This week’s changes at ukactive mark an important moment. With Dave Stalker stepping in as Chair and Huw stepping down, there’s a real opportunity to reset, refocus and reimagine what the organisation stands for.

I’ve never wanted to be overly critical of ukactive. In many ways, what it has achieved is remarkable given the scale of what it has taken on. Contrary to what many think, it isn’t a vast organisation with endless resources. It’s relatively small, yet it carries an enormous remit: representing every corner of the physical activity sector. That ambition, while admirable, has also been part of the challenge.

From FIA to ukactive

When the Fitness Industry Association became ukactive, it did so with a powerful vision. Dave Stalker’s original goal to broaden the remit, embrace a wider audience and unite the sector was visionary. But over time, in trying to be everything to everyone, some of the core focus on the fitness industry itself has faded.

Lobbying Versus Operator Support

Government lobbying has been a major pillar of ukactive’s strategy. Despite tireless effort, results have been limited. Some of that isn’t its fault: unstable government, changing ministers and a historic lack of understanding of our sector have made progress hard. But when lobbying dominates, the day-to-day needs of operators, the gyms, clubs and studios, risk being sidelined.

Governance That Reflects the Industry

The structure may need review too. A voluntary board often weighted towards people from outside the fitness industry can make it harder to stay connected to operators’ realities. NHS and external representation brings valuable perspectives, but at board level we also need people who live and breathe fitness every day. Governance that reflects the industry’s commercial and operational realities, with full-time executives responsible for areas like membership, finance and growth, would create a stronger, more responsive foundation.

Membership Should Mean Something

Most importantly, being a member of ukactive should bring tangible, visible value: national campaigns, business support and sector development that strengthen both public and private operators. The focus must return to the people and organisations driving participation every day.

Be Bold Enough to Evolve

None of this criticises the vision. ukactive’s intent has always been rooted in the right ideals. But with change at the top, now is the time to evolve again. It can still unite the wider activity sector while giving the fitness industry its rightful voice and focus.

The good news is that passionate, experienced people are ready to support that change. If ukactive embraces this moment and those willing to help shape the next chapter, the industry will rally behind it. Membership will grow, engagement will rise and our collective voice will strengthen.

Whoever replaces Huw has a huge job ahead. I’d urge ukactive to choose a true visionary: someone who recognises the challenges, embraces them and has the courage to reshape the future.

Imagine an industry where our representatives truly represent every sector, and where clubs, studios and operators of every size feel supported and proud of the organisation standing beside them. With the right leadership, this could be the moment ukactive becomes what it was always meant to be: the voice of our industry.

Want help putting this into practice in your gym? Black Raccoon Consulting are gym and fitness business consultants with over 25 years’ industry experience in sales, marketing, member retention and operations. Book your free 45-minute business call or explore our services.

Ryan Charlesworth, Founder, Black Raccoon Consulting