press release: Alliance Leisure
Gold company profile | Alliance Leisure
PRESS RELEASE
Alliance Leisure celebrates double win at the ukactive Awards 2025
03 Nov 2025
Sarah Watts, founder and CEO, Alliance Leisure / Alliance Leisure
Hosted at the ICC Birmingham, the ukactive Awards are recognised as the UK’s premier celebration of excellence in the fitness, leisure and physical activity sector. The event honours the individuals and organisations driving innovation, impact and positive change nationwide, with this year attracting a record number of entries.
Sarah Watts, Founder and CEO of Alliance Leisure, received the sector’s most prestigious individual honour, the Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award, in acknowledgement of her outstanding contribution to the UK leisure landscape over the past 25 years.
The award, named in memory of industry visionary Jan Spaticchia, recognises those who have made an exceptional, long-term impact on the physical activity sector through leadership, innovation and community transformation.
Sarah says: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this award. Jan was a true pioneer whose belief in the power of physical activity to transform lives continues to inspire our industry.
“This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of everyone at Alliance and our partners across the UK who work tirelessly to create spaces where people of all ages and abilities can thrive. Together, we’re shaping a healthier, happier, more connected future.”
Adding to the celebrations, Alliance Leisure, in association with Roberts Limbrick, also claimed the national Design, Build or Refurbishment of the Year Award for the Warsop Health Hub, developed in partnership with Mansfield District Council through the UK Leisure Framework (owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd).
The £8.7 million facility is a trailblazing model of community-centred, sustainable leisure delivery, co-created with local residents to meet their needs and aspirations. The fully electric hub integrates sport, wellbeing, digital inclusion and social connection under one roof, delivered ahead of schedule and within budget.
From its splash water zone and inclusive fitness suite to an open-access café and IT suite, every feature was designed to promote accessibility, adaptability and community ownership.
Paul Cluett, Managing Director, Alliance Leisure, says: “To win two national awards in one night is an incredible achievement and testament to the skill, creativity and commitment of our team and partners. The Warsop Health Hub exemplifies what can be achieved through true collaboration, delivering not just a building, but a long-term legacy for local people.”
Alliance Leisure’s Station Leisure and Learning Centre new build, delivered for East Lindsey District Council, was highly commended on the night, while its refurbishment of Peterlee Leisure Centre for Durham County Council, was also shortlisted for the Design, Build or Refurbishment of the Year award.
The ukactive Awards represent the highest standard of achievement in the UK’s physical activity sector, recognising those setting new benchmarks for innovation, quality and community impact.
For a full list of finalists and winners, visit: ukactive.com
To find out more about Alliance Leisure visit: allianceleisure.co.uk
ukactive awards 2025 winners / ukactive
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Show preview: Elevate 2026
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and proven resilience to deliver Clay Cross Active, an
end-to-end health and wellness facility in Derbyshire
Interview: Sarah Watts
As Alliance Leisure celebrates its 25th anniversary, its founder and CEO tells Kate Cracknell why Alliance will never build another leisure centre
HCM People: Jamie Groves
Denbighshire Leisure’s turnover has increased by 25 per cent since 2021, so the developments have paid for themselves and more
Alliance Leisure
Tel: +44 (0)1458 877558
Email: [email protected]
Address:
2340/2440 The Quadrant,
Aztec West,
Bristol,
BS324AQ,
United Kingdom
Sarah Watts, CEO
Key personnel
Sarah Watts, CEO
Paul Cluett, managing director
James Foley, commercial director
Tom Fairey, development director
Paul Woodford, strategic engagement director
John Leaver, marketing & frameworks director
Julia Goddard, senior business development manager
Jonny Curley, senior business development manager
Paul Cluett, managing director
James Foley, commercial director
Tom Fairey, development director
Paul Woodford, strategic engagement director
John Leaver, marketing & frameworks director
Julia Goddard, senior business development manager
Jonny Curley, senior business development manager
Key customers
Local Authorities
Leisure Trusts
Universities and Colleges
Leisure Trusts
Universities and Colleges
Plans for the next 12 months
Our company goal as we emerge from
the pandemic is to stand side-by-side
with partners and not just help the
sector recover but truly thrive. We are
constantly innovating and are currently
exploring new activities, alongside best
in class health, leisure and wellbeing
solutions. We are committed to
continuing to measure the social value
created across our developments and
use the National Themes Outcomes
and Measures (TOMs) Framework.
Testimonial
"Over the coming years, Denbighshire Leisure will continue to work with Alliance
Leisure, breaking down investment barriers to ensure communities across the UK have
access to the facilities they need to live more active, health and prosperous lives."
– Jamie Groves, managing director at Denbighshire Leisure
– Jamie Groves, managing director at Denbighshire Leisure
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