AWARD winning charitable trust BPL has appointed Michael Hirst as its new Chief Executive.
Michael joined BPL in 2004 as a Marketing Manager and since then has seen the trust go from strength-to-strength.
BPL now operates 10 health and fitness facilities across Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Pontefract, including its flagship site Barnsley Metrodome.
Michael said: “It’s an absolute honour to be awarded this position and lead such a talented group of people.
“It’s been such a proud year for BPL. Winning the Marketing Campaign Award at the UK Active Awards and then two National Fitness Awards for Best Membership Campaign and Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year for our Your Space Mansfield site was fantastic.
“The past three years have been incredibly challenging for the leisure industry and the people who work in it.
“At BPL we’ve all helped each other through these challenges, which has enabled a quick return of customers, giving us the financial capacity to manage the incredible utility charges experienced this year.
“We’ve also used this time to hone our purpose, vision and values as we set out to become a force for good in our local communities.
“The health statistics of communities are shocking, and for the first time in 100 years, getting worse. Leisure Centres are vital if we are to reverse these trends, and BPL are up for the challenge.
“We already welcome hundreds of people a month onto our health referral schemes and we are developing innovative new products and services to attract more.
“Our centres are so fun, friendly and welcoming, and when people come to us, we know we can change their lives for the better.
“Community leisure charitable trusts are so important, as we’re not for profit and play such a valuable part in improving the wellbeing, health and fitness of our local communities.
“I’m very much looking forward to us building on the great work we’re already doing in our centres, forging stronger relationships with our key partners, and reaching out and helping even more local people. That’s why BPL is a force for good.”
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