Evolving Together
EVOLVING TOGETHER
3 years ago a simple discussion between the founding partners of EVOLVE; Leisure DB, Active IQ, Pocket Rocket Group, Taylor Wessing and Willmott Dixon became what is now a movement for the industry to drive collaboration through conversation, which ultimately leads to change.
Due to the pandemic EVOLVE was first launched to the industry via a live webinar, and last year in 2022 was the first live event, hosted at Taylor Wessing. This year to coincide with the launch of Leisure DB’s State of the UK Fitness Industry Report, the event took place at Red Bull HQ, Covent Garden, London.
Nick Mennell, Director of Pocket Rocket Group volunteered to be compere for the event, leading the agenda in order to help steer the conversation with fellow industry experts towards how we, as an industry can create a positive human experience in all of our businesses.
With keynotes from Mike Saul, Andy King, Jenny Patrickson and Keith Smith who all presented issues, opportunities and calls-to-action along the way, it felt like the industry was ready and primed for change.
David Minton, Founder of Leisure DB presented this year's State of the Fitness Industry Report which highlighted data that once again offered the sector hope and opportunity.
Nick Mennell says “David responded to questions that were posed with the same powerful message "The answers are in the room" and he couldn’t be more right. When we read any report, what we’re looking for is the "so-what" - and if we work collaboratively as an industry and a movement, we can bring about change.”
Jenny Patrickson, MD at Active IQ said "EVOLVE is the ultimate gathering of movers and shakers in our industry, and we were thrilled to be a part of it. At Active IQ, we're on a mission to revolutionise the human experience. As an awarding organisation, we're constantly pushing boundaries, equipping people with the tools they need to thrive in the dynamic world of fitness and leisure. It's all about empowering individuals and making a lasting impact."
Following on from the event, EVOLVE partners have been getting creative with their offerings;
Excelsior Development Technologies is conducting research within a number of leisure facilities to correlate and evidence the link between training and education to human behaviour and experiences.
Fitronics has introduced a new brand within its existing portfolio of cutting edge software; WAM (Workflow Asset Management) is an innovative new software that enables leisure facilities worldwide to streamline their processes, putting human experience at the forefront by minimising downtime, reducing maintenance issues and saving time, resource and energy on traditionally paper based management procedures; by moving them to a more efficient and effective cloud based solution.
Pocket Rocket Group launched a new workshop called "DISCO" - born from the Human Experience theme it looks to align business values with the different personalities within an organisation which is where the magic happens. This unique half day workshop is designed to break down barriers
FAM (Fun and Moving) have had the opportunity to give workshop presentations to Be Active Bedfordshire, Active Surrey and Live Longer better and Pat Goddard says “I feel that events such as EVOLVE are so valuable to bring like minded people together, we’re all working towards a similar goal. We at FAM have the dream of movement being (where appropriate) the first choice non-drug prescriptive medicine, and it’s been an absolute inspiration to find so many people who are also working towards this goal.”
Dan Wille, Chief Product Officer at Life Fitness, associate partners for the EVOLVE movement, said “Events like this are incredibly powerful - staying connected with current associates and more importantly people from your past not only shapes your vision for the future but also reminds you of previous successes and helps to keep you grounded”.
We’d love to hear from anyone who attended or watched the live event unfold and to learn about any new initiatives you have taken in order to EVOLVE the human experience and keep the conversation flowing.
