Carl Bentley, previously operations director of Fusion Lifestyle, has formed a new company called Innovate Leisure to provide leisure trusts and local authorities with a range of services including access to funding.

At a time of austerity, local authority cutbacks and ever increasing competition, many public leisure facilities are faced with buildings which need investment to upgrade them and make them an attractive proposition to potential customers within their community.

Recent statistics from the State of The Industry Report showed that local authority facilities have performed well in the past year, with 4.7 per cent of the population preferring local authority facilities over private health clubs.

Bentley thinks he knows why. "If local authorities can get their facilities in good shape to provide consumers with an up-to-date leisure offer, then they can compete effectively with the private sector.

"Local leisure centres provide activities for all members of the family at an affordable price.

"Get the product and service offer right and the customers will come."

He believes that the key factor is investment in the facilities and in developing the business through sales, marketing and programming.

For more information please contact Innovate Leisure on +44 (0)1268 745892 or visit www.innovateleisure.com