Results from the 8th annual sporta State of Industry survey have revealed that confidence in the medium to long term is up from last year.

There has been a boost in Trusts looking to take over facilities within their area and more than 75 per cent of respondents reported that expansion of existing facilities could be on the cards.

Whilst the study, carried out by Leisure-net Solutions, showed some positive trends, there remained some warnings for the sector. Almost a quarter said that reducing subsidy from, or increasing payments to, the local authority was their primary concern.

Other challenges now include hitting membership targets, falling income and rising costs in general. However, on the plus side, in 2008 almost half of respondents highlighted the rise in utility costs as their foremost challenge, whereas this year, whilst still high on the agenda, less than 15 per cent felt it was their primary concern.

Craig McAteer, chair of sporta said: "The sporta State of the Industry report is a vital tool in helping to identify encouraging developments and worrying trends for our sector. This year Trusts were asked whether they measure the impact and outcomes of what they do, which is so important in these challenging times, so it was reassuring to find that more than 80 per cent of the trusts that responded were aware of this need."

Current measurement guides include trusts aligning their aims, objectives and key performance indicators to leisure services policies and Local Area Agreements, improving data collection and research, and identifying specific responsibilities, as well as employing specialist staff and consultants.