Industry body, UK Active, has revealed a new council to represent the voice of members to its board.

The group will be chaired by industry veteran, Dave Courteen, and will be responsible for shaping and informing UK Active’s work while also helping ensure the membership is “engaged and up-to-date” with UK Active’s plans.

In addition to his role as chair, Courteen will also sit on UK Active’s Board, acting as a conduit between the two groups.

He said: “After the impact of the pandemic over the last two years and the incredibly hard work of the UK Active team in raising the profile of the health club industry, we’re at a critical time when we have a wonderful opportunity to cement the benefits of being active in the minds of the government and the general population.

"It feels as though the industry has renewed energy as we come out of the pandemic," Courteen told HCM, "because finally, the message about the benefit of having an active lifestyle is starting to be accepted in the mainstream media and society in general.

"I’ve committed to playing my part in getting that message across and it’s an exciting time to be involved in taking the industry to the next level.

"UK Active demonstrated its value during the pandemic in the way it represented the industry and fought for benefits and support," said Courteen. "It’s great to be able to help the work the organisation does to make sure all types of operators are represented."

Part of UK Active’s governance structure, the council will help shape the direction the organisation takes as it works to increase the sector’s reach and impact.

UK Active CEO, Huw Edwards, said: “The strength of this membership council is very apparent when considering the calibre of the individuals who now sit on it, meaning every member can be confident their views will be well represented as we continue to support and grow our sector.

“The Board and I look forward to working with the membership council and making the most of the energy and expertise of each elected member as we move into an exciting period for UK Active and the sectors we represent.”

Members were elected following voting in November and December 2021 and come from right across the sector.

All 14 seats were up for election, with each new member having been elected for an initial three-year term. The posts are held on a pro-bono basis.

Courteen has been on the membership council since it was founded in 2015. This is his first time to have been elected as chair.

The new UK Active membership council

In alphabetical orderDave Courteen, MD, Mosaic Spa and Health Club Group (chair)

Andrew Denton, CEO, Outdoor Industries Association Marc Diaper, CEO, Gymbox

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, director of sport and active communities, University of Warwick John Fletcher, MD, Northampton Leisure Trust

Sophie Lawler, CEO, Total Fitness David Monkhouse, director, Leisure-net Solutions

Rebecca Passmore, UK MD, PureGym Lee Matthews, MD, Fitness First

Chris Symons, CEO, BH Live Andrew Thompson, chair, Anytime Fitness UK

Jean-Claude Vacassin, director, The IFBA Sarah Watts, CEO, Alliance Leisure

Dave Wright, Group CEO, Myzone Group