CHAMPIONS! Waterlooville and Havant Leisure Centres Crowned Best Large Business in Region

WATERLOOVILLE has a new champion — and this one didn't need a trophy cabinet to prove their worth.

Horizon Leisure, the charitable trust that operates both Waterlooville Leisure Centre and Havant Leisure Centre, has been crowned Large Business of the Year at the prestigious Portsmouth Business Awards.

The glittering ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall saw local businesses battle it out for the region's most coveted business accolades. But when the Large Business category was announced, it was the team behind our town's leisure facilities who took home the prize.

The Numbers That Won It

Forget participation trophies. Horizon Leisure earned this one with cold, hard results that would make any business owner green with envy.

Over the past year, the trust recorded a staggering 1,251,534 visits across their facilities — that's more than 1.25 MILLION people walking through the doors at Waterlooville and Havant. Even more impressive? Usage grew by 6.5% year on year while many leisure operators struggle to maintain footfall.

Customer satisfaction hit an all-time high, with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60 — more than double the public sector industry average of just 28. For those unfamiliar with NPS, anything above 50 is considered excellent. Horizon smashed it.

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It was a true privilege to receive this award. It's fantastic to see our team's efforts being recognised, and winning Large Business of the Year against some tough competition is a considerable achievement.

£8.1 Million In Social Value

But here's where the story gets really interesting for local residents.

Last year, Horizon Leisure generated £8.1 MILLION in social value for the community. That's not revenue — that's the measurable positive impact on everything from physical health to mental wellbeing and overall life satisfaction.

Broken down, that equates to £285 per member at Havant Leisure Centre and £325 per member at Waterlooville Leisure Centre. In other words, if you're a member, you're getting far more than just a gym pass.

And people know it. A remarkable 96% of members choose to stay with Horizon each month — one of the highest retention rates in the entire leisure industry.

More Than Just A Gym

What sets Horizon apart from the budget chains and faceless fitness factories? According to their CEO, it's all about the human touch.

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At Horizon Leisure we focus on the human side of wellbeing. Our team takes the time to understand what motivates each member and helps them set realistic goals so they can build lasting habits.

Lyons continued: "It's about much more than providing a place to exercise — it's about supporting people to stay active, improve their health and feel part of their community. Our aim is simple: to help our local residents live healthier, happier and longer lives."

A Charitable Trust Making A Difference

Unlike commercial gym chains where profits go to shareholders, Horizon Leisure operates as a charitable trust. This means any surplus gets reinvested back into facilities and the community.

Operating since 1997, the trust has grown to include centres in Waterlooville, Havant and Guildford. But their roots remain firmly planted in the local community.

The Portsmouth Business Awards win comes at a time when many leisure operators are struggling with rising energy costs and changing consumer habits. Horizon's success shows that focusing on genuine customer care and community impact can still win the day.

What This Means For Waterlooville

For residents of Waterlooville and Havant, the award is recognition of something many already knew — we've got something special on our doorstep.

While some towns battle to keep their leisure facilities open, ours are thriving. Growing. Winning awards.

The Large Business of the Year award required companies to demonstrate a clear growth strategy, operational success, and commitment to customer service. Horizon Leisure ticked every box — and then some.

So next time you're debating whether to renew that gym membership or try a new fitness class, remember: you're not just supporting a business. You're supporting an award-winning charitable trust that's genuinely making Waterlooville a healthier, happier place to live.

Champions indeed.