The official shortlist has now been announced for the fourth annual Members’ Choice Health Club Awards in partnership with Health Club Management. The awards hold a unique place in the industry, as shortlisted and winning clubs are decided purely based on ratings by members. This year, clubs of all shapes and sizes took part, from small independents to regional groups, hotel chains to corporates.
From March to June 2014, members were given access to an anonymous online survey, allowing them to rate their club on the quality of its customer service, facilities and value for money.
Simon Brown, who runs the Health Club Awards scheme, explains: “Every club that entered this year’s awards sent a very clear message to new and existing customers. Taking part shows that a club is committed to providing the best member experience it possibly can and that it’s prepared to prove it.”
Strong competition
Brown continues: “An all-time record of over 35,000 members got involved this year, and scores have been incredibly high – for example, over 75 per cent of members rated their club as ‘excellent’ and worthy of recommending to friends. These sorts of figures reflect the intense competition for clubs to be shortlisted.
“From the 400 UK clubs that entered, only 150 have made it onto the shortlist and every single one of them should be extremely proud of that fact. There’s no better endorsement for a club than approval by the customers who are using its facilities on a regular basis. Being an awards finalist is testament to how well these clubs are run.”
The awards also recognise individuals working in clubs, and there’s a shortlist for the People Awards alongside the regional shortlist for clubs. “Fitness professionals are at the heart of the health club industry and integral to the customer experience,” says Brown.
“Members often stay loyal to a club because of their relationship with key members of staff, so it’s vital to recognise outstanding individuals. Over 300 individuals were nominated in this year’s competition, so to make it to the shortlist is a great honour in itself.”
Getting involved
Two new sponsors – Physical Company and USN UK – are supporting the Health Club Awards this year.
Jason Oakley, MD of USN UK, says: “We’re very pleased to be involved. Sponsoring the Health Club Awards is another way we can support the fitness industry and reward the clubs that demonstrate excellent service, care and professionalism.”
John Halls, sales and marketing director at Physical Company, says: “We’re proud to be associated with these awards, as they celebrate the high standards in customer service that we believe are so important in business.”
Winners in all categories will be announced at an awards dinner and ceremony on 30 September – the first night of LIW. The black tie event, to be held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, will be attended by 400 guests and will include an exclusive after-dinner party for guests.
For information about attending the awards, and to view the full shortlists of both clubs and individuals, please visit www.healthclubawards.co.uk
