Sport and leisure: Future trends

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Development of the health and fitness market

With UK obesity levels predicted to rise in the future, there is likely to be an increase in GP exercise referrals to tackle this problem. Health and fitness clubs are likely to be provided with a ready-made customer base for the future.

The sector is, however, slowly moving towards the concept of wellness and preventative care and this provides a great opportunity for the growing spa market.

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Effect of demographic changes

By the year 2010, the number of people over 55 will have increased. As the proportion and number of ‘time-rich and cash-rich’ customers rises, the industry will need to capitalise on the opportunities this will provide.

Government initiatives

The UK government, through Sport England and other regional bodies, is investing money into schools, community sports, elite sports, coaching provision and training for PE teachers. It is anticipated that job opportunities will increase in sport development and coaching.

Other government funded initiatives include the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), designed to nurture a new generation of sporting talent and help boost the UK's international sporting fortunes.

London 2012 Olympics Games

Hosting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will have far-reaching effects on community regeneration, with a predicted 70,000 new jobs and £17billion investment (International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission, 2005).

Industry health promotions

Initiatives such as Active at Work aim to reduce the number of overweight people in the future by encouraging them to join a health and fitness club. Companies investing in promoting exercise and fitness are likely to get a return in reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and staff morale.

Tax concessions

The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) continues to lobby for tax concessions for individuals’ spending on health clubs. They argue that healthier lifestyles reduce obesity and overweight-related treatments for The National Health Service (NHS).

Impact of legislation

• The introduction of the Smoking Ban Law across England on 1 July 2007 has already led to a decline in bingo participation and it is anticipated that this decline will continue. In Scotland, 10 clubs have already closed. It is anticipated that exposure to second-hand smoke for people working in places such as bingo halls will drop.
• Following the Gambling Act 2007, gaming and betting employers can now advertise their services. 17 new regional casinos are due to open as a result of the Act, which should result in new job opportunities.
• The passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) 2006 is predicted to lead to an increase in US online gaming providers relocating to the regulated UK market. Mergers between US and UK online gambling companies is likely to occur, with an emphasis on accessing Asia. There is likely to be an increased need for skilled bilingual (Asian/English) software and online gaming developers and website designers.
• The capping of the working week to 48 hours, minimum-wage legislation and limitations on night-shift working hours are expected to affect the sector’s future. Changes to the culture of long working hours will increase the sector’s reliance on part-time shift workers, in particular in the online gaming and betting industries.

Impact of technology

Continued technological advances, e.g., improved internet web-based platforms, security, video streaming, bandwidth and interactive high quality screens will contribute to making the player experience more enjoyable and satisfactory. Graduates with a computer-science-related or electronic engineering degree and programming skills should be in particular demand.