Gym Group PLC (The) The Gym Group measures social value impact
March 16 2021 - 11:00AM
RNS Non-Regulatory
TIDMGYM
Gym Group PLC (The)
16 March 2021
The Gym Group becomes first private-sector gym business in the
UK to measure social value
16 March 2021
The Gym Group, nationwide operator of 186 affordable gyms, has
undertaken analysis of its social impact which has revealed it
generated GBP1.8bn in social value since 2016.
Research by Sheffield Hallam University found that using the gym
reduces the likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes,
heart disease, cancer and depression, and also increases life
satisfaction, improves educational attainment and reduces the rate
of crime among young men.
The impact of physical activity stretches way beyond improving
fitness levels; it delivers social value by increasing educational
attainment and wellbeing whilst also reducing crime and the risk of
illnesses.
The Gym Group is the first private-sector company to commission
an analysis of the social value created by its business which will
be published as part of its 2020 Annual Report this week.
The methodology, initially commissioned by Sport England and the
Government, uses a 'Social Value Calculator' developed by 4global
in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and socio-economic
data provider Experian. The outputs of the model are split into
four core categories: health, subjective wellbeing, education and
crime and are driven by the number of people exercising, frequency
of activity, demographics and socio-economic factors.
The analysis found that The Gym Group created GBP1.8bn in social
value over the five years since 2016, demonstrating the valuable
role the company plays in improving the prospects for local
communities. Pre-pandemic, it generated GBP490 in social value per
member per year equivalent to an average of GBP3m per site. The
social value generated by each site grew each year driven by
increased member usage, until lockdowns reduced overall member
visits in 2020.
Sustainability is a core element of The Gym Group's strategy.
Almost half (49%) of the UK population live under 15 minutes drive
from its gyms and it is committed to making fitness accessible for
all. 32% of The Gym Group's estate is in the 20% most deprived
areas of the UK where the risk of inactivity is highest, and the
social value it can generate will be one of the key criteria for
any new gym opening going forward.
Richard Darwin, Chief Executive of The Gym Group, commented:
"Sustainability is in our DNA and the creation of GBP1.8bn of
social value in the last 5 years, is an important part of our
purpose as a business. We have been breaking down barriers to
health and fitness since we opened our first gym in Hounslow in
2008 and are excited that every new opening adds social value of
GBP3m per year, to local communities.
These findings emphasise just how important physical activity is
- not only for mental wellbeing and physical health, but also in
the economic and social benefit it brings to the communities in
which we operate. With the pandemic shining a light on the risks of
obesity and the importance of regular exercise, it is now more
crucial than ever to offer the nation access to inclusive,
affordable gyms. We are proud to make a difference - and we are
looking forward to continuing to play a part in keeping our nation
active."
Dr Caroline Dalton, Associate Professor of Neuroscience and
Genetics and Theme Lead for Living Well with Chronic Disease, AWRC
Sheffield Hallam University said:
"We are delighted The Gym Group has adopted the Social Value
Calculator. The Calculator is based on 5 years of research by Dr
Larissa Davies and colleagues from Sheffield Hallam University, and
is a measurement of the individual and societal benefits resulting
from physical activity and the value it creates for the
community"
ENDS
Notes to editors
GBP3m in social value generated per site pre-pandemic
32% of The Gym Group's estate is in the 20% most deprived areas
of the UK
Enquiries:
Tulchan Communications
Elizabeth Snow / Louise Male / Laura Marshall
thegymgroup@tulchangroup.com
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