Business In Sport and Leisure's mission is...
"To be the leading body within the Sports, Leisure and Hospitality Industry for influencing the Government, disseminating information and promoting the industry."
Our objectives are:
- To influence Government regulation, policies and plans that affect the industry, its continued growth and continual well being.
- To enhance public awareness of the industry and its importance and contribution to the nation.
- Provide a vital and active forum for members to share best practice, knowledge and resources and to debate policy.
Sport, Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality is a major industry and contributor to the national economy. It now employs over 10% of Britain's workforce, around 2.5 million people. It contributes £50bn to the economy and creates over 5% of all new jobs.
History
BISL evolved from "Business In Sport" which was formed in 1985. Its success indicated a need for such an organisation, but one with a broader base, encompassing leisure as well as sport.
The expansion to BISL came in 1991. Since then the membership has grown quickly, reflecting the progress made by BISL in dealing with the national issues affecting member companies.
BISL policy is formed by its members. The strategic aims and objectives are set by the Board of Directors, in consultation with the members. Many of the issues we have raised over the past two decades have received support from Cabinet Ministers, MPs and Civil Servants and thus BISL has influenced and changed public policy and attitudes.
BISL works through six Working Groups which meet quarterly.
- Employment Law
Sport and leisure delivers thousands of new jobs, so BISL has to make sure the climate is helpful. This means looking hard at new legislation, policies like the National Minimum Wage, and at EC Directives, including Working Time and Smoking.
- Gambling
The Gambling Act 2005 is about far more than casinos, important though they are. BISL watches and advises on casinos, bingo clubs, betting, greyhound and horse racing, and many outlets for machines from pubs to ten-pin, snooker and adult gaming centres. Current issues include: Research, Education and Treatment, the Tax review of Stakes and prizes for machines, the new Gambling Commission and much more
- Liquor Licensing
The Licensing Act 2003 was for implementation in November 2005. This process remains fraught with bureaucracy, unlimited consequences and costs.
- Property and Land-use Planning
Sport and leisure need a favourable planning climate to grow and expand. Leisure depends on many outlets, all around the country, so property issues are key. We make the strategic case to Government departments on planning reform, business rates and much more.
- Sport
There is an estimated £3.2 bn back-log of investment required for local authority sport and leisure facilities. PPPs, where companies operate facilities on behalf of the public sector, can provide a solution. We promote fiscal incentives for companies to increase sports provision, and encourage business to help grass roots sports. Our membership includes Governing Bodies of Sport,operators of Health & Fitness Clubs and companies who have contracts to operate Local Authority Sport and Leisure Centres
- Tourism
We believe the industry's growth and development depend upon effective partnerships, often with local government, to develop land, to refurbish old buildings, to take forward new leisure opportunities together.
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