A fast growing sector

The UK leisure market was valued at £117bn by Deloitte in 2017, which accounts for 7.4% of GDP and has grown 5% annually since 2010.

Today, leisure is attracting one and a half times more discretionary spend than retail, and the sector is growing twice as fast, with Brits forecast to spend £129 billion on leisure activities this year, a 17% increase compared to five years ago.

The demand for experience-led concepts

According to the annual analysis of UK consumer spending by Barclaycard, consumer appetite to spend on the ‘experience economy’ was a continued trend throughout 2017 and the demand for more blended experience-led concepts continues to grow.

In the UK there is a real need for Leisure Centres and Adventure Parks offering a good selection of less traditional, experience led, indoor activities in good locations with ample parking and quality catering. Consumer demand has been reflected in a resurgence in sports and leisure facilities, and new opportunities for activities such as Crazy Golf, Laser Combat, High Wire, Zip Wires, Trampolining, etc.

Opportunities for growth and expansion

The Leisure industry in the UK, and indeed globally, is at an exciting point with incredible opportunities for growth and expansion. The market is predicted to grow exponentially and people in the UK are expected to spend £141 billion by 2022. The Directors of HIP Plc believe that a strategy focused on acquiring sites that allow for purpose built, multi-activity, indoor venues, will build competitive advantage and sustainable value.