Monthly Archives: November 2024

Staff Spotlight with Gillian Dunster

As part of our staff spotlight series, we are taking some time to get to know members of the team at Alliance Leisure. Today’s spotlight is on Gillian, Business Development Manager for the South West and Wales region.

Tell us about your time at Alliance Leisure so far.

I’ve been with Alliance for 12 years since joining in February 2012, having started with TA6 and then moved over into the Business Development Manager team after a few years.

My role as a Business Development Manager involves:

Working with clients to identify needs
Putting together proposals with innovate ideas which will benefit the client’s objectives
Progress the client through RIBA stages and to cost certainty
Deliver the project by coordinating with contractors, architects, PM and FF&E
Supporting the client either through TA6 or through BDMs directly to ensure successful operation

In many cases although we get new clients, a lot of our clients see the success of an initial project, then go on to develop other areas of their portfolio (for example, outdoor play).

What initially attracted you to the industry and Alliance Leisure?

I did a degree in sport at the Scottish School of Physical Education, then went on to work as an instructor. Following this, I then transferred to sales and marketing, then progressing to working with fitness suppliers. I grew up in the industry and met with Sarah initially so was aware of what Alliance did, and was enthusiastic about what they delivered and wanted to join the team.

What do you think are the key factors that have supported the longevity of Alliance Leisure, as well as your career in it?

I think a great product and service, backed up by a supportive team, development and evolution over time – and a lot of that is because of the positive relationships we have developed with clients, as well as what we offer in terms of the UKLF – we offer a turnkey solution and remove headaches!

How would you describe the culture of Alliance Leisure?

Mad!! Everyone supports everyone, great support from above, communication is open.

What’s your most memorable moment with Alliance Leisure?

Being in any presentation with Sarah is quite entertaining – including referring to a window as a glazed aperture (never a dull moment!)

More about you…

You’ve got a free weekend, what are you up to?

Spending quality time with family and friends, with activities generally relating to sport and fitness. In some cases it’s not my first choice, but we often watch rugby and football, because the family is so into it! It’s always a bit pretentious as there’s an English father and Scottish mother and we live in Wales, so it’s great for competition! The weekends also involved taxiing my two children to and fro.

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

I went to an all-boys school! I grew up at the school since the age of five. My dad worked at the school, so we lived onsite, and I did my higher education there.

Where’s the most extravagant place you’ve been to?

I’ve travelled a lot so I’ve been to a lot of exciting places, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and even the old Alliance Leisure office in Bridgwater!

Where are you based and have you always lived there?

I moved from Bristol with my family across to Wales in Chepstow, so only just in Wales really!

Meet the rest of the team

Launch of £17 Levelling Up Project Marked by Sod Cutting

Launch of £17m Levelling Up Project Marked by Sod Cutting

The multi-million pound redevelopment of MyActive Leek (formerly Brough Park Leisure Centre) gets underway this month, marked by an official sod cutting ceremony.

The latest in a series of schemes being delivered by Alliance Leisure for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, the £17 million project forms part of the wider Levelling Up funded regeneration of Leek town centre.

The centre will be managed by the Council’s new in-house health and wellbeing company, operating under the MyActive brand, which has been developed with the support of Alliance Leisure’s marketing and support arm, TA6.

The Brough Park redevelopment is supported by £10 million of Levelling Up Funding, with additional funding of £3 million from the Council, £1.8 million from Sport England and £1.1 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Julia Goddard, Regional Director, Alliance Leisure, says:

The new centre will provide a fantastic range of modern services that support both physical and mental wellbeing. The project aligns with the Council’s wider Move More strategy to provide accessible, high-quality facilities and environments for all residents and is set to become a key community asset for years to come.

Council Leader Councillor Mike Gledhill, Chairman Councillor Ian Plant, Leek Town Mayor Councillor Barry Birch, and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Matt Swindlehurst

Following a district-wide leisure services review, the centre is being redeveloped to better reflect the needs of the local community. The current four-lane swimming pool will be replaced with a new 25m, six-lane pool as well as a larger teaching pool. The gym will be expanded from 35 stations to 60, while a second group exercise studio and group cycling studio will be added to increase the fitness provision.

One of the existing squash courts will be transformed into a new Community Wellness Suite. The space will support referral-based services, offering specialist equipment and trained instructors to help improve health outcomes for individuals with specific medical conditions.

Other key features include a new indoor adventure soft play with a dedicated party area and new group, family and accessible Changing Places facilities to ensure the centre caters to all visitors, including those with disabilities and additional needs.

The new reception area will overlook both swimming pools and include a café with seating for around 60 people, as well as a ‘grab and go’ service. The café will serve as a central hub for users of both the leisure centre and the adjacent park.

Rob Wilks, Head of Leisure and Environmental Services at the Council, said:

We’re excited to be delivering three major projects in Leek which will help to regenerate the town and deliver modern, quality health and wellbeing, retail and cultural spaces and opportunities for our residents, visitors and businesses.

Having ALS working alongside us to get these schemes up and running has been fantastic. We’ve really valued their input on everything from helping us with the branding for our new health and wellbeing company, to scoping out the projects we’re delivering, and the role they continue to play in co-ordinating the various diverse strands of three very different projects.

The refurbishment aims to transform the centre into an all-electric facility. Gas boilers will be replaced by air source heat pumps, while solar panels installed on the roof will generate approximately 42 kW of green energy. Additionally, new LED lighting and energy-efficient construction methods will ensure the centre operates with reduced energy consumption and heat loss.

Alliance Leisure will also be assisting with the launch of the centre through its TA6 client support team.

Paul Woodford, Strategic Engagement Director, Alliance, who leads the TA6 brand, said:

We are proud to have developed the MyActive brand with a clear focus on promoting healthy, active lifestyles for all. The new brand reflects Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire communities to incorporate fitness and wellness in their daily lives and we’re excited to see it bring positive change across all sites, especially at the debut of Brough Park.

The Brough Park development is being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. The project team includes contractor Speller Metcalfe, architect Roberts Limbrick and project manager Abacus.

Rob Lashford, Director at Speller Metcalfe, said:

We’re delighted to start work on the redevelopment of Brough Leisure Centre and create an exciting, modern facility for the local community. Leisure centres are Speller Metcalfe’s bread and butter and we’re proud to be working with the project team to drive positive change across the county.

Alliance Leisure is working on two further Levelling Up funded projects for the council: the revamp of Leek’s indoor market halls and the refurbishment of the Nicholson Institute – home to the town’s library, museum and art gallery. We are also driving a £2.1m project to reduce carbon emissions at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre, after the council secured £1,910,000 from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Browse our completed projects

Portfolio

Alliance Leisure Completes Hat-Trick of Projects for Durham County Council

Durham County Council’s third leisure centre redevelopment with Alliance Leisure has been completed. The £5.7m refurbishment of The Louisa Centre in Stanley forms part of the council’s multi-million pound investment programme to transform leisure services across the county.

The centre has undergone extensive works to modernise its facilities and introduce new activities that appeal to both older and younger users, promote healthy lifestyles, reduce health inequalities and help ensure the future success of the centre.

Cllr James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said:

Following the redevelopment of Abbey Leisure Centre and Peterlee Leisure Centre last year, we are delighted that the new-look Louisa Centre has opened. We are committed to providing high quality health and wellbeing facilities for residents to help more people become and stay active, supporting them to live long and independent lives.

We have reviewed our physical activity provision across the county and are modernising and extending facilities to meet the needs of people in the county, attract new users and ultimately lay the foundation for better health outcomes for the people of County Durham.

The Louisa Centre’s existing sports hall has been repurposed to offer five multi-sports courts as well as a large TAG Active indoor assault course and a climbing facility. The site now offers three exercise studios including a dedicated group cycling studio and a virtual offer.

A new Move Hub featuring power-assisted equipment from Innerva offers a safe and sociable exercise and rehabilitation space for those who need support to get moving or with long-term health conditions.

Other facilities include a larger children’s soft play area with interactive play features and a new café offering healthy options.

Essential maintenance works were also carried out at the centre’s 25m pool and teaching pool. Focusing primarily within the plant room, the work will lower the centre’s emissions and help improve the sustainability of the building.

Alliance Leisure delivered the project through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. The project team included Max Associates, Axiom Project Services, GT3 architects, Play Revolution, Hutchison AV and FT Leisure.

Sean Nolan, Business Development Manager, said:

We have been working alongside Durham County Council for a number of years now, helping them to achieve their vision for high quality, modern leisure provision. To see the projects coming to fruition, with lots of happy customers using the facilities, gives us real satisfaction and makes the hard work really worthwhile.

Learn more about the Louisa Centre project

Louisa Centre Portfolio

Alliance Leisure Brings Adventure and Innovation to Prestatyn Leisure Centre

Alliance Leisure brings adventure and innovation to Prestatyn Leisure Centre

Working in collaboration with Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), Alliance Leisure has delivered the next generation of fitness experiences at Prestatyn Leisure Centre to transform PE for local children and boost community engagement.

The innovative digital fitness experiences include the first Prama immersive group exercise studio in North Wales as well as the country’s inaugural interactive squash court.

This investment is another example of DLL’s ongoing commitment to innovation, community engagement and providing cutting edge fitness and leisure facilities for all ages

Will Gardner

Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

The Prama studio offers a dynamic and engaging environment where sound, lights, floors and walls come to life. The studio will revolutionise the centre’s junior fitness programme and deliver an innovative PE curriculum for students of Prestatyn High School, which use the leisure centre during school hours.

The interactive squash experience enhances the traditional game to appeal to a new generation of players. Utilising laser projectors, motion sensors and responsive sensors to track the ball, players can choose from a diverse range of games designed to enhance key skills such as hand-eye coordination, speed, strength and reaction time.

The project, which was delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, also includes a Clip and Climb climbing experience to expand DLL’s portfolio of family-friendly adventures.

Alongside the new digital fitness experiences, the centre also offers a DLL Refuel station featuring Costa Coffee, providing a relaxing area for members to unwind and socialise after their activities.

Building on the success of our Nova centre in Prestatyn and its popular attractions like Club Nova, Beach Hut and adventure play, we are excited to introduce these innovative experiences to Prestatyn Leisure Centre. The new digital additions will significantly enhance the PE programme for current and future students, while offering an unparalleled fitness experience for the wider community.

Jamie Groves

Managing Director, DLL

View Other Successful Projects In Our Portfolio

The New Procurement Act 2023

The New Procurement Act 2023:

A Transformative Shift in Public Procurement

John Leaver

Marketing & Frameworks Director

The landscape of public procurement in the UK is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of the new Procurement Act, which will come into force on 24 February 2025. This landmark legislation represents the most substantial overhaul of procurement laws in over three decades, aiming to create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive procurement system. However, after attending a number of procurement events in 2024, most recently at ProcureX in Wales, the consensus is that, whilst the new regulations will provide greater transparency and flexibility, not that much will change in the day-to-day.

Jump to key sections in this article

Background and Objectives ⏬

Key Changes and Benefits ⏬

National Variations ⏬

Implementation and Transition ⏬

Frameworks ⏬

Looking Ahead ⏬

Procuring Leisure Developments ⏬

Resources ⏬

Background and Objectives

The new Procurement Act consolidates various existing public procurement rules into a single, cohesive regime. Historically, the UK’s procurement framework has been heavily influenced by European Union regulations. However, with the UK’s departure from the EU, there is an opportunity to tailor procurement laws to better meet national priorities and objectives. The Act seeks to address several key issues, including the barriers faced by smaller businesses in accessing public contracts, the need for greater transparency, and the desire for a more flexible procurement process.

Key Changes and Benefits

One of the primary goals of the new Procurement Act is to simplify and streamline the procurement process. The Act introduces a more flexible approach to procurement, allowing contracting authorities to tailor their processes to better suit the specific needs of their projects. This flexibility is expected to lead to more innovative solutions and better value for money for taxpayers.

The Act also places a strong emphasis on transparency. By embedding transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle, the new regime aims to ensure that the spending of taxpayers’ money can be properly scrutinised. This includes requirements for greater disclosure of procurement decisions and the rationale behind them, as well as more robust mechanisms for challenging procurement outcomes.

Another significant change is the focus on opening up public procurement to new entrants, such as small businesses and social enterprises. The Act includes provisions designed to reduce the barriers that these organisations face when competing for public contracts. This is expected to increase competition and drive better outcomes for public sector projects.

The new Act will also introduce some changes regarding the assessment of tenders. The term “most economically advantageous tender” (MEAT) has been replaced with “most advantageous tender” (MAT). This change emphasizes that tenders do not have to be awarded based on the lowest price alone. Instead, contracting authorities can consider a wider range of factors, including quality, environmental and social factors, life cycle costs, and innovation. The Act allows contracting authorities to refine the award criteria in a competitive flexible procedure, which was not directly addressed in previous legislation

Additionally, while contracting authorities are not required to ask suppliers to explain abnormally low prices, they must investigate and provide suppliers with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform the contract at the proposed price before disregarding a tender on that basis.

National Variations

Scotland

The Act’s provisions extend to Scotland, but its application is limited, resulting in dual regulation of public procurements in Scotland.

The Procurement Act 2023 will not apply to devolved Scottish authorities, which will continue to be governed by the Scottish Procurement Regulations. These regulations include the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, the Utilities Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2016, and the Concession Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2016

In practice, this means that the Scottish Government, its agencies, local authorities, Scottish public authorities (including those with mixed devolved and reserved functions but no cross-border functions), universities, colleges, and registered social landlords will continue to be regulated by the Scottish Procurement Regulations. However, UK Government bodies, UK-wide public bodies with cross-border functions, and Scottish public authorities with reserved functions only will be subject to the Procurement Act 2023 for procurements in Scotland.

Wales

There are specific Welsh considerations with the new Procurement Act 2023. The Welsh Government has issued guidance documents that outline the differences and specific requirements for procurement in Wales.

The new Act, along with the Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2024, regulates how Devolved Welsh Authorities (DWAs) procure contracts. Some key differences for Wales include:

Publication Requirements: DWAs are not required to publish public contracts or modified contracts valued over £5 million, except where a DWA awards a contract under a reserved (non-devolved) procurement arrangement, such as a framework awarded by Crown Commercial Services (CCS).
Policy Statements: DWAs must have regard to the Wales Procurement Policy Statement (WPPS) rather than the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS). In cases of cross-border collaboration, the applicable policy statement depends on the lead authority or centralised procurement authority.
Contract Award Notices: DWAs are not required to publish the names of unsuccessful suppliers in Contract Award Notices for contracts valued above £5 million, unless the contract was awarded under a reserved (non-devolved) procurement arrangement

These considerations ensure that procurement processes in Wales align with local policies and regulations, promoting transparency and efficiency while accommodating specific regional needs.

Northern Ireland

Finally, there are specific considerations for Northern Ireland within the new Procurement Act 2023. The Act includes exemptions and differences tailored to Northern Ireland’s procurement processes. For instance, the requirement to publish pipeline notices does not apply to a transferred Northern Ireland authority.

Additionally, the requirement to publish a copy of the contract along with the contract details notice does not apply to contracts awarded by a transferred Northern Ireland authority unless it is under a reserved procurement arrangement.

Similarly, the requirement to publish details of contract payments over £30,000 does not apply to public contracts awarded by a transferred Northern Ireland authority unless it is under a reserved procurement arrangement.

These considerations ensure that procurement processes in Northern Ireland align with local policies and regulations, promoting transparency and efficiency while accommodating specific regional needs.

Implementation and Transition

The implementation of the new Procurement Act has been carefully planned to ensure a smooth transition from the existing regime. The Act received Royal Assent in October 2023, and the accompanying Procurement Regulations 2024 have been debated and approved in both Houses of Parliament.

The new regime was initially scheduled to go live on 28 October 2024, but a short delay was announced to allow for the development of a new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) aligned with the government’s strategic priorities.

The NPPS will play a crucial role in guiding the implementation of the new regime, setting out the government’s mission-led procurement strategy. This strategy aims to leverage the full potential of public procurement to deliver value for money, economic growth, and social value.

Frameworks

Frameworks will continue largely as before, but there will be some innovations to increase the flexibility of framework options. The Act refers to ‘frameworks’ rather than ‘framework agreements’, as in the previous legislation, but otherwise they are generally similar.

It also includes open frameworks, which did not previously exist, and which are more flexible than framework agreements under the previous legislation. Open frameworks provide an opportunity for new suppliers to join the framework at least twice during its term, which was not possible under the previous regulations. These changes aim to increase the flexibility and inclusivity of frameworks, making it easier for new suppliers to participate and for contracting authorities to manage their procurement processes more efficiently.

The Act will require contracting authorities to publish a contract award notice following the award of a call-off contract, which was not required under the previous legislation.

Looking Ahead

As the new Procurement Act comes into force, it is essential for both contracting authorities and suppliers to familiarise themselves with the changes and prepare for the new regime. The government has published extensive guidance and resources to support this transition, including factsheets, videos, and training programmes – see links below.

I see the introduction of the new Procurement Act as marking a significant milestone in the evolution of public procurement in the UK. By creating a simpler, more flexible, and transparent system, the Act aims to deliver better outcomes for public sector projects and ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent effectively and efficiently.

Procuring Leisure Developments

If you are looking at procurement routes for your next leisure development then it would be remiss of me not to highlight the UK Leisure Framework (UKLF). As the appointed development partner to the UKLF, Alliance Leisure have delivered more than 100 projects through the Framework, ranging from new build £30m+ projects and large refurbishments, through to minor remodelling works and outdoor pitches. The UKLF is available until 2028 and enables Alliance Leisure to be appointed directly for the scoping, design, refurbishment, construction and development of leisure centres, theatres, play facilities, recreation facilities and sports facilities across the UK public sector.

Find out more about the UK Leisure Framework

Resources

LGA Procurement Hub https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/procurement-hub/transforming-public-procurement

Full Details from legislation.gov.uk https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

Government Guidance Documents https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/procurement-act-2023-guidance-documents

Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2024 Explainer https://senedd.wales/media/023ei5ko/sub-ld16524-em-e.pdf

Alliance Leisure is now a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation

Alliance Leisure has today announced that it has been accredited as a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation, highlighting the organisation’s dedication towards tackling climate change, reducing its organisational carbon emissions, and its commitment to working towards a zero carbon future.

Carbon Literacy is defined as, “An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis,” and revolves around a day’s worth of learning and action on climate change.

Tom Gardner, Business Development Manager and Carbon Literacy lead, comments:

We have taken significant strides towards carbon literacy, with the majority of our workforce certified, through comprehensive training. This initial step has equipped our team members with the knowledge and awareness necessary to understand and address carbon emissions, and their impact on the environment.

A Carbon Literate Organisation is an organisation that has been accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project as being “culturally Carbon Literate”; maintaining a substantial proportion of its workforce as Carbon Literate and demonstrating its Carbon Literacy through its organisational behaviour. CLO accreditation is a tiered system with Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, requiring increasing levels of commitment to action on climate change and creating a low-carbon culture.

Adding to Tom’s comments, James Foley, Commercial Director at Alliance Leisure, said:

Our commitment to Carbon Literacy extends beyond the initial training, it signifies a continuous journey of learning, action and improvement. To ensure that Carbon Literacy remains integral to our culture, we have established an internal working group dedicated to developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy. This strategy will prioritise Carbon Literacy, integrating it into every aspect of our operations and decision-making processes.

Dave Coleman, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carbon Literacy Project, said:

Carbon Literacy is an essential skill, vital to every workplace, community, and place of study. It is the foundational knowledge, and a catalyst to empowering people to act on climate, however, Carbon Literacy is only the first step. The actions taken and pledged by learners as part of their Carbon Literacy have an immediate impact within their organisation, however it is the maintenance of these and further actions, supported by Carbon Literate organisational culture, that reaps the greatest rewards for both participants and their organisations.  By becoming a Bronze accredited Carbon Literate Organisation, Alliance Leisure has demonstrated its commitment to genuine low carbon action, environmental and economic impact, and the building of a low carbon future for us all.

Alliance Leisure is truly committed and aligned with the Carbon Literacy Project; we recognise the urgency of addressing climate change and are dedicated to playing our part in creating a more sustainable future.

Find out more about our carbon commitments here

Sustainability Hub