Supporting Local Authorities, Operators and organisations to ‘Pivot’ from Leisure to an Active Wellbeing Service
Creating integrated health pathways, underpinned by robust, efficient and effective operations.
Andy King & Associates focuses on the intersection of place-based working, adopting a whole systems approach, and the pivot to active wellbeing. We have an enviable track record supporting the development of more inclusive leisure and wellbeing services that effectively support preventative health, the management of long term conditions and contribute to addressing inequalities.
About AKAC
Welcome, I am Andy King, and I am passionate about how leisure can contribute to improving population health at scale by adopting a whole systems, place-based approach underpinned by commercially strong yet empathetic, customer focussed services. After a career that included leading four leisure and cultural trusts; being the northern regional director for the largest public sector leisure operator as well as previously being a national director for Serco Leisure, leading leisure organisations is in my blood. I have turned around many operations and built strong relationships with colleagues from host Authorities as some of my testimonial’s attest. I proudly Chair GM Active, a collaboration of twelve leisure operators operating 99 leisure facilities and much more, and have been heavily involved in the Local Pilot in Greater Manchester alongside GM Moving colleagues, and have been referred to as the ‘architect of the pivot to active wellbeing’ in Greater Manchester that has influenced much of the shift across the country.
And over recent years I have not only learned how to lead effectively to deliver a high performing leisure and cultural service, I have also developed an insight into how leisure can contribute to what some term an ‘Active Wellbeing’ service. So, in 2023 I decided to step away from leading single organisations and to work alongside others who had a desire to revitalise their leisure services and accelerate their progress.
‘My purpose is to utilise my experience, skills and insights to help any organisation, council or individual, understand what it takes to create a new service – one that will contribute effectively to population health and address inequalities.’
The Challenge
- Increasing demands on resources due to the associated adverse effect on health and wellbeing because of rising physical inactivity levels, an ageing population and poor diets.
- Increasing costs of leisure and community facility operation, combined with ageing assets and the need to reduce carbon emissions.
The Opportunity
- The adoption of a place-based approach that combines a strong commercial operation with a focus on prevention and the management of long-term conditions, through physical activity.
- Creating community wellbeing hubs from leisure centres, integrating services and developing the workforce effectively.
The Enablers
- Creation of a locality led common purpose, vision and values
- Creating the conditions across a place (town, city, region)
- System Leadership and behaviours required to lead across a system
- Workforce development to enable health related synergies
- Knowledge of the existing system (mapping)
The AKAC Difference
Andy King Associates (AKA) offers an end-to-end service from strategy development/ production into business planning and action, including the leadership and people development support with necessary tools/ resources.
Proven Expertise in Transformation
Decades of experience in leisure transformation, system leadership, and place-based approaches, with insights from health, NHS, operations, and leisure.
Insight-Driven Diagnostics
A unique, cost-effective Pivot to Active Wellbeing diagnostic tool to assess and enhance current leisure services. Learn more.
Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement
We go beyond consultation, working closely with stakeholders to deeply understand challenges and co-create effective solutions.
A Flexible, Open-Minded Approach
No assumptions about existing facilities—every strategy is tailored to fit the unique needs and opportunities of each place.
Practical Guidance & Mentorship
Hands-on advice and coaching to help leaders run efficient, effective, and sustainable leisure and wellbeing services.
A Broader Vision for Wellbeing
Co-creating health and wellbeing strategies that integrate leisure, green and blue spaces, NHS, Public Health, and social care.
Gallup Strengths Coaching
After inviting a Gallup Strengths Coach to help me develop my Senior Team a few years back, then being so impressed I expanded to the workforce generally, I decided in 2023 to become certified as a Gallup CliftonStrengths® Coach as part of my collaborative work with Ken Masser and Miova.
The power of understanding your strengths and harnessing them, both as an individual and as a Team, is transformative. When an organisation is seeking to ‘pivot’ and build on what it already does well but needs to do more of it and go deeper, faster then this approach is particularly powerful.
Feel free to read my own personal Gallup CliftonStrengths® report here, so you can see what depth these reports go in to. But remember, as interesting as the insight these reports give you, the real impact comes from the coaching that follows the report, so you can harness your strengths proactively and learn how to get the best out of yourself and your colleagues.
Trusted by Leaders & Organisations
Over the last few Years at Future Fit, our conversations with Local Authority leisure operators have started to turn more and more towards how they can “Pivot to Wellbeing”. To that end, we needed to find an expert who could guide us and work with us on the intricacies of helping organisations to make this happen. That expert was Andy. His lived experience of Pivoting to Wellbeing in the Greater Manchester Area with GM Active, and his ability to understand what organisations need to do to fund and get a return on investment through the Pivot makes him unique in this ever-evolving landscape. If you’re looking to “Pivot”, I can’t think of anyone better to help you on your journey.
Rob Johnson
CEO, Future Fit Group
Andy is one of the leading architects of the Pivot to Active Wellbeing within GM and nationally. Having worked with him over several years, SLC and our local authority clients really value his broad and deep sector experience, track record and leadership. Andy provides leaders and organisations with confidence and clarity on how to design, position and implement sustainable change. One of the things we value the most is how Andy works with people and his ability to complement multidisciplinary teams. Humble, insightful and personable. His drive and passion for improving wider population health comes through with an authenticity and credibility that is unrivalled.
Duncan Wood-Allum
Managing Director, SLC
It’s been my pleasure to have known and worked with Andy for fifteen years; his clear vision, energy, and commitment to improving peoples’ lives has been consistently impressive. Andy brings to life a vision for active wellbeing integrated with other public services to reduce system demand through positive mental and physical health outcomes. His first-class communication and engagement skills raise the game of those he works with.
Jason Gooding
Director of Neighbourhood Services, Wirral Council
Through Andy's support and guidance I have evolved as a leader and have a newfound confidence which has led to an improved team culture, commercial growth and operational success. Andy's passion for our sector's pivot to wellbeing is inspiring, he is a driving force in the movement and a real advocate for positive change which is backed up by his impact within GM. He has connected me with appropriate people in the sector and has gone above and beyond to assist me. I absolutely recommend anyone seeking to improve their organisation to reach out to Andy. My only regret is that I didn't find him sooner.
Nick Price
General Manager, GLL
Andy has been a valued member of GM Moving Partnership Board for the last five years as part of his GM Active Chair responsibilities. He builds trusted relationships, always comes from an appreciative and strengths-based perspective, with plenty of challenge and stretch too. I appreciate Andy’s open, curious and collaborative spirit. I have particularly valued the space he has created with his podcasts - enabling people around the country to hear different perspectives and voices, spotting patterns and drawing out important questions for us all. In Andy’s presence, I always laugh and learn.
Hayley Lever
CEO, GM Moving
Had an insightful Clifton Strengths coaching session with Andy King! His ability to identify my Clifton Strengths and, crucially, the potential blind spots associated with them was really valuable. Knowing this, Andy recommended the book "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott. I've started it and it's one that I can't put down. Appreciate your time Andy!
Phillip Holden
Head of Operations and Development, Rossendale Leisure Trust
When I wanted someone to create a health group that would help my company delve deeper into the ways the sector was working with health, and what the implications might be for us, I turned to Andy who has been leading on this aspect with GM Active and through his other roles, for some time. He has done a fantastic job bringing people together and chairing our health group that is now moving into it’s second year and the knowledge we are gaining is proving fascinating and invaluable.
Sarah Watts
CEO, Alliance Leisure
