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North Ayrshire Leisure Limited (NALL) Performance Impact Report Incorporating the 2024-25 Budget

North Ayrshire Council · 19 March 2024
Back to Cabinet — 19 March 2024 and its agenda

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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 
19 March 2024 
Cabinet 
Title:    North Ayrshire Leisure Limited (NALL) Performance and
Impact Report incorporating the 2024-25 Budget.
Purpose:  To seek Cabinet’s approval for the North Ayrshire Leisure Limited
(NALL) Performance and Impact Report incorporating the 2024-
25 Budget.
Recommendation:  That Cabinet: 
a) Notes the North Ayrshire Leisure Limited (NALL) Performance
and Impact Report incorporating the 2024-25 Budget;
b) Notes the projected out turn budget position in 2024-25; and
c) Authorises officers to continue to progress the recovery and
development of the business. 
1. Executive Summary 
1.1 North Ayrshire Leisure Limited (KA Leisure) aims to improve health and wellbeing
through physical activity. The work of the leisure trust includes: 
• Supporting physical activity
• Improving health and wellbeing;
• Providing quality experiences
• Supporting and developing community sport
• Enhancing skills through training; and
• Creating pathways to employment. 
1.2 Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, KA Leisure consistently recorded significant increases
in participation across programmes and facilities.  Equity of opportunity is at the heart
of the approach. The impact of the pandemic and resultant restrictions had a severe
impact on the business through temporary closures during ‘lockdowns’ and adaptations
to buildings to accommodate new guidance. This was partially mitigated by the furlough
scheme, a phased return and greatly accelerated digital programmes. 
1.3 The Council’s Financial Recovery Plan for 2020/21 was presented to Cabinet on 8  
September 2020 and included approval of additional cashflow management support to
KA Leisure of up to £2.743m to ensure they continued to operate as a going concern
and met their cash liabilities at the time.  Cabinet approved the North Ayrshire Leisure
Limited (KA Leisure) Recovery and Renewal Plan in February 2021 and a progress
report was presented in September 2021. The Performance and Impact Report
presented in February 2022 provided a further update on the implementation of the

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Plan. A further update presentation was made to members in December 2022. The
additional cashflow support is being exhausted as the company continues to recover. 
1.4 In 2022/23, operations returned to more normal levels of activity. In the financial year
2021/22 KA Leisure incurred a trading deficit of £35,423 after allowing for the core
contribution from North Ayrshire Council. In the 2023/24 financial year this has been
further reduce to a trading deficit of £13,974. 
1.5 Despite this, there continue to be consequential financial impacts on KA Leisure
particularly from the increase in operational costs due to rising prices. This continues to
present challenges; however the Council and KA Leisure continue to work closely on
operational and financial planning and importantly, in addressing the financial pressures
and further developing and refining the operation of the organisation. 
2. Background 
2.1 North Ayrshire Leisure Limited trades as KA Leisure. They are a Company limited by
guarantee and a registered Scottish Charity and are also a not-for-profit organisation
and any surpluses generated are reinvested across the Company. They are governed
by their Articles of Association which includes their charitable objectives. 
2.2 KA Leisure aims to improve health and wellbeing through physical activity, regardless
of age or background and, to fulfil these goals, will continue to encourage participation,
operate facilities, and create innovative opportunities to help the inactive become active.
The Recovery and Renewal Plan balances the focus on those who participate in
physical activity and sport and, in line with the North Ayrshire Active Communities
strategy, those who are not active because inactivity carries significant health, social
and economic risks. Working with partners in North Ayrshire and beyond, KA Leisure
continues to develop innovative programmes and to participate in the North Ayrshire
Active Communities Strategy and the DrEAM (Drop Everything and Move) events. KA
Leisure are the lead partners in the Wellbeing Alliance, which delivers on the wellbeing
aspirations of the North Ayrshire Partnership Plan. 
2.3 The impact of Covid restrictions on programme delivery is now gone, and membership
income has returned to nearer pre-pandemic levels, in excess of 8,800.  There still
continue to be considerable financial implications, however,  from the increase in utilities
prices and other costs, and regular planning, support and finance meetings take place
to ensure there is integration with the Council’s ongoing financial planning.  Trading
income for the year is projected at over £380,000 more than in 2022/23 which shows
the ongoing growth and expansion of the business. 
2.4 A permanent Chief Executive was appointed by the organisation in 2023. This is
providing stable leadership for the organisation as it focuses on developing its new
adaptive model. The organisation has undertaken a restructure of its senior
management team which has realised savings against their yearly costs. The Council
continues to provide HR support at present and in the future will maintain strong links
with KA to ensure it can benefit from the expertise of the Council. Work will continue to
ensure that the organisation operates as efficiently as possible. 
2.5 KA Leisure has a national reputation for its excellent community health, wellbeing and
recovery programmes and these were highlighted at Cabinet in September 2021 in the
Health and Wellbeing Service Performance and Impact Report.  In light of their

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experience in this area and the experiences of the pandemic, KA Leisure has aligned
itself more closely with the new North Ayrshire Partnership Plan for 2022 – 2030. KA
Leisure is now the lead partner of North Ayrshire’s Health and Wellbeing Alliance, with
a partner launch event being held in June 2023. The Alliance builds on extensive
existing work to develop the Wellbeing priority from the Plan. 
Venue Portfolio
2.6 KA Leisure continues to offer a modern and diverse portfolio of venues across North
Ayrshire and to use these to seek new and innovative ways to engage with
communities. The organisation continues to invest to ensure the best possible
experience for members and users of the facilities. 
Wellbeing Alliance
2.7 KA continues to be the lead partner in the development of the Wellbeing Alliance. The
Alliance is a multi-level leadership body for the development and delivery of the
wellbeing Local Outcome Improvement Plan priority for North Ayrshire Community
Planning Partnership. The Alliance aims to deliver large scale meaningful change as
the shared vision creates a closer relationship between health and leisure, built on
social prescribing, co-location of services and the delivery of preventative activity
opportunities. The work aims to tackle health inequalities by co-locating services,
delivering preventative activities and strengthening the relationship between health and
leisure. As the Alliance has begun to mature, a focus has emerged on three areas: 
Practice: Understanding what we already do, learning from this and celebrating where
we are
Partnerships: Reflecting on opportunities for network and partnership working
People: Thinking about the people we support and their current life experiences
These key themes will continue to influence the development and delivery of Alliance
activities. 
Fitness
2.8 New health and fitness products continue to be developed. Updated equipment at the
Portal offers access to the latest technology so that users can track their workout
performance both inside and outside of the gym and monitor their progress towards
their goals. KA continues to focus on the customer experience and creating a welcoming
and inclusive environment that encourages customer retention. 
Digital
2.9 The Customer Relationship Management system allows customers to be kept more up
to date than ever, while use of online tools for communication helps engage with
communities and partners. The KA Leisure app has been downloaded over 15,000
times since its launch. A new platform for swimming waiting lists, registrations and
swimmer journeys has helped to ease the process for service users. Digital
transformation in order to be fit for the future is a high priority for the organisation. 
Health & Wellbeing Service
2.10 KA Leisure’s Health & Wellbeing Service continues to expand to deliver innovative
programmes. The Walking for Health programme offers opportunities for gentle
exercise, social interaction, volunteering and now a dog friendly walk at Eglinton Park.
The focus of the service is to include those who are vulnerable, isolated and at greatest
risk of inactivity by offering them the right support at the right time within their
community.

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Community Sport 
2.11 Community sports hubs continue to support registered clubs and provide volunteering
opportunities, with 65 clubs now registered.  Inspire membership allows children and
young people to experience sporting activities, arts, drama, dance and music, with 403
participants and over 100 classes now on offer each week. 16 weekly walking groups
offer social opportunities and increased activity for those with medical conditions. 
People and Partnerships 
2.12 KA Leisure continues to deliver its Wellbeing at Work programme, aimed at developing
a positive health and wellbeing culture and encouraging employees to take a proactive
part in this. The “Know the Way, Show the Way, Go the Way” programme also
encourages the culture of continuous improvement by supporting staff to embrace the
right attitudes and behaviours in all areas of work. The staff team also work with a wide
range of partners to help maximise the benefits of their offer to communities across
North Ayrshire.   
Financial Implications
2.13 Financial planning for 2024/25 is being undertaken using the best information currently
available, particularly in relation to utility costs. The ongoing cost of living crisis and
utility price rises create some uncertainty. The business continues to progress towards
its aims of achieving financial sustainability in the short, medium and long term. Further
growth and expansion as well as the consolidation of existing offers will help to achieve
these aims. 
2.14 North Ayrshire Council continues to support KA Leisure using previously identified and
agreed funding. 
3. Proposals 
3.1 It is proposed that Cabinet: 
(a) Notes the North Ayrshire Leisure Limited (NALL) Performance and Impact Report
incorporating the 2024-25 Budget;
a) Notes the projected outturn budget position in 2024-25; and
b) Authorises officers to continue to progress the recovery and development of the
business. 
4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty 
Financial 
4.1 The financial position continues to be closely monitored by North Ayrshire Council and
the KA Leisure Board. The Council and KA Leisure continue to work together on
medium term financial planning. While there remains uncertainty regarding future costs,
in particular relating to utilities, KA Leisure staff will ensure that future expenditure
represents the best value possible at all times.

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Human Resources 
4.2 The Council and KA Leisure continue together to align workforce planning and the KA
Leisure Recovery and Renewal Plan. 
Legal 
4.3 There are no legal implications in the current report. 
Equality/Socio-economic 
4.4 As set out in the report KA Leisure continues to focus much of their activity on
individuals and groups requiring specialist support and activity, thus closing the
inequalities gap across a number of themes. The Health and Wellbeing Service and
Community Sport continue to address health inequalities and this provides the starting
point for the refocusing as a community health and wellbeing company. The Wellbeing
Alliance aims to work with partners to delivery large scale change that also includes
preventative action. 
Environmental and Sustainability 
4.5 Energy efficiencies continue to be sought through improvements in venues. 
Key Priorities 
4.6 The services delivered by KA Leisure support the North Ayrshire Council Plan strategic
aims: 
• To transition to a wellbeing economy, delivering prosperity, wellbeing and resilience
for local people.
• We will have active, inclusive and resilient communities.
• A Community Wealth Building Council that is efficient and accessible, maximising
investment and focusing resources towards our priorities. 
Community Wealth Building 
4.7 The proposal contained within the report creates and maintains employment
opportunities and volunteering and skills development opportunities. 
5. Consultation 
5.1 Consultations take place with KA Leisure on an ongoing basis and partners. Customers
and prospective customers are the focus of regular engagement by KA Leisure and
North Ayrshire Council

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Audrey Sutton
Executive Director Communities and Education 
For further information please contact Rhonda Leith,  Head of Service (Connected
Communities), on (01294) 324415. 
Background Papers
Appendix 1: KA Leisure Performance and Impact Report incorporating the 2024-25 Budget

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CONNECTION, ACTION AND IMPACT
KEEPING NORTH AYRSHIRE ACTIVE
Incorporating 2024/25 Budget
PERFORMANCE
& IMPACT REPORT

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CONTENTS
3
WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR ................................... 4-5
WHO WE ARE ............................................................6-7
2023 HIGHLIGHTS ................................................... 8-9
WHAT WE DO ............................................................. 10
OUR VENUES ........................................................11
FITNESS ................................................................ 12
AQUATICS ............................................................ 13
GOLF .................................................................... 14
ICE ........................................................................ 15
HEALTH AND WELLBEING ..............................16-17
COMMUNITY SPORT .......................................18-19
MAKING A DIFFERENCE .......................................20-23
FIT FOR OUR FUTURE ...........................................24-25
REALISING THE VISION ........................................26-27
OUR PERFORMANCE ............................................28-29
FINANCIAL INFORMATION  ................................. 30-31
CLOSING THOUGHTS FROM THE CEO  .................32-33

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Welcome from
THE CHAIR
I am delighted to share with you the
Performance and Impact Report for
2023. As with many communities
and organisations across the
country, the past year has
presented significant challenges
for North Ayrshire. The COVID-19
pandemic cast a long shadow
over daily life, followed by rising
energy prices and increased living
costs, which ultimately limited
household disposable income
and resulted in reduced spending.
However, despite these challenges,
KA Leisure remained resilient
and adaptive in its approach to
supporting the local community.
Despite these ongoing challenges,
KA Leisure was able to attract new
and returning memberships, which
is coupled with an increased rate
of retention of current members. It
is also pleasing to see an increase
in subscribers across the Learn
to Swim programme and Inspire
memberships.
We have continued to make
significant influences on community
health through our Health and
Wellbeing Service. It supports
people with health issues, including
mental health problems, to recover,
grow confidence and improve their
wellbeing. The team has extensive
expertise which gives confidence
and trust from our partners who
continue to support and fund our
breadth programmes. Further
developments within the Parkinson’s
and ACTIVATOR programmes have
increased our reach and supported
people to access vital services.
Furthermore, KA Leisure provided
free swimming and skating events
in July, thanks to funding support
from North Ayrshire Council. The
organisation also removed further
barriers to being active by launching
a recycling programme for clothing,
footwear, and sports equipment
and opened the first pop-up shop in
September.
In addition to KA Leisure’s focus on
physical health, the organisation has
a growing cultural programme that
4

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5
includes theatre, drama, singing,
art, percussion, and dance. Many
of these activities are a part of our
children’s Inspire programme. By
combining the arts with physical
activity opportunities, we ensure
children and young people can try
a range of activities while more
importantly having fun.
I have also been pleased with the
continued collaboration with North
Ayrshire Council and a range of
partners to establish a Community
Health and Wellbeing Alliance. This
innovative initiative aimed to align
the efforts of all parties involved in
improving the quality of life of North
Ayrshire residents. We are eager
to progress in 2024 when we will
realise our collective vision.
KA Leisure’s strengths lie in its
ability to innovate and adapt to
change. We are grateful for the
dedication and commitment of our
employees, Board of Directors, and
all strategic partners. It is with great
optimism that we look forward to
the future and continue our efforts
to support the health and wellbeing
of the North Ayrshire community.
Ashley Pringle
Ashley N Pringle
Chair

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Who
WE ARE

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7
For over 20 years, we have been
dedicated to promoting, supporting
and inspiring people to lead more
active and healthier lives – a
mission that is more vital than
ever in these challenging times. As
we enter a new year, our mission
remains the same but the methods
we use to achieve this continue to
evolve significantly.
We offer a wide range of
programmes that contribute
directly to the physical, mental and
social wellbeing of North Ayrshire
residents. Our organisation is the
driving force of physical activity
in the area, with state-of-the-art
facilities such as gyms, pools,
leisure centres, golf courses, sports
pitches and more. This is combined
with our dedicated commitment to
partnership working which delivers
innovative and inclusive initiatives
that address the diverse needs and
aspirations of our communities.
Company Structure
North Ayrshire Leisure Limited is
a Company limited by guarantee
and has charitable status. The
Company’s trading name is KA
Leisure. The Company is governed
by its Articles of Association.
The Company is a not-for-profit
organisation, any surpluses
generated are reinvested in
improving facilities and services.
Directors
A Pringle (Chair)
H Campbell
J McClung
J Montgomerie
I Murdoch
J Sweeney
A Todd
L Tulloch
Vacant 
As set out in the Company Articles
of Association the maximum
number of Directors is nine and
comprises of the following;
a maximum of four Directors
appointed by North Ayrshire Council,
a maximum of four Directors
appointed from, and representative
of, the North Ayrshire area (with
skills to assist the Company in
carrying out its objects), a maximum
of one Director appointed from and
by the employees of the Company.
The Board of Directors meet at
least six times a year to consider
Company business. The Company
has an HR Committee and Audit
Committee.
Senior Management
Team
Malcolm McPhail – CEO
Laura Barrie – Head of Active
Communities

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2023
HIGHLIGHTS
Recycling for
Sport: How
We Turn Old
Gear into New
Opportunities
We launched our recycling
programme for pre-loved sports
clothing, footwear and equipment.
Delivered in partnership with the
Community Sport Hub Programme
the collection bins are located
across our portfolio of venues.
Donations can be accessed by
individuals, sports clubs and
community groups. Several free
pop-up shops have been held
throughout the year including a
collaboration with partners at
Children 1st.
Inspiring,
Educating and
Challenging the
Future Generation
This 4-week programme launched
in April and provides 12–15 year
olds with an introduction to a gym
environment. These sessions
provide information on how to
exercise safely and effectively whilst
looking to inspire, educate and
challenge the Future Generation.
Over 350 young people took part
throughout 2023.
Co-creating a
Wellbeing Alliance
In June we held our first planning
workshop for North Ayrshire’s new
Wellbeing Alliance. The event was
attended by over 80 individuals
and included partners from public
organisations and the third sector.
The event contained a range of
activities which will be a valuable
first step in defining the shape and
scope of this future Alliance, which
challenges us to think creatively -
and perhaps differently, too!
8
ACADEMY

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9
Summer of
Activity
Over 1,200 young people took part
in a wide variety of camps, lessons
and activities across the summer
break. We were also delighted to
aid partners with over 120 free or
funded places for families they
support across North Ayrshire.
In addition, our free skate and
swimming sessions attracted 9,239
visitors thanks to funding from
North Ayrshire Council.
Supporting the
Teachers of
Tomorrow
Support was secured from the
Developing Young Work Force
fund for twelve young people to
participate in a swimming teacher
programme. This has provided
employment avenues and supported
us to expand our Learning to Swim
programme.
Global Students
Join Scottish FA
Training
at KA Leisure
We were delighted to host the
Scottish FA’s National C Licence
course. The training included
students from across the world
including Africa, the Americas
and Europe. Tutors included KA
Leisure’s Assistant Community
Sport Manager, Craig Hamilton.
Kilwinning
Academy Young
Leaders Support
Intergenerational
Activities
Active Lifestyles hosted a Winter
Games event that delivered
fun festive-themed activities
to those who attend our Active
North Ayrshire classes. With the
support from our partnership with
Kilwinning Academy, we were aided
in delivery by young leaders who
volunteered their time and helped
us create an intergenerational
environment full of fun!

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What
WE DO

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11
Our
VENUES
Our venues remain the heartbeat
of our communities providing more
than just areas for physical activity.
They are social spaces that allow
us, our partners, and community
groups to deliver activities which
improve both the physical and
mental wellbeing of our residents.
We welcomed 1,126,555 visitors
across 2023 which was an increase
of 10% in comparison to 2022.
This is a testament to the quality
of our venues and dedicated staff
teams. Despite the increased
price of energy, and growing cost
of supplies, services and staffing,
we are committed to ensuring
affordable access, with most of our
prices remaining below the national
average.
Throughout the year the service
at Kilwinning Community Sport
Hub (Kilwinning Academy) was
temporarily interrupted by delayed
refurbishment works which
impacted gym users. Service has
now resumed as normal following
completed works. In addition, we
also experienced recruitment
and staffing issues on the Isle of
Arran which has brought periods of
interruption to Arran Community
Sport Hub (Arran High). We are
working with partners to widen
recruitment opportunities and
create more sustainable roles.
Our facilities offer more than just
sport and physical activity spaces.
The Vikingar! Experience is a unique
heritage attraction that showcases
the life and culture of the Vikings
in the 12th century. Thanks to a
generous grant of £25,742 received
from the Place Based Investment
Fund, we have upgraded and
modernised the attraction including
improved entrances, updated audio-
visual equipment and refreshed
exhibits.
Leisure Venues
Auchenharvie Leisure Centre,
Stevenston
Garnock Community Campus,
Glengarnock
Portal, Irvine
Vikingar!, Largs
Community Sport
Hubs/Campuses
Arran High School
Dalry Primary School
Greenwood Academy
Kilwinning Academy
Largs Academy
Stanley Primary School
(Company acts as booking
agent only)
St Matthew’s Academy
West Kilbride (in partnership
with West Kilbride Community
Association)
Golf Courses
Auchenharvie, Stevenston
Ravenspark, Irvine
Routenburn, Largs
Outdoor Sports
Facilities

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FITNESS
We are dedicated to providing a
programme which is focused on
the complete experience for our
customers.
We understand the power of
connection and support when it
comes to reaching your fitness
goals. The objective is to enhance
both the physical and mental
wellness of our community,
promoting a healthier lifestyle
overall. That’s why we’ve created
welcoming and inclusive
environments where participants
can meet like-minded individuals
who share a passion for health and
wellbeing.
We have –
Grown to 8,022 members
Increased the average length
of stay from 10.5 to just under
14 months.
Increased the average yield to
£23.41 per member.
Our enhanced customer journey,
agility in adapting to emerging
industry trends, and unwavering
commitment to equipping our
staff teams with the necessary
training and skills have significantly
contributed to our increased
memberships and improved
retention rates.
Our growth across 2023 was
also supported by the reopening
of fitness suites at Garnock
Community Campus, West
Kilbride Campus and the upgraded
equipment at the Portal which
were all completed in late 2022.
Upgrades at the Portal included
the integration of the digital
platform Pulse TRAKK. TRAKK
utilises the latest technology
to create a connected digital
experience, allowing members
to track workout activity inside
and outside of the gym as well
as monitor body composition
through Tanita. Combined with the
ability to connect to Pulse Fitness
equipment, TRAKK tracks distance,
speed, heart rate, weight lifted, and
calories burned.
Our Elevate Academy, launched
in January 2023, offers 12-15 year
olds the opportunity to access
our fitness suite and learn how to
maximise their training. Throughout
2023, we have welcomed over
350 participants who joined our
weekend sessions and intensive
courses during school breaks.
2024 will include the redevelopment
and digitalisation of our personal
training offer to create a fully
immersive experience. Our digital
developments will continue with
a focus on digitally transforming
processes across customer
service, customer journeys and
communication systems.
12
70,252
Attendances across group exercise
in 2023
Over
15,000
KA Leisure App downloads since its
launch
Highlights
ACADEMY

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13
AQUATICS
We provide access to four
swimming pools across North
Ayrshire providing a range of
activities for swimmers of different
levels and preferences, such as
swimming lessons, aqua classes,
lane swimming sessions, and family
fun swims.
Our pools attracted 296,415
visitors across the year. This was
supported by increasing our number
of aqua aerobic classes and the
reintroduction of fun run sessions
and birthday parties. However, a
national shortage of lifeguards
continues to have a significant
impact on our programme and
has increased service disruption.
We will continue to address this
across 2024 by launching additional
training courses for both the public
and interested staff members
across other roles.
The Learn to Swim (LTS) programme
is available at all four pools offering
high-quality swimming instruction
for people of all ages and abilities.
In the past year, we have currently
over 1,700 participants enrolled
in our various levels and classes,
from beginners to advanced; from
toddlers to adults. This means
that our lessons are operating at
around 80% of our capacity, which
is a commendable achievement
given the challenges posed by
teacher shortages. Whilst this
is encouraging we have recently
adopted a new digital platform to
assist with registration, waiting
lists and swimmer journeys. This
system will support us to maximise
capacity.
A Crash Course lesson programme
was launched during the school
holidays in 2023, providing 583
children who were not enrolled
in our LTS programme with
an opportunity to experience
introductory lessons.
We also successfully resumed 1
to 1 lessons during the October
school break. This is in addition
to ASN swimming lessons which
were added to the timetable at
Vikingar! in November. Both will be
added to our programme across
our pools in 2024. This is part
of our commitment to provide
accessible and inclusive swimming
opportunities for people with
additional support needs.
1,790
Learn to Swim Members
447
Swim Only Members
Highlights

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GOLF
We are proud to offer three golf
courses for our customers.
Whether you prefer the 18-hole
courses of Ravenspark and
Routenburn, or the 9-hole course
and driving range of Auchenharvie,
you will find a scenic experience
in the stunning North Ayrshire
landscape.
Our golf courses attracted
37,500 visits last year, showing
a remarkable growth in both
golf rounds (30.5%) and driving
range usage (64%) compared to
the previous year. Despite the
unfavourable weather conditions in
the summer, our golf enthusiasts
have shown their passion and
loyalty for the sport, which has
increased by 13% in Scotland since
2022. We are especially grateful to
our customers at Auchenharvie,
who have been patient and
understanding during the essential
works carried out by Caledonia
Water to fix the sewage pipe
problem that affected part of the
course. We are happy to announce
that the works are now completed,
and the 4th tee will be restored to its
original condition.
We have developed an exciting
new initiative which promotes
physical activity and social inclusion
to enable those with supported
health conditions to participate
in the game. We will continue to
expand this programme for the 2024
season.
In 2024, our current golf
provision will be enhanced by the
appointment of an Outdoor Sports
and Golf Manager, who will work
closely with the associated clubs
and improve the development of
golf and the quality of our courses.
We will also focus on coaching
through our Community Sport
section, introducing the game to
young people and increasing club
involvement.
14
1,094
Members
37,500
Visits
Highlights

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15
ICE
Auchenharvie Ice Rink hosts a
variety of ice sports and activities
for our customers. The ice rink
is home to 14 clubs that offer
opportunities for ice hockey, figure
skating, speed skating and curling
enthusiasts.
In 2023, we were delighted to
resume many special events for our
clubs that had been postponed due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. These
events showcased the skills and
talents of our club members and
attracted further participants and
spectators.
The demand for ice time remains
high, especially after the closure of
Ayr ice rink with many clubs seeking
a new home. We look forward to
working with the clubs old and new
to foster and build an ice community
that increases our communities
access to ice sports. We aim to
increase the utilisation of ice,
the membership of clubs and the
awareness of ice sports among our
customers. This will include more
opportunities for the public and
clear pathways from public skating
to club sports.
The utility costs for our portfolio
have risen significantly.
Auchenharvie has faced a high cost
due to its pool and ice rink facilities.
To improve efficiency, we invested
in new boilers for the gym, ice rink
and office/reception areas.
93,301
Attendances
14
Resident clubs
Highlights

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At KA Leisure, our mission is to
enable everyone to enjoy the
positive impacts of physical
activity. Through a diverse range of
programmes, we strive to empower
participants to improve their health
and wellbeing.
Within our Health & Wellbeing
Service, we provide a wide array
of activities in local communities
to assist individuals in becoming
more active and adopting healthier
lifestyles.
Our Health & Wellbeing Service has
four key service areas: 
1. Active North Ayrshire (ANA)
2. Community Outreach
3. ACTIVATOR
4. Bridgegate Active Zone and
Health and Wellbeing Hub.
All of which provide fun and
accessible ways for people to start
their active journey.
We continually strive to deliver
innovative programmes through
collaboration with key partners who
share the same outcomes which:
1. Engage with priority groups
including those who are
vulnerable, isolated and at
greatest risk of inactivity.
2. Support prevention and early
intervention. Offering the right
support at the right time in the
local community.
3. Target specific health issues
including long term conditions
and mental health and wellbeing.
Active North Ayrshire
Within ANA, 897 new referrals were
screened in 2023.
31% male / 69% female
Reasons for referral:
We’ve incorporated numerous new
features into ANA to ensure we can
keep up with the growing demand
for support, reduce waiting times,
ensure comprehensive participant
preparation, offer a diverse range of
activity options, and deliver the best
possible value.
This includes:
ANA Introductory Sessions
These sessions take place
weekly across all venues and
provide a detailed overview of the
programme, and the chance to meet
other participants. The introduction
of the sessions has significantly
reduced waiting time from point
of referral to first appointment and
provides a more seamless transition
to participation in physical activity.
ANA Membership
This offers ANA participants
unlimited access to our state-of-
the-art fitness suites, pools and
classes. In addition, it provides the
opportunity to join our condition-
specific classes that support
different health needs. These are
designed to provide value for money
and to encourage more regular
participation in supported physical
activities.
Bespoke Training Pathway
To address ongoing challenges
related to recruitment of staff
with a qualification in physical
activity on referral, we created a
comprehensive training programme
which enables new employees
to work towards gaining the
appropriate specialist qualifications
and valuable practical experience.
The programme continues to rely
on external funding to provide
person centred physical activity
interventions, and securing
external funding will continue to be
essential for the sustainability and
development of ANA in 2024.
16
Health and
WELLBEING
n  9%  Weigh To Go
n  5%  Parkinson’s
n  18%  Mental Health Support
n  10%  Falls Prevention
n  5%  Cardiac Rehab
n  3%  Cancer Prehab/Rehab
n  2%  Doorstep Intervention
n  21%  MSK/Ortho Prehab & Rehab
n  1%  Pulmonary Rehab
n  26%  HARP

Page 23

17
Mind & Be Active
Our Mind and Be Active programme
continues to support people to
improve their mental health and
wellbeing through supported
physical activity.
198 ‘Active’ MBA participants
in the programme
51 new referrals were in
recovery from addiction
74 participants required a high
level of support
51 active members currently
receiving longer-term support
(beyond 12 months)
Community Programme 
- Walking for Health
Our team collaborates with local
communities in diverse settings
to offer activities tailored to
individual needs and preferences.
Whether it’s an inclusive open
session or a targeted closed one,
we ensure the delivery of high-
quality and enjoyable activities.
This encompasses our renowned
Walking for Health programme,
supported by funding from Paths
for All, NatureScot, and the North
Ayrshire Green Health Partnership.
These walks are led by either a
member of the Active Lifestyles
Team or one of our fully trained Walk
Leader Volunteers.
We were delighted to launch our
first dog-friendly walk at Eglinton
Country Park in 2023. Every week,
dog owners and their furry friends
join us for a social gathering and
a leisurely stroll around the park.
Additionally, we delivered Walk
Leader training for young individuals
from Irvine Royal and Kilwinning
Academies. They acquired skills in
planning, leading, and evaluating
walks for diverse groups and
abilities. We take pride in their
accomplishments and eagerly
anticipate seeing them take the lead
in more walks in the future.
ACTIVATOR
Our mobile health and activity unit,
the ACTIVATOR, offers essential
health checks and lifestyle
advice. The dynamic programme
encompasses visits to various
communities throughout North
Ayrshire, including community
groups, libraries, schools, events,
and workplaces.
Teaming up with the NHS Ayrshire
and Arran Blood Borne Virus and
Sexual Health Team, the ACTIVATOR
led a focused intervention initiative
across Ayrshire & Arran. Introduced
in May 2023, the programme
reached out to individuals who
are traditionally hard to engage
and delivered early intervention
services. Due to the success of
this new way of working, further
partnership projects are planned for
the future.472
ANA Memberships purchased since
launch
71
Physical activity opportunities each
week
Highlights
363
ANA participants identified that
they required support to manage
their weight.
In 2023 we were awarded a physical
activity grant from Parkinson’s UK
which allowed us to continue to
develop weekly physical activity
opportunities designed specifically
for people living with Parkinson’s.
Highlight
Upon Referral:
75% of participants did not
meet the recommended 150
minutes of physical activity
per week
16% of participants met the
recommended 150 minutes
of physical activity per week
but required support for a long
-term condition
9% of participants exceeded
150 minutes physical activity
per week but required support
for a long-term condition

Page 24

Community
SPORT
At KA Leisure, we understand the
vital role that sport plays in creating
healthy and happy communities.
Our programmes are designed
to help people connect socially,
enhance their confidence, and
improve their physical and mental
wellbeing. We believe that everyone
deserves to enjoy the benefits of
sports, no matter their age, ability,
or background.
The Inspire Membership continues
to be a huge success with a growing
number of subscribers. Since
its launch, we have witnessed a
remarkable increase in families
using this affordable and flexible
option to access our programmes
and leisure facilities. We have given
memberships to those who may
not have been able to afford them
and lowered costs for partners with
funding to ensure they can support
health, wellness, and community for
those they serve.
Our community programme
continues to expand with over
100 classes per week across all
localities. These include arts,
drama, music and dancing which
gives young people the chance to
experience more than just sport.
We have also partnered with
several local sports clubs to deliver
introductory classes providing clear
pathways from community to club
sport.
Our sports clothing and recycling
scheme has been key to removing
barriers to participation. Donation
boxes are located across our venues
and we have been overwhelmed by
the generosity of our communities.
We have also partnered with
community sports clubs and local
businesses that have hosted
donation bins.
North Ayrshire Alcohol & Drug
Partnership (ADP) continued to
fund our Champions for Change
programme which uses sport and
physical activity to educate children
and young people on the dangers
of substance misuse. In 2023 we
visited 19 schools and worked with
over 1,400 pupils.
18

Page 25

19
Supporting everyone to take part
in sports activities is a core part
of everything we do. Our team has
worked with partners including
Active Schools and Scottish
Disability Sport to ensure all our
classes are accessible to those with
additional needs. We have added
seven new classes exclusively for
those with ASN across the period
which includes closed groups with
partners.
2024 will see the introduction of a
club accreditation scheme for our
Hub Clubs. This will provide support,
pathways and guidance for clubs to
achieve their goals and create more
opportunities for our communities
to participate in sports and physical
activity. We will expand our adult
sports programme to provide
additional opportunities for people
to return to sport in a supportive
and social environment. This will
include a greater integration of
these classes with our wellbeing
programme. We are also excited to
deliver an expanded programme of
football activities in the build up to
Scotland’s participation in the Euro
2024 tournament.
403
Inspire Members
65
Registered Community Sport Hub
Clubs
Highlights
Over 1,000
Class attendances per week

Page 26

Making a
DIFFERENCE

Page 27

21
Weigh to Go
Steven is 65 and still loves football.
He joined KA Leisure’s Weigh to
Go programme, a partnership with
NHS Ayrshire and Arran, through
our Walking Football sessions. The
programme aims to help people
lose weight and improve their
health by providing exercise and
nutritional advice.
The Weigh to Go programme is
a 12-week weight management
course that helps you achieve
your health and fitness goals. The
programme combines physical
activity sessions, nutritional advice
and behavioural change techniques
to help participants lose weight and
keep it off. They are supported by a
qualified instructor who will tailor
the programme to their individual
needs and preferences. Those
enrolled also gain access to online
resources, group support and
motivational tips to help you stay on
track.
Steven says that joining the
programme has been beneficial for
his physical and mental wellbeing.
He says, “As you get older you feel a
need to look after yourself better.”
He appreciates the guidance from
the staff and the support from his
peers. He says, “You get to an age
where you think you know what’s
good for you but it’s great to get
that advice from someone who
actually knows.”
He also enjoys the social aspect
of the programme. He says, “The
camaraderie is important. I’ve
been involved in football since I
was a wee boy and the social side
was always important for me.
As you get older in life you don’t
always have the same number of
links that you once had. So since
joining the walking football and
this programme here it’s been
great meeting a group of guys who
have just accepted me in and it’s
just been important for my own
wellbeing. The group is a great link
to others, and I would recommend it
to anyone as they get older to help
avoid isolation and just improve
your wellbeing.”

Page 28

22
Having Fun and
Getting Fit
Jess had to undergo several
operations for a back condition,
something which affected her
mobility and quality of life. She
was referred to KA Leisure
and Active North Ayrshire by
her physiotherapists, who
recommended physical activity as
part of her recovery process.
Active North Ayrshire is a
programme that offers a range of
exercise classes, gym sessions,
swimming and other activities
for people with long-term health
conditions, disabilities or mental
health issues. The programme aims
to improve physical and mental
wellbeing, reduce social isolation
and promote healthy lifestyles.
Before joining the programme, Jess
had a consultation with a qualified
instructor, who assessed her fitness
level and helped her choose the
activities that suited her needs and
preferences. Jess decided to sign
up for the ANA membership, which
gave her unlimited access to all the
facilities and activities offered by KA
Leisure and Active North Ayrshire.
“I decided to sign up for the ANA
membership. It’s great value and
allows me to use the facilities
anytime, which has been beneficial
for my rehabilitation”, Jess says.
The ANA membership also enabled
Jess to connect with other people
who shared similar experiences and
challenges. She made new friends
and enjoyed the social aspect of the
programme. “Not only do I get to
improve my fitness every week, I
also get to meet lots of new people
and I’m not just stuck in the house.”
Jess has made remarkable progress
in her recovery and has noticed the
positive impact of being active on
her physical and mental health. “It’s
been absolutely wonderful! When
I first started coming along, I had
to bring my mum to help me get
changed as it was really difficult.
Now I just come by myself, I meet
everyone for the class and we have
a coffee afterwards. I just have
loads of fun and that’s what it’s all
about, having fun and getting fit.”
Habits for Life
Graham was feeling low and
unhealthy after being inactive for a
long time due to the pandemic. He
decided to take action and resume
his exercise routine, but he needed
some guidance and support.
That’s when he joined the Portal and
became one of its 3,500 members.
Here he found a welcoming and
friendly environment. He started to
use the gym regularly and also tried
out the Elevate Series of classes,
which are designed to challenge
and improve different aspects of
fitness. They are gym-based classes
which use a range of functional
movements from pushing, pulling,
bending, twisting, lunging and
squatting.
Graham enjoyed the variety and
intensity of the classes, which only
lasted 30 minutes each, but had a
lasting effect on his wellbeing. He
also appreciated the opportunity to
train with his son Mason, who joined
the Elevate Academy, a programme
for young people to develop their
physical and mental skills.
Graham said: “KA Leisure has made
a huge difference in my life. I feel
better mentally and physically, and I
have more energy and confidence. I
also love spending quality time with
my son and seeing him grow and
learn. KA Leisure has helped me
create good habits for life.”

Page 29

23
Life has Changed
for the Better
Hazel who is 49, suffers from a rare
genetic neurological condition that
affects her balance, coordination
and spacial awareness. She had to
retire from her job as a librarian in
North Ayrshire due to her health
problems, which also impacted her
mental wellbeing.
In 2021, she was referred to the Mind
and Be Active Programme by her
mental health nurse and community
link worker. The programme aims to
help people improve their physical
and mental health through exercise.
Hazel started with a consultation
and a personalised exercise plan
that suited her needs. She also
joined a falls prevention class that
taught her how to reduce the risk
of falling, how to cope if she did fall,
and how to boost her confidence.
Hazel was nervous at first, but she
soon felt encouraged and supported
by the staff and other participants.
She progressed to an advanced
class and tried the gym as well.
She now attends several classes
per week, including two aqua-
based ones. “I find these classes
challenging but I always feel my
mood is lifted afterwards.”
Hazel says that the programme has
helped her improve her strength,
balance and independence. She
no longer needs her walking stick
all the time and can walk into the
centre without it. She also enjoys
the social aspect of the classes and
feels happier after exercising.
Hazel’s life has changed for the
better since joining the programme.
“It’s been a hard journey from where
I’ve come. However, I’ve recently
become a gran for the first time.
I can do so much more with my
grandson, and I don’t think I could
have done this if I hadn’t come to
the classes. I honestly can’t thank
everybody from KA Leisure enough.
I will be forever grateful.”
ACTIVATOR
Saves the Day
The ACTIVATOR is our versatile,
mobile, physical activity and health
unit which provides a valuable
service of health checks and
lifestyle advice within the heart of
local communities.
During a community visit when
the ACTIVATOR was parked in the
car park at Auchenharvie Leisure
Centre, local retired GP Dr Gerry
Norton decided to get a health
check on his way to one of his
regular workouts:
“I use the gym at Auchenharvie
three times a week. In March I
was heading into the gym when
I noticed a mobile unit parked
outside. They were offering blood
pressure checks. I thought, why
not, and went in. My readings were
dangerously high, and I was advised
to contact my GP. I did exactly that
and was admitted to Crosshouse
Hospital that afternoon where the
high readings were confirmed. I
had multiple investigations and was
commenced on medication. My
readings are now within the normal
range. I am convinced that I would
have suffered a stroke or a heart
attack if the high readings had not
been discovered.”

Page 30

Transforming
Our Future
In the past year, we have
undertaken several developments
across the entire organisation to
remain successful, thriving and
financially sustainable.
A significant development has been
the introduction of a revised staffing
structure that aligns seamlessly
with our strategic priorities and
current business requirements.
We recognise that a flexible and
robust framework establishes
a strong base for cultivating an
innovative and engaging workforce
that possess the necessary
skills, and it is an area that we’re
committed to investing in.
Staff development is paramount,
and providing our team with the
skills and knowledge necessary to
deliver high-quality services and
programmes remains central to all
business decisions.
Furthermore, we’ve embraced
innovative approaches, crafting new
programmes that not only enhance
our commercial capability but also
amplify our impact on customers
and communities.
Know, Show, Go has also undergone
a refresh; our cultural employee
initiative encourages everyone
within the organisation to
embrace a culture of continuous
improvement. Shaped by input from
colleagues, the three principles and
seven behaviours of Know the Way,
Show the Way, Go the Way continue
to be integrated into every aspect
of our organisation. This emphasis
extends to cultivating the right
attitude and behaviours in all our
endeavours.
Journeying
Through Digital
Transformation
Digital transformation has emerged
as a crucial driving force within
our organisation, fundamentally
altering the way we interact with our
customers and provide services.
The ongoing enhancements to our
Customer Relations Management
System include the recent
integration of advanced 4 Global
technology. This integration allows
us to utilise our data effectively to
optimise health and social benefits.
This technological upgrade
positions us to amplify the positive
impact on individual wellbeing and
community health through more
refined and tailored services.
Utilising the insights gathered from
this system’s marketing intelligence
allows us to enhance our customer
experience and retention.
Additionally, it enables the creation
of targeted campaigns to effectively
boost membership sales.
Our system development has also
expanded into facility management
and operations with the recent
introduction of OpsPal and STITCH
at the end of 2023.
24
Fit for our
FUTURE

Page 31

OpsPal provides the tools
necessary to achieve
and maintain operational
excellence, including a
centralised location for all
operational documentation.
STITCH system for accident
and incident reporting offers a
straightforward and easy-to-
use process for recording and
managing all related data.
Marketing for
Tomorrow
At KA Leisure, our expansive
marketing strategy extends beyond
merely promoting our services and
venues. We centre our messaging
on the experience we can offer
and the positive impact on health
and wellbeing. Utilising various
platforms, we strive to connect
with our customers and partners
by emphasising the advantages of
being active and becoming a part
of the KA Leisure community. Our
aim is to showcase the diverse
opportunities accessible to
everyone in North Ayrshire and
highlight the positive influence it
can have on their lives.
In the upcoming year, we’re excited
to introduce a rejuvenated look and
style to our image and branding.
While our brand has enjoyed
success for over a decade, it no
longer entirely encapsulates the
breadth of our impact. Our offerings
are extremely diverse and inclusive,
catering to individuals pursuing
fitness, enjoyment, knowledge,
or transformation. We are keen to
unveil this under our revitalised
appearance.
Prioritising
Safety: Our
Commitment
to a Secure
Environment
The staff Health, Safety and
Wellbeing (HSW) forum was
relaunched in May 2023 with the
participation of employees from
different areas of the organisation.
The purpose of the forum is to
exchange ideas and insights on
how to enhance the HSW of both
employees and customers.
The objectives of the HSW forum
are:
To reinforce the essential
HSW principles to ensure
compliance.
To identify and mitigate
potential hazards and to
implement appropriate control
measures.
To improve communication
across the organisation which
will foster relationships and
collaboration.
To develop a HSW culture
that aligns with the employee
cultural programme Know,
Show, Go the Way.
ROSPA Awards
We achieved the ROSPA (Royal
Society for the Prevention of
Accidents) Gold Medal (nine
consecutive Golds) Award in 2023.
This is a remarkable achievement
by our team across the organisation
and we’re aiming for ten Golds in
2024.
25

Page 32

26
Established in September 2022,
North Ayrshire’s Health & Wellbeing
Alliance provides a multi-level
leadership body in the development
and delivery of the Local Outcome
Improvement Plan (2022-2030) for
North Ayrshire Community Planning
Partnership (NACPP).
Collaborating through the lens of
a whole systems approach, the
Alliance builds on the existing
efforts of partners across North
Ayrshire to develop the strategic
vision of the wellbeing agenda in
North Ayrshire.
Our radical approach presents
a real opportunity to reimagine
traditional leisure services to
deliver a greater health and
wellbeing impact. Utilising physical
activity as an intervention to
support public health, address and
manage health conditions, engage
with communities, and reduce
inequalities.
Doing Things
Differently
As we rethink traditional leisure
services, we recognise that our
plans are ambitious. There is
a real opportunity to mobilise
health and wellbeing solutions
through assets that already exist
in our communities and working
collaboratively to make the biggest
positive impact.
We believe that large-scale
meaningful change is possible
as our shared vision creates a
closer relationship between the
community, health and leisure, built
on social prescribing, co-location
of services and the delivery of
preventative activity opportunities.
On Friday 23 June 2023, colleagues
from a range of organisations
across North Ayrshire came
together in Irvine for an event to
launch the creation of the new
Alliance, followed by a series of
focus groups.
During this phase of engagement,
a variety of key themes emerged
to help shape conversation and
provide a framework for thinking.
REALISING  THE VISION
Understanding
what we already do,
learning from this and
celebrating where we
are.
Practice
Reflecting on
opportunities
for network and
partnership working.
Partnerships
Thinking about
people we support,
and their current life
experiences.
People
North Ayrshire Health & Wellbeing Alliance

Page 33

27
Making it Happen…
The Steering Group of the North
Ayrshire Wellbeing Alliance will
continue to provide clear leadership
and uphold accountability as we
progress.
We’re excited to enter the next
phase, recognising the abundance
of commendable work already
underway. Our mission, as we guide
the Alliance forward, is to contribute
value as partners by fostering
connections and generating energy.
Our goal is to amplify existing
initiatives, creating momentum for
increased activity and impact.
It was clear that there was broad enthusiasm to develop a simple shared model that can help shape the collective
work based on the following key principles:
Inclusivity Culture Imperfection Experimentation Resourcing Boldness
Exploring Wellbeing: Crafting Our Shared Wordcloud
Love
Contentment
Happiness
Purpose
Resilience
Relaxed
Play
Connected
Creativity FunPeace
Hope
Friendship
Authenticity
Balance
Healthy
Confidence
Belonging
Stability
Health
Thriving
Positivity
ValuedSpirituality
Activity
JoyActive
Safety
Peacefulness
Calm
ness Fitness
Family
Happiness and health
Connection
Thrive

Page 34

Our
PERFORMANCE

Page 35

The Company reports its Statutory
Performance Indicators (SPls) to
North Ayrshire Council every year
to assess its performance. Despite
the cost of living crisis, we have
achieved growth in both attendance
and memberships, demonstrating
the value the community places on
our leisure services.
We are pleased to report that our
attendance figures for 2023 have
risen by 10% compared to 2022.
This includes 296,415 visits to our
swimming pools. Our Learn to Swim
programme and our improved family
programme for public swimming
have contributed to the growing
popularity of our pools.
Indoor sports remain comparable
to previous years. Our Community
Sport Hubs and the Circuit
contribute to much of these
attendances due to the many sports
clubs, community groups and
organisations they host.
Outdoor sports are also encouraging
and include an increase in the
golf attendance recorded. As
golf remained available during
the various restricted periods of
the pandemic, it has successfully
attracted and retained many new
players to the sport.
The financial sustainability of the
organisation is heavily reliant on
the performance of its fitness
programme, which previously
contributed over £2 million
to the overall annual income.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic,
the number of members plummeted
from 9,600 to under 5,500. However,
due to programme developments
and the introduction of new
memberships such as the Active
North Ayrshire Membership and
E:Active Junior we have been able
to maintain steady growth and are
approaching pre-pandemic levels of
attendance.
29
2022 2023
Attendances per 1000 of
population 3237 3271
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
Indoor Attendances (SPI 2)
2022 2023
Attendances per 1000 of
population 1867 2123
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Outdoor Attendances (SPI 3)
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Average Monthly Subscribers
2020
2021
2022
2023
2022 2023
Attendances per 1000 of
population 1764 2150
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Swimming Pool
Attendances (SPI 1)

Page 36

30
Financial
INFORMATION
Budget 2024/25
2023/24 Budget 2024/25 Budget
Expenditure £ £
Employee Costs 6,635,594 6,450,142
Utility Costs (Gas, Electricity & Water) 1,679,118 1,679,118
Other Property Costs (excluding Utility costs) 496,650 513,950
Supplies & Services 487,389 556,089
Transport & Plant 31,600 35,600
Administration Costs 363,650 365,700
Payments to Other Bodies 159,442 257,200
Finance/Other Expenditure 441,232 486,745
Total Expenditure 10,294,675 10,344,544
Income
North Ayrshire Council 5,343,455 5,009,157
Other Income 4,965,194 5,345,387
Total Income 10,308,649 10,354,544
Surplus/(Deficit) 13,974 10,000
North Ayrshire Council
North Ayrshire Council contribution
has reduced in the year by £334,298.
This reduction in contribution
reflects the changes made to
employers pension contributions as
a result of the actuarial valuation.
This reduction is partly offset by the
budgeted pay award for the financial
year 2024/25. This is in addition to
North Ayrshire Council’s ongoing
contribution to support increased
energy costs.
Trading Income
Trading income for the organisation
is budgeted £380,193 higher in
2024/25 than in 2023/24. This
is projected to increase as the
organisation continues to grow and
expand programmes and events.

Page 37

31
n  Employee Costs  62%
n  Utility Costs (Gas, Electricity & Water) 16%
n  Other Property Costs (excluding Utilities)  5%
n  Supplies & Services  5%
n  Transport & Plant  1%
n  Administration Costs  3%
n  Payments to Other Bodies  3%
n  Finance/Other Expenditure  5%
The pie chart reveals the percentage breakdown of budgeted expenditure across KA Leisure for 2024/25. The
largest cost to KA Leisure is employee costs, which is 62% of the expenditure budget for the financial year.
The significant variances between
the 2023/24 budget to the 2024/25
budget are detailed below.
Employee Costs
Overall employee costs are
budgeted £185,452 lower than
2023/24. This is mainly attributed
to:
Pension Costs
As a result of the pension
actuarial valuation report KA
Leisure has been advised
that employer pension
contributions are to be
reduced. This is resulting in a
saving of £517,000.
Pay Award
The pay award for financial year
2024/25 has been budgeted at
an estimated increase of 3%.
This is an additional cost of
£182,702, which will be offset
by additional income from
North Ayrshire Council.
Post Amendments and
Incremental Factors
As the business is growing and
reshaping there has been a
number of amendments made
to the employee structure. In
order to facilitate the growth
of the Company additional
posts are required, combined
with pay increments due
to employees, these total
£148,846.
Utility Costs
Consistent with the rest of the UK,
energy prices continue to place
financial pressure on KA Leisure. 
Budgets for the financial year
2024/25 have remained the same
as the current financial year. At the
time of finalising the budgets the
energy contracts have yet to be
concluded. It is expected that prices
will remain constant or reduce
slightly in the year. In line with good
accounting principles, a prudent
approach has been assumed and
budgets have been retained at the
same level as the previous year.
Supplies and Services
Supplies and Services have
increased by £68,700 from the
previous financial year. This
is mainly due to general price
increases across the venues for
materials, pool chemicals and
equipment. There are also increased
budgets for resale goods which will
generate additional trading income.
Payments to Other
Bodies
The 2024/25 budget for payments
to other bodies has increased
by £97,758. This is mainly due to
inflationary pressures and increased
professional fees as a requirement
to ensure a smooth transition
through the restructuring and
embedding of the organisation.
Finance and Other
Expenditure
Finance and other expenditure
costs have increased by £45,513
from 2023/24. This is predominantly
due to increased irrecoverable VAT
costs.
Variances in
Budget 2024/25

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32
Closing thoughts
FROM THE CEO
KA Leisure has accomplished
numerous achievements over
the past year, and we take great
pride in highlighting them in this
Performance and Impact Report.
Within this document, we feature
significant outcomes and the
positive effects our services
have had on our customers and
communities.
We recognise that the landscape
is bleak for many leisure trusts in
Scotland - but we are encouraged
by the fact that we are defying this
trend with our solid partnerships,
commercial acumen and innovation
which have all contributed to our
continued financial recovery.
We take pride in striking a balance
between our imperative to generate
income and our unwavering
commitment to eliminating barriers
to participation. Our dedication
remains steadfast in enhancing
the overall wellbeing of our
communities. This is testament to
the collaborative efforts of our team
and their commitment to innovative
thinking.
In the face of challenges
encountered in 2023, our business
resolve proved instrumental in
navigating the energy crisis and
the escalating cost of living for our
customers. As we step into 2024,
we recognise the importance
of sustaining these skills to
effectively cope with ongoing
economic challenges. Nevertheless,
we remain committed to our
aspirations, aligning them with
our growth objectives by investing
in new opportunities to expand
and enhance our services for our
customers.
It is our privilege to provide an
extensive array of programmes
aimed at enriching the physical,
mental, and social wellbeing of
our communities. This invaluable
experience has played a crucial
role in the establishment of North
Ayrshire’s Health and Wellbeing
Alliance, and our collaborative
efforts across the last year have
actively shaped its future. We are
excited about undertaking the
process of leading our partners as
we bring this vision to life.

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Collaboratively, we will persist in
tackling inequalities to enhance
health and wellbeing for all
communities in North Ayrshire. The
Wellbeing Alliance is grounded in
a comprehensive whole systems
approach, reinforcing North
Ayrshire’s “No Wrong Door” ethos
for our communities by connecting
services and creating seamless
pathways for support. This
approach has notably influenced
our initiatives for young people,
encompassing programmes that
cater to both their physical and
mental wellbeing, providing valuable
support when they need it most.
Our staff teams are at the heart
of this journey and ensure our
continued success.  I continue to
be grateful for their commitment
and dedication to our work. The
development of our employee
cultural programme Know the
Way, Show the Way, Go the Way
has embedded key behaviours
which shape everything we do. The
insightful input from our employees
during consultation opportunities
has been pivotal in shaping
our culture and ensuring the
development of a workplace that
actively promotes staff wellbeing.
I would like to express my gratitude
for the invaluable support extended
by North Ayrshire Council. Their
collaboration and assistance have
been instrumental in our collective
efforts and achievements. We
appreciate the ongoing support
and look forward to continued
collaboration in our shared mission
for positive impact and progress.
We will continue to set the standard
in this sector, as we are committed
to crafting the roadmap for
improved community health and
wellbeing.
Personally, it has been great to be
home having been an Ayrshire lad
and spending time away for many
years. I am grateful to my team and
close partners for making my job so
rewarding and I assure you that we
have a lot more to accomplish!
33
Malcolm McPhail
Malcolm McPhail
CEO of KA Leisure
We are ambitious in our approach,
and our focus for 2024 remains
centred on:
Cultivating relationships to
encourage collaborative efforts
for greater impact
Maximising growth potential in
key business areas
Empowering vulnerable
and isolated groups to
actively participate in their
communities to improve their
wellbeing
Embracing digital
transformation
Fostering creative thinking
and embracing innovative
approaches
Delivering quality interventions
across a wide range of
programmes and services
Developing our Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs)
portfolio, enabling us to glean
valuable insights across
essential domains and align
our efforts with overarching
business goals

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Registered Office:
22 Quarry Road,
Irvine
KA12 0TH
01294 315120
info@kaleisure.com
WWW.KALEISURE.COM