Close

We've updated our personal data policies and Fair Processing Notice and you can read them here.

Buying or selling a business? Contact our team +44 (0) 20 7227 0700
Site search
UK
Search for a business Search for a business
Home > News & Resources > Blogs > July 2020 > Covid-19: Reopening of Leisure Businesses in England
10 July 2020 | Leisure

Covid-19: Reopening of Leisure Businesses in England

On 9 July, at a Downing Street press briefing, the UK’s Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced that outdoor sports, including team sports, will be able to restart in stages from 11 July, and indoor venues (including gyms and swimming pools) will follow on 25 July so long as they adhere to strict safety procedures.

Sign up & receive email alerts Sign up now
Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure & Development, Christie & Co, comments:

“The announcement of these new initiatives is great news for the health and fitness and wellness industries, but they are arguably a little overdue in comparison to the hospitality sector, especially given the preparations and readiness as well as communications with its customer base, the industry has adopted over the lockdown period.

The government is soon to publish a new list of compulsory protocols for gym operators to follow in order for them to be able to reopen. The industry body ukactive has been in close collaboration with operators in order to set out details and guidance for the use of equipment and facilities as well as providing instructions for swimming, outdoor areas and group classes.

Whilst many surveys have pointed to a large number of gym members being keen to return to their clubs which is, of course, positive news, there will be a great focus from operators on attendance levels, as they will be very much reliant on these numbers in order to stay open.

Further down the line, attention will need to be turned to how clubs can attract new members to replace those who have left – either through natural attrition or because of personal financial difficulties as a result of unemployment or job uncertainty. On the flip side, with so much importance placed on the health and wellbeing of the nation, and with the resilience and creativity of the industry, we’re also hearing that some operators are predicting a surge in memberships following the initial reopening.

Throughout lockdown, Christie & Co’s leisure team has been committed to helping closed businesses prepare for what’s to come on 25 July. We’ve been focused on discussions around what operators need to do to reopen, how social distancing could impact the number of people capable of being accommodated at any one time, how this would affect headline income, the additional costs of PPE and cleaning, and what the longer term prospects may be for the wider leisure sector.

As gyms start to reopen there are bound to be winners and losers; there will be those who are committed to paying more challenging rents and who can cope with lower customer figures, and those who simply can’t. But we wish all businesses, big and small, the very best as they begin to reopen once again and navigate the new leisure scene.”
Comments
No comments

Related sectors & services

LeisureConsultancy

Other Blogs

Please Select
Considering an exit? Overseas Buyers And Hotel Groups Invest Heavily In The Northern Hotel MarketA valuer comes to call Bridging the gap between the UK and AsiaCould a relaxation of childcare ratios be inevitable? China’s shock currency devaluation: What it means for Asian investment in European markets Christie Finance comments on the recent Bank of England announcement Courteney Donaldson participates in the Connect Childcare ‘The Annual Large Providers Group 2015’ event Budget commentary from Steve Rodell, Christie + Co Head of Retail Budget commentary from Courteney Donaldson, Christie + Co Head of Childcare Spain’s record tourism rates good news for Hotel sectorTory childcare pledges – our verdictNorth West Pub Market at its most vibrant since 2006Election day commentary from Chris Day, Managing Director of Christie + CoChristie + Co Retail team to attend the National Convenience ShowRising volume for cosmetic dentistry drives dentists’ incomes by 20% Are Central London restaurant rents spiralling out of control?Denplan launches new partnership schemeWill the general election stifle improving business confidence?City slickers key to country pub tradePartnership is key to deliver effective and sustainable childcare provisionA year of opportunity for commercial property financeThe role of private equity in the forecourt market Scottish dental market - demand and supplyThe truth about pub valuations Investigating Asian interest in HotelsHow will the pub sector be affected by Budget 2016?Nightclubs still need investment to thriveGetting back in the habitForecourt FutureDon't be afraid of dwindling Chinese investmentThe rise in private dentistryWhat's in a brand? Hotel brand switching, repositioning and re-flaggingHousing through integrationRelationships matterHave pub tenants really won the battle? Time will tell...Taking heed of (the right) adviceProviding the ACS with a property perspectiveWhy hotel owners and operators should be looking upSchool values: what is your school really worth?Christie & Co dental team to exhibit at The British Dental Conference & ExhibitionRent review brewing? Here's what you need to knowThe Scottish Pharmacy market - Demand is the drugDental practice values: Is the North-South divide fact or fiction?It's worth going "round the Wrekin" to invest in the West MidlandsSigns of optimism for Aberdeen's licensed tradeWhy pub operators need to adapt or dieDon't take a risk on regulationPicking the right moment to sell your dental practiceTime for a hair of the dog?Living the DreamIn review - What the Childcare sector has seen in H1 2016Asian investors are seeking bargains after EU referendum Pub owners: everything you need to know about assets of community valueNo post-Brexit blues for the day nursery sectorDeferred Consideration - A necessary evil?The North West Hotels market will reap huge rewards from an influx of interest and capitalGetting your strategy rightThinking about selling your business? Where to start in choosing your agentDentistry - A sector ripe for consolidationScottish hotel market proving resilient despite political uncertaintyAdditional costs could undermine growth in the pub sectorWhy London will always be a capital place to investLooking forward to the BDIA ShowcaseScottish pubs market continues to weather the stormsBold decisions will reap rewardsThe changing face of valuationThis was the year that wasn'tWhy the CEE hotel investment market is boomingClear skies ahead for the North East licensed marketHigh value convenience stores: still at the top of buyers' shopping listsConsidering the sale of your dental practice in 2017?Go East: why the pub market in East Anglia is luring former publicans back to the tradeUnderstanding the pharmacy cutsBusiness Outlook 2017 - A View from Chris DayKnow your buyers in the dental practice marketHow changes to business rates will impact the day nursery sectorThe return of confidence in the children's home marketTesco and Booker: changes ahead for independent retailers?Why pub buyers should be heading south in 2017The Year of the Rooster brings investment from the Far EastThe new Quality Payment Scheme - a mixed reaction from the pharmacy industryChildcare business owners: the importance of understanding security of tenureApril 2017: a perfect storm for licensed hospitality businessesInternational Women's Day: be bold for changeA view from the panel at PUB17The hostel market and its growing investor appealWhat potential buyers are looking for in your dental practiceDoes the removal of PDRs for pubs mean an end to ACVs?The changing picture of childcare in WalesThe South region - high demand and low supply is good news for hotel ownersWhy valuing an educational business is a specialist valuer's appointmentNo end in sight for hotel consolidation It's busy up north in the childcare marketGE 2017 manifestos: childcare and education policies reviewedAlmost a year on from the introduction of the Pubs Code, what happened to the “unintended consequences”?Private Equity and the changing landscape of the dental sales market Is extended-stay the new panacea for the hotel industry?How does the care sector benefit from the Government's decision to suspend historical penalties regarding sleep-in shift pay?What does the McColl's and Morrisons partnership mean for the retail market?Pop up restaurants: the advantages of a short term leaseA second opinion could maximise your investmentThe London hotel market – challenges, activity and the opportunities The importance of taking the right advice when selling your businessUK Licensed Sector Back on the Menu for Private EquityThe day nursery market in the MidlandsInternational activity in the childcare market continues to riseWhat does the potential acquisition of Nisa by the Co-op mean for the wider retail sector?An update on the Scottish day nursery marketWhat do interest rate rises mean for our sectors?Why are international investors interested in Birmingham?A new breed of purchaser in the dental market?The 11th China Tourism Forum: Innovations in Hospitality and Tourism Practices sponsored by Christie & CoHow will the Autumn Budget affect the pubs sector?An update on the childcare sector following the Autumn BudgetProspects of Autumn Budget mean big tech change for retail sectorOverview of the hotels market in the NorthShare vs asset sales: what you need to knowChristie & Co attends the I-EDU Education Industry Investment Conference, Hong KongAn update on the day nursery market in Yorkshire & the North EastAn update on cost increases in the UK childcare sectorAn insight into the hotel investment market – IHIF 2018International Women’s Day – Changes and opportunities for women in the property sectorA three-child policy in China – what are the implications for the day nursery sector?Christie & Co celebrates their employee achievement awardsWorld Oral Health Day - An overview of the dental market in the North WestAn update on the tourism market in the North WestIt’s a postcode lottery for fundingHotels and tourism in the South West provide consistently successful business opportunitiesThe impact of electric vehicle charging points on petrol filling stationsWhy Yorkshire is the UK’s growing tourism hotspot An update on the garden centre market in the UKWhat impact is the 30 hours free childcare policy having on nursery operators?Business bites – brokering the right dealChristie & Co hosts inaugural ‘Prescription for success’ event for first time pharmacy buyersThe UK pubs sector – prime for investmentThe rise of the multi-faceted leisure destination Business bites - Private dental practices in vogue as buyers seek out qualityHas the Scottish nursery sector reached a crisis point?Independent operators discuss restaurant sector trends at industry roundtable hosted by Christie & Co and Goodman DerrickThe next big thing – the multi-site regional pub operatorReduction of the Tier 2 visa caps a reassuring sign for the care sectorThe current state of the social care market and what the future might bringGoing it alone - How do you get your foot on the ownership ladder?How accommodating for all levels of service can bring your dental practice to new heightsChristie & Co hosts the Loop – Hotels event for women in hospitalityChristie & Co hosts day nursery sector seminar for operators and investors Opportunity knocks for the growing independentThe private dentistry demandFirst time buyers: finding success in your searchWhat does Brexit mean for the UK Pharmacy market?Is selling a charity as daunting as it seems? Christie & Co sponsors Women’s Entrepreneur ConferenceBack to Business: Takeaways from the Pharmacy Show 2018Christie & Co hosts seminar for first time buyers in the day nursery sectorLooking ahead in hospitality: reflecting on the Annual Hotel Conference 2018Too Little, Too Late?What the Autumn Budget means for the Retail sectorIndependent schools and their valuable contribution to society Funding continues to challenge the care sectorFoster care and children's home provision needs support to meet children's services demandsCross party support for private partner childcare providers in Scotland Christie & Co attends inaugural European Dental ForumChristie & Co launches first annual ‘Dental Industry’ report with panel discussionInternational pupils in British independent schools – A global outlook Local economy boost and more opportunities following removal of the Severn Bridge tollsBusiness bites – five years of rapid change in the dental sectorBusiness Outlook 2019: South West & Wales regional focusBusiness Outlook 2019: North West regional focusBusiness Outlook 2019: Midlands & East Anglia regional focusBusiness Outlook 2019: South regional focusBusiness Outlook 2019: North East regional focus The evolution of the high streetBusiness Outlook 2019: Scotland regional focusPUB19: A workplace culture that encourages staff retention and promotes innovation drives success in the industryEmbracing the future – The introduction of tech-led learningChristie & Co sponsor the World Forum on Early Care and Education 2019 in MacaoWhile the high street struggles with rapid job losses, the convenience sector shows resilience Adult social care welcomes new recruitment campaignKeeping informed on ever-changing childcare best practice is keyExploring alternatives to increasing airport capacityBringing early years business advice to the GESS Future Leaders Seminar in DubaiCelebrating International Women’s Day at Christie & Co and in the wider property marketBusiness bites – regional overviewBuyers go for growthWhere has the narrowing of the gender pay gap STEMmed from?Women in Healthcare Property Forum roundtable discussion at Christie & CoGrowing appetite for UK education from Chinese families fuels international investment despite Brexit fearsDublin: Too hot to handle or not quite boiling?Effect of Pension Changes on Independent SchoolsChristie & Co sponsors 29th R3 Annual ConferencePropel Coffee Conference 2019 highlights innovation in the growing coffee marketActivity and opportunity in the mini and adventure golf marketWhat do the findings of the recent Ofsted report mean for the childcare sector?The five-year deal brings certainty, change and opportunityA pop-up isn’t just for Christmas. Could pop-ups become a permanent feature?Introduction to Christie & Co RetailChristie & Co sponsors ChildRights 30 Annual ConferenceYear of the PubChristie & Co all smiles as influential dentist David Houston provides study day for the Dental Team10 Minutes With Paul GrahamRetail in the SouthQ&A with Stuart AllanGRIF 2020 highlights innovation and sustainability as fundamentals for success in the restaurant sectorBusiness Outlook 2020: North West Regional FocusBusiness Outlook 2020: South West Regional FocusBusiness Outlook 2020: South East Regional FocusBusiness Outlook 2020: Scotland Regional FocusBusiness Outlook 2020: Midlands & East Anglia Regional FocusDeal of the Year – Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC) Business Outlook 2020: North East Regional Focus Christie & Co response to Spring Budget 2020Christie & Co sponsor Pro Conference Dental EventCovid-19: Impact on the Pubs & Restaurants SectorGovernment provides further COVID-19 guidance to childcare providers Covid-19: Guidance for hotels Covid-19: Impact on the Dental SectorCovid-19: Impact on the Convenience Retail and Petrol Station sectors Fairy lights and sparkle show support for care workers in charity appealCovid-19: Impact on Property Valuations Covid-19: Impact on the UK Child Centric SectorsCOVID-19: Procedures - Guidance for Early Years SettingsLease Advisory for the Children’s Day Nursery SectorConvenience Retail, Petrol Stations & Garden Centre Outlook | Christie & CoChristie & Co sponsor Kathy Brodie’s Early Years Summit for 6th consecutive yearCOVID-19: Impact on the pharmacy sectorWhat does Covid-19 mean for the childcare market?Covid-19: Reopening Pubs and RestaurantsSummer Economic Statement 2020: Impact on the Hospitality SectorSummer Economic Statement 2020: Impact on the Hotels SectorDental update from NHSE and the Office of the CDOChristie & Co react to announcement of £11.2m funding for Scottish nurseries

Archive Blogs

By Months
July 2020June 2020May 2020April 2020December 2019February 2020July 2019June 2019March 2020May 2019April 2019March 2019February 2019January 2019December 2018March 2019November 2018November 2019October 2018October 2019September 2018August 2018July 2018June 2018May 2018April 2018March 2018February 2018January 2018January 2018December 2017November 2017October 2017September 2017August 2017July 2017June 2017May 2017April 2017March 2017February 2017January 2017December 2016November 2016October 2016September 2016August 2016July 2016June 2016April 2016March 2016February 2016January 2016December 2015May 2016October 2015September 2015August 2015July 2015June 2015May 2015April 2015March 2015February 2015January 2015September 2019