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November 2013
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Gyms could reinvest with VAT vouchers, claim By Christina Eccles PRIVATE gyms who pay VAT on memberships could improve their own facilities – and the health of local communities – if they were given vouchers enabling them to re-invest that money back into their clubs, an independent gym owner has claimed. Operator Andy Peacock owns Warehouse Gym in Honley, West Yorkshire, and told Workout that over the years he has become increasingly frustrated with what he feels is unfair competition. As a private gym owner, Andy pays VAT on his memberships, while another club nearby, which is registered as a charity doesn’t have to. He says he understands it’s not realistic for all clubs to be exempt from paying VAT, but would like to see a more even playing field where all gyms were treated the same. He explained: “It seems to be one rule for one and one for another. “The VAT that we pay could be sent back to the gyms in the form of vouchers for kit from preferred suppliers, could be used for setting up after school clubs for kids, or to help us raise standards in the industry by training
more staff in specialist areas such as exercise referral.” Andy also said he would like to hear how he could adopt the charity business model at his own club, as he is keen to do more to support charities and the local community himself; and saving money on VAT would allow him to do this. He has approached his local council and representatives from Kirklees Active Leisure to ask the question and is currently awaiting a response. He added: “The key thing for me is that if some gyms can do it, why can’t I and that’s the conversation I want to raise. “Why should us as private gyms be segregated from everyone else? “I’ve been here for 10 years. In that time, what could I have invested in my business with that money?” Andy also told Workout he would be keen to hear from any other gyms who feel they are in a similar position, so they can talk about ideas on how to move forward. Do you agree with Andy or are you having the same issues in your club? Email our editorial team at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us via Facebook or Twitter.
No 242 £3
Few tickets remaining for awards evening
Bristol based personal trainer Kim Ingleby has beaten trainers from all over the world to win Life Fitness’ Personal Trainers to Watch competition. Kim, who is the founder of Energised Performance, saw off finalists from as far afield as Hong Kong, the USA and New Zealand to scoop the accolade after impressing a panel of judges at an event at Nuffield Health and Wellbeing Centre St Albans. For full story see page three.
TICKETS are selling fast for the 2013 National Fitness Awards, with just a handful of tables available to book. The event, organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout and headline sponsor Servicesport, is now in its fourth year and was created to recognise excellence and achievement throughout the fitness industry. This year, clubs have been shortlisted from as far afield as the Shetland Islands down to Cornwall, representing operators of all shapes and sizes and from every corner of the industry. Over the last few weeks, the Workout team has been out and about visiting every club on the list to take a look around the facilities and compile a report for our judging panel. Awards will be handed out at a glittering ceremony on Friday December 6 at The Palace Hotel in Manchester, hosted by fitness expert and former TV Gladiator Caroline Pearce. Anyone who hasn’t booked tickets yet has been urged to do so by visiting the dedicated website www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk