CREATING VALUE

Secondary spend and maximising passive income were among the topics discussed in detail at this year’s active-net Scotland event

The picturesque Crieff Hydro played host to active-net Scotland 2025, a one-day networking event designed exclusively for the fitness and leisure sector. Known for its highly focused format, active-net once again delivered a unique opportunity for buyers and suppliers to connect through a combination of seminars, structured meetings and informal networking. Bringing together decision-makers from across Scotland’s leading leisure organisations, including Edinburgh Leisure, Inverclyde Leisure, New College Lancashire and University of Glasgow Sport, the event provided suppliers with direct access to those who shape the industry. Companies such as [HireBOB.ai](https://hirebob.ai/), Taylor Made Designs, Future Fit for Business and The ASA showcased innovative products and services designed to help operators enhance performance, efficiency, and customer experience. The day began with a Keynote Panel chaired by David Monkhouse, which set the tone for the event. The discussion centred on the crucial theme of “Generating recurring income and secondary spend”, a topic increasingly vital for leisure operators navigating financial pressures and evolving customer expectations. Panel contributors included Active Insight’s Julie Allen, CIMSPA’s Megan Richardson, ukactive’s Claire Place, The Scottish Leisure Network Group’s Alan Cunningham and Community Leisure UK’s Kirsty Cumming. Each brought their own perspective on sustainable growth and diversification ofincome streams, providing delegates with both inspiration and practical takeaways.

From there, attendees split into two parallel workshops, each designed to dig deeper into the themes of the keynote. The first, also led by David Monkhouse alongside James Taylor (Taylor Made Designs) and Ross Black (Sportmax), focused on “Passive income and secondary sales”. Delegates explored innovative approaches to driving revenue that enhance the member experience.

Running alongside this was a session chaired by Julie Allen on “Data and insight to inform passive income and secondary sales”. This workshop, supported by Claire Place of ukactive and Inverclyde Leisure’s Robert McVitie, highlighted the increasing role of data in shaping customer engagement and improving decision-making.

After a morning of learning, delegates embarked on what makes active-net truly distinctive, a schedule of one-to-one meetings between buyers and suppliers. These pre-arranged conversations allowed suppliers to showcase solutions tailored to the exact needs of operators, while buyers gained access to new ideas and partnerships with minimal time wasted…it is effectively business speed dating! The quality of discussion and the efficiency of the format continue to set active-net apart from other networking events.

The quality of discussion and the efficiency of the format continue to set active-net apart from other networking events

The day concluded with a relaxed open networking session, followed by an always lively group exercise class, a fitting way to end the event. Delegates then enjoyed an evening meal and overnight accommodation, ensuring plenty of opportunity to strengthen the new connections made throughout the day.

After a strong mix of education, structured meetings and informal networking, delegates left with actionable insights, valuable contacts and fresh opportunities to enhance their organisations. Attention now turns to upcoming events, active-net Open Water at Holme Pierrepont Nottingham on 15th October, and active-net Padel (North) at Bolton Arena on 3rd [December. To find out more visit active-net.org.](https://www.active-net.org/)