Nigel Wallace, executive director of the Fitness Industry Association, gave a presentation at the University College Sports Conference 2003, as part of an initiative to build greater links with colleges and universities.

'Many of the FIA's activities are of particular interest and importance to students and lecturers,' says Wallace. 'The development of a strong relationship between the educational establishments and the fitness industry is a natural and important progression. It will enable all parties to work together to improve standards and ensure that the quality of training and subsequently of fitness professionals remains high.'

Wallace presented on the importance of the Register of Exercise Professionals, the national view on training, the national qualifications framework and the problems that poor qualifications and training create for the industry as a whole.