Keeping ahead of the curve: why structured product review is critical to success in the physical activity sector

In this blog from ukactive Strategic Partner, Alliance Leisure, the organisation’s Director for Scotland, Jonny Curley, explains how innovation in the leisure sector can be supported through the introduction of a product steering group.

Innovation is a word we use frequently in the leisure sector. But in a market that continues to evolve at pace, shaped by shifting participation habits, rising operational pressures and changing community expectations, innovation alone is not enough. The real differentiator is how you evaluate it.

Staying ahead of the curve is not about chasing every emerging trend. It is about having the discipline, confidence and structure to assess what will genuinely add value commercially, operationally and socially, both now and in the years ahead.

Moving beyond reactive innovation

Across the sector, innovation can sometimes be reactive. A concept gains traction in the market, social media amplifies it and the pressure builds to follow suit. But leisure operators must balance commercial sustainability with inclusivity, long-term asset performance and community wellbeing outcomes. Not every trend translates, not every product has longevity and not every innovation aligns with the realities of public sector delivery.

That is why structured product review matters.

A Product Steering Group can be a great way for organisations within the leisure sector to identify and unite individuals with an interest in products and innovation, to ensure that innovation is explored with curiosity but evaluated with intent.   Product Steering Groups bring together expertise from design, operation, commercial development and delivery.

These groups can provide a consistent framework to assess new ideas against agreed criteria and ensure that when new concepts are introduced into new or existing facilities, they are aligned with wider strategic goals and grounded in operational reality.

A recent example of this approach is the evaluation of Reformer Pilates. While demand for Reformer Pilates equipment and classes has grown rapidly, the Product Steering Group at Alliance Leisure looked beyond its popularity to understand how it functions as a complete proposition and are now proudly working with Kore (formerly Sandwell Leisure Trust) and Tribute Brands to unlock access to Reformer Pilates in the public sector.

Key considerations when reviewing products

When reviewing new products, services or activity concepts, these should be challenged through several critical lenses:

• User experience and participation – Does this genuinely broaden appeal and attract new audiences?
• Commercial performance – What is the revenue potential? How does it affect throughput, staffing and lifecycle costs?
• Operational viability – What are the maintenance requirements, supplier support levels and training implications?
• Design and build impact – How does it influence space planning, building services and compliance?
• Inclusivity and accessibility – Who does this invite in and who might it unintentionally exclude?
• Sustainability and future adaptability – Will it remain relevant as participation trends evolve?

Ultimately, staying ahead of the curve within the leisure sector is about evaluation and mindset. It requires openness to new ideas, but also the courage to interrogate them. It requires balancing ambition with practicality. And above all, it requires a clear focus on outcomes.

To learn more about Alliance Leisure, click here.

Alliance Leisure is a member of the ukactive Strategic Partner Group – find out more here.

Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ukactive.