Barrow Borough Council

A strategic approach

In 2017, SLC were appointed by Barrow Borough Council to support them with procuring a management operator for its Leisure Services for the first time. The services had always been run in-house.

Politically this was a sensitive project and SLC played a key role in engaging Members with the process and developing an outcomes based Services Specification which linked to the Council’s corporate priorities. SLC provided Members with knowledge, expertise and comfort to ensure they understood that a well-crafted procurement strategy could ensure the services would produce better outcomes as well as the necessary revenue savings.

Developing a clear procurement strategy

The Council had originally wanted to include Park Leisure Centre and The Forum, an arts and conferences venue in the procurement. However, SLC’s unique “Shadow Bid” financial modelling revealed that whilst the former could yield significant savings, The Forum would still need a substantial subsidy which the Council would be committed to for the 15-year life of the contract. This triggered the Council to remove it from the procurement and re-model the service. It also demonstrates that procurement is not one-size-fits-all and in some circumstances it may not be the best value solution for a facility or service.

Transformational Result

Following a Competitive Procedure with Negotiation Life Leisure were appointed as the leisure operating partner for a 15-year contract.

Life Leisure, the trading name of Stockport Sports Trust, was established in 2002. They are a not for profit social enterprise company and registered charity. They currently manage 12 facilities in Stockport and Stockport Borough Council’s sport development service. They will be looking to increase the usage of the Park Leisure Centre building upon their extensive experience and track record.

Life Leisure are investing in the Park Leisure Centre including refurbishing the swimming pool changing rooms and replacing all the equipment in the fitness suite. Furthermore, they will be creating a sports development service, providing activities for residents right in the heart of their local community. The contract will also bring additional jobs to Park Leisure Centre as well as additional training opportunities for current staff who will be transferred to Life Leisure.

Transformational savings of over £4 million over the life of the contract have been secured in addition to over £1.5 million of immediate investment resulting in a sustainable service now running at a surplus.

TESTIMONIAL