About us

Our journey began in 1993 as a groundbreaking co-operative initiative in Greenwich, where we became one of the UK’s first leisure services to spin out from local authority control into an independent charitable social enterprise. This innovative model combined commercial efficiency with strong social purpose, creating a template that would reshape public service delivery across the UK.

Today, we manage almost 400 public service facilities nationwide, including leisure centres, libraries and cultural venues. We’ve maintained our commitment to social value while continuously adapting to meet evolving community needs. Because our staff have a stake in the organisation as a co-operative, they are directly invested in its success. We're also proud to offer good job opportunities with fair pay, excellent career development, and apprenticeships, particularly in parts of the UK where these opportunities are most needed.

Our impact extends beyond traditional leisure services to encompass public health, education and cultural engagement. Through strategic partnerships with local authorities, NHS England, and national organisations, we’ve pioneered evidence-based approaches that deliver measurable social value while maintaining financial sustainability. For over 30 years, we have sought to challenge ‘the norm’ and to show how values-driven, social entrepreneurship can work effectively with government, health professionals, sport and library leaders.

This balanced method has enabled us to reinvest over £110 million in public services since we began – in everything from enhancing facilities and widening accessibility to driving positive community impact.