BISL Launches New Active Annual 2006/7

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BISL LAUNCHES NEW ACTIVE ANNUAL 2006/7
9th June 2006

****PRESS RELEASE****

BISL LAUNCHES NEW ACTIVE ANNUAL 2006/7
Business In Sport and Leisure launches new guide to the State of Leisure Industry

Business In Sport and Leisure (BISL) has today published its sixth, yearly Handbook, The Active Annual 2006/07. This publication places BISL’s aims and objectives in the context of an analysis of the current state of the Leisure Industry and looks ahead to the opportunities and threats facing the sector.

The Leisure Industry is a major contributor to the UK economy, but will face a series of challenges over the next 12-18 months, not least in the implementation of Government legislation, such as the Gambling Act 2005 and a comprehensive ban on smoking in public places. BISL is well positioned to represent the industry at the highest levels to ensure that the challenges are turned into opportunities.

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of Business In Sport and Leisure said:

“I am delighted to announce the publication of the Active Annual 2006/07 at what continues to be an exciting time for sport and leisure. The industry is growing above the rate of the UK economy as a whole, employing more than 2.5 million people and creating one in five new jobs.

“The Active Annual is full of key facts and figures and details the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The Government’s renewed emphasis on sport and leisure, in particular in the context of the overall health agenda, and continued growth of the sector within a healthy economy are major positives. The 2012 Olympics can deliver fantastic benefits for the industry if our preparations are right.

“We must however, remain on our guard and continue to work against unnecessary over-regulation, particularly through implementation of new legislation. As a guide through such a busy year, the BISL Handbook is invaluable.”

For further information please contact Brigid Simmonds on 020 8780 2377

Note to Editors:
1. Business In Sport and Leisure is an umbrella organisation that represents over 100 private sector companies in the sport, leisure and hospitality industry, including most of the major operators of commercial leisure facilities in the UK, as well as consultants who specialise in this field. Further information is available at http://www.bisl.org.
2. The Handbook is split into two parts:
• Part 1 lists BISL Members, explores the current political and economic climate and looks at the five working groups on property, liquor licensing, gambling, employment and sport in detail. It considers the key issues for the industry in 2006/07, such as the implementation of new legislation and planning.
• Opportunities for the leisure sector are created by the prospect of the 2012 Olympics, industry growth and consolidation, increasing engagement with the overall health agenda and changing demographics – the UK population is ageing but also becoming one of ever more demanding consumers.
• Our potential challenges are dominated by the risk of a heavy new regulatory burden, particularly through the Gambling Act 2005, implementation of a smoking ban and review of liquor licensing regulation. Ever rising utility costs are a serious threat to the economic viability of sub-sectors in the industry.
• Part 2 breaks the industry down into its individual sub-sectors, providing the most up-to-date statistics on cinemas and indoor leisure, gambling, sport, health and fitness, holiday parks, visitor attractions, hotels and pubs, bars and restaurants.

For a copy please contact : amanda.fry@bisl.org

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