National award for leisure organisation

Oct 1 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH-based sports and leisure provider Live Active Leisure has been recognised as a market leader in ‘social trading’.

The former Perth and Kinross Leisure – which operates at 14 venues including five community campuses – has become the first Scottish trust of its kind to be awarded the Government-supported Social Enterprise Mark.

Scottish Finance Minister John Swinney MSP presented the mark to LAL’s chairman Linton Scarborough and chief executive Jim Moyes.

A growing number of companies throughout the UK have applied to the scheme, which was launched earlier this year, with successful applicants including the Eden Project.

Presenting the mark to the not-for-profit organisation, Mr Swinney said: “Being the first leisure trust in Scotland to achieve this award is a great accolade indeed.

“Operating right across Perth and Kinross, Live Active Leisure provides great facilities for all users.

“At a time when people are living more sedentary lives, it is vital that facilities are available on people’s doorsteps to allow them to become active.

“I wish everyone involved with the trust well for the future.”

LAL chief executive Jim Moyes said staff were “delighted” to attain the mark, which recognises their regular efforts to support the local community.

“Social Enterprise Mark values sit very comfortably with what Live Active Leisure is all about as well as our on-going focus on positive social and environmental impact throughout Perth and Kinross at the venues where we operate,” he declared.

“To be the first major leisure trust to attain recognition for our efforts is a real credit to everyone.”

Lucy Findlay of the Social Enterprise Mark Company said Live Active Leisure was committed to the award ethics.

“Social enterprises come in all shapes and forms so it’s great to see a vital, local sports and leisure provider understanding the importance of being part of the wider social enterprise brand,” she said.

Government data estimates that there are around 62,000 social enterprises across the UK contributing £24 billion to the economy and employing around 800,000 people.

The Social Enterprise Mark aims to raise awareness of such organisations.