, and to making getting active affordable, easy to do, and enjoyable. Looking Forward 30 By providing quality, accessible and affordable services today, we can alleviate future In response, and to ensure that we pressures on our NHS and care providers as engage with our communities, we have the population continues to age. It may seem diversified our offer and now deliver aspirational, but reaching a point where health, a far wider choice of opportunities to wellbeing and fitness is culturally embedded in be active than the traditional sports the Scottish psyche is a goal our entire team and fitness activities our industry has endeavours to achieve. historically provided. We are now an essential deliverer of healthcare services Like any customer service provider, the – both preventative and prescriptive – for customer experience we deliver remains an people of all ages and abilities. area of our business that we continually look to develop; whether that’s with new, innovative This can be seen clearly when we consider technologies or honest reviewing of our the tremendous work being achieved standards and products, our aim is to be better by our Wellbeing team. Often working this year than we were last year, and to improve in partnership with organisations such again in the years to come. as the Gannochy Trust, Health & Social Care Partnership, Paths for All, Macmillan I am, as you’d expect, acutely aware of the Cancer Support, and NHS Tayside. The resources required to ensure these important relationships we have built and nurtured services and future opportunities remain a over the years continue to be the focus for our teams. It was with great hopes foundations on which our wellbeing offer then, that we embraced the decision by Perth will grow. and Kinross Council to commit £500k to progress, in partnership with the Company the One example of this is the £60,000 development of a project design and business of funding mentioned on page 9. This case for the ambitious Perth City PH2O project. will support two Active Communities Wellbeing Coordinator posts from April Over the next 12 months, I am confident that 1st 2019 to March 2021, we know from we will demonstrate a strong business case previous projects of this nature that by and best-value design proposal for delivering s I look ahead to my second year supporting older, inactive people we a first-class sports and leisure venue that will as the CEO of Live Active Leisure can have an incredible impact on overall benefit the health of our communities, create A I am more aware than ever of the wellbeing. efficiencies and reduce our environmental increasingly broad range of opportunities, impact. I hope to be writing next year about challenges and responsibilities that Of course the future steps in this exciting journey! await our committed team of industry targeted programmes professionals. we deliver through the As you have read, our flagship venue, Bell’s Wellbeing Team are The customer Sports Centre, reached a significant birthday, From fundraising for an all-ability bike complimented by the with 50 years’ of service delivered to the people to programming exciting fitness class wider offer we provide experience we of Perth. Reading the history of this iconic timetables, supporting local volunteer week in, and out. building, I am reminded of how far we have coaches and helping kids to swim, our Fitness classes led by deliver remains come, how much has changed and interestingly, remit is as diverse and rewarding as the qualified, enthusiastic an area of our what remains the same. communities we serve. instructors, well equipped gyms, business that We are a local charitable company with a With that said, as varied as these projects swimming lessons, committed team of individuals who strive and challenges may be, there is one sportshall activities, we continually to work together with our customers and constant that I am forever mindful of club development, partners to create and provide opportunities for when setting our agenda for the year active school look to develop. participation in physical activities, with the aim ahead and looking towards the future of programmes to of bringing health benefits and real enjoyment health and wellbeing in Perth & Kinross. name but a few, to all who use us. but all providing an That constant is the need for our integrated offer that For this, and many other reasons, I’d like to Company to get as many people in our help everyone in our take this opportunity to thank our staff, our communities engaged and reaping the communities live active lives in a very volunteer board, our partners, and everyone benefits of an active lifestyle. Medical significant way. who has chosen a Live Active Leisure venue as research continues to evidence the their facility of choice. significant benefits that a physically This sense of inclusion and belonging is at active lifestyle provides to both our the heart of our promises and we remain Paul Cromwell, CEO physical and mental health and wellbeing. committed to being here whenever Bell’s Sports Centre Breadalbane Community Campus

Perth Leisure Pool Blairgowrie Community Campus

Live Active Rodney Live Active Blairgowrie

Dewars Centre 9 Community Halls

North Inch Community Campus Caledonia House

Glenearn Community Campus

George Duncan Athletics Arena

Live Active Loch Leven

Loch Leven Community Campus

Strathearn Community Campus Live Active Atholl www.liveactive.co.uk