HORIZON Leisure, which operates Havant leisure Centre and Waterlooville Leisure Centre, was crowned Community Business of the Year at the Portsmouth Business Awards.
The annual event held at the Portsmouth Guildhall, now is in its 24th year, recognises the success of local businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. The Community Business award required companies to demonstrate their commitment to supporting their local community, with expert judges looking for clear proof and evidence.
Mike Lyons, CEO of Horizon Leisure, said: “It was a true privilege to receive this award. It’s fantastic to see our teams efforts being recognised, and winning Community Business of the Year against some tough competition is a considerable achievement.
“As a charitable organisation, any surplus made by Horizon Leisure is reinvested back into our services, which create inclusive, affordable health and wellbeing initiatives for the people in the local community.”
Horizon Leisure was recognised for being a trailblazer for its community, with its wide range of neighbourhood-led initiatives, including its unique drop-in Wellness Hub in Havant’s shopping mall, which now has SurgeryPod taking blood pressure readings that feed directly back to local GP’s.
The charity contributed £3.7million in social value last year, quantifying its non-market economic, social and environmental impact. That represents more than £100 for every single customer, positively influencing everything from their physical and mental health to their life satisfaction, as well as reducing crime rates for young males in the area.
The past year also witnessed a 31 per cent surge in memberships, a 26 per cent rise in group exercise attendance, and a year-on-year increase of 25 per cent in gym visits.