Active Torridge leisure spin-off demonstrates good progress & growing membership

Representatives from Torridge Council's independently operated leisure company, Active Torridge, attended a meeting of the full council this week, to update members on their progress to date and plans for the future. The presentation from non-executive director Judith Gentry, Head of Leisure Operations Matt Wright, and TDC officer and director Sean Kearney was buoyant and upbeat, following substantial changes to operations designed to modernise and reform the provision of leisure across the district.

Matt Wright was able to report that although only 24 weeks had elapsed since the company was formed in April 2022, all facilities at Northam, Great Torrington and Holsworthy have been refurbished and fully reopened. The works included a major pool repair at Northam, changing room refurbishments and a Café installation as well as repairs and refurbishments at the other sites including new state of the art gym and studio equipment to meet the demands of a growing membership of active users. The report highlighted that operating hours have already been extended by over 27% and a key learn to swim programme was reporting an increase of an additional 264 children participating each week, compared to previous levels. People can now choose from around 50 group exercise and activity classes with the companies qualified instructors also engaged with the local NHS exercise referral programme, aimed at improving people's health and long-term health outcomes.

A substantial programme of improvement has also been implemented behind the scenes with a complete overhaul of the staffing structure and around 74 jobs created so far. The improvements include new competitive salary contracts and a move away from unpopular zero hours schemes, which were recognised as a disincentive to attracting and retaining the best coaches and other staff. All employees now have access to ongoing development programmes and the team are keen to grow their own talent base aimed at promoting from within where possible, as the company continues to grow. Booking, security, website systems have also been updated and improved.

All of these factors combined have fed into a much more positive and accessible experience for users and a set-up and income base that councillors were told will meet the financial objectives set by the council over the next few years. The update did include an acknowledgement that some headwinds would need to be overcome, and that like other businesses cost pressures from rising energy costs and other price rises will need to be carefully managed and mitigated. Growing the membership, providing an attractive and welcoming home for swim and activity clubs, and widening the activities on offer, were also at the forefront of the business plans presented.

Councillor Ken James - Leader of Torridge District Council and Active Torridge Board Member said:

"I am really impressed with how far Matt and his team have taken our leisure offer in Torridge, in such a short space of time. I am confident that the team will continue to build on growing levels of customer satisfaction as they develop and broaden their business plans over the next few years. For now, the progress reported to councillors is really encouraging and a welcome step forward, and we look forward to working with the team on the next phases of growth."     

Judith Gentry, non- executive director of Active Torridge said:

"We were pleased to have the opportunity to present our business plan to Councillors and highlight both the success of the first 6 months and our ambitions for the next 3-4 years. The Boards focus now is to ensure that we grow our facilities in a sustainable way, supporting our employees as they continue to deliver great service and services in all 3 centres".

18 November 2022