Registered charity and social enterprise BH Live has been awarded the prestigious ‘Leisure Business of the Year’ in this year’s Portsmouth News’s Business Excellence Awards.
Last night (27 March 2025), the Portsmouth News Business Excellence Awards celebrated businesses and individuals from the city and surrounding areas who have shown exceptional growth, innovation, and made an outstanding contribution to the community.
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise was praised for its commitment to actively improving the health and wellbeing of residents in Portsmouth and beyond.
The judges of this year’s Portsmouth News Business Excellence Awards said;
“BH Live has transformed the leisure provision across the city and have immersed themselves in hard to reach areas of the community to provide help to those most in need.”
On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development, explains;
As a registered charity and social enterprise, we operate leisure centres, sports facilities and attractions across the city in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. These include Charter Community Sports Centre, Portsmouth Tennis & Gymnastics Centre, the Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Pyramids Centre, Exploria, and Wimbledon Park Sports Centre. We also run Portsmouth Interaction; a service dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health conditions. These facilities are community hubs, enjoyed by residents and visitors as well as local and national community groups, clubs, schools, sporting and professional organisations.
“Across the last twelve months, we’ve welcomed more than one million leisure attendances which is a phenomenal achievement. Furthermore, this has generated more than £20million in social value across the communities we serve in Hampshire and Dorset.
He adds;
“Regular physical activity is proven to actively reduce pressures on local and national health services. Our health and wellbeing initiatives play a key part in this, encouraging more individuals with long-term health conditions or illnesses to participate in physical activity. As well as tailored 1:1 sessions, we deliver group classes for individuals diagnosed with a range of health conditions, including cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, and COPD. These classes are offered in an inclusive format, enabling visitors to socialise with others experiencing the same physical, emotional, and mental impact of their illness or condition.
“Through partnership working, health and wellbeing initiatives, activity programmes, concessionary schemes and enhanced sport and leisure facilities, we are enabling hundreds of thousands of people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to be more active for better health and wellbeing.”
He explains more about BH Live’s work and how they make an impact in the city,
“What makes our services different is that we provide so much more than gyms, classes and pools. Our services are broad, and they reach deep into the community to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“Our exercise referral scheme provides a bespoke and discounted programme of activities in conjunction with local health providers. We ended 2024 with 850 exercise referral members, an astounding growth of 111% compared to 2023. Furthermore, we delivered more than 2,500 exercise referral appointments, assisting hundreds of people through assessments, programmes, tailored sessions, and check-up appointments.
“To enable citywide participation, we continue to break down economic barriers to physical activity by offering concessions and discounts for people on low income. Residents who receive selected benefits are eligible to apply for our Access scheme, offering significantly discounted BH Live Active memberships. Portsmouth Leisure Card holders can also receive up to 40% off our pay-as-you-go sport and recreational activities, while public swimming sessions remain free for children aged 0-11 when accompanied by a paying adult.
“Being a coastal city, water safety and skills remain a priority. Last year we helped more than 2,000 people learn to swim through our swimming academy, delivering 180 hours of swimming lessons each week. In addition, we partner with more than 23 local schools to deliver swimming lessons in accordance with the national curriculum, ensuring more young people across the South Coast have the confidence and support to develop this life-saving and lifelong skill.
“At Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, a record-breaking 280 preschoolers attended classes every week across spring 2024. More than 1,500 gymnasts regularly use the facilities, attending a broad and varied class programme that accommodates tots, juniors, and adults. Dedicated and structured SEN sessions also help the development of young people with additional needs who are looking to try the sport.
“In addition, Portsmouth Tennis Centre exceeded more than 90% occupancy across 2024 thanks to the provision of high-quality coaching; sports camps; increased community engagement through free open days; and our in-house friendly competitions. Our Aces Tennis Academy encourages young people to engage with tennis and develop their skills on a structured pathway. Funded tennis sessions at more than 10 local schools are introducing more young people to the sport.
“We also delivered specially tailored tennis sessions in partnership with local charities and community groups including DS Active, a charity supporting individuals with Downs Syndrome; Headway, a foundation assisting individuals recovering from severe brain injuries, and many more. Portsmouth Tennis Centre was the LTA Tennis Awards 2023 Hampshire & Isle of Wight winner in the ‘Tennis For All Category’ in recognition of bringing tennis to more under-represented groups and communities throughout the city – a fantastic achievement.
“Attractions form a key part of our junior activity programme too. Last year, to inspire more young people to be active, BH Live invested more than £100,000 into new junior attractions across Dorset and Hampshire. These include AquaDash!, a huge pool-based obstacle course at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre, and Ninjair, a party inflatable at Charter Community Sports Centre. These have all proven extremely popular with thousands of attendances and have successfully drawn more young people and families into their local leisure centre.
“Last year, Exploria – Portsmouth’s largest play and bounce centre – celebrated some significant milestones too. Since its launch in 2021, the attraction has continued to grow its annual attendance figures year-on-year. As well as celebrating its third birthday, Exploria has hosted more than three thousand birthday parties and welcomed more than a quarter of a million attendances. SEN sessions and sensory room activities are delivered every week to make the centre more accessible for young people with additional needs. Thanks to a recent investment from Portsmouth City Council, an additional sensory room has recently opened to extend its appeal.
“Large-scale events are regularly held at our centres too. Sporting events, family celebrations, conferences and exhibitions, trade shows, and festivals attract thousands of attendees. These bring vital footfall to the centre, as well as to local restaurants, bars, hotels, transport, and other businesses across the city. Notable affairs held at our centres last year include ukactive’s South-East Member Networking event, Portsmouth Tattoo Fest, Portsmouth Vegan Fest, Comic Con, careers and apprenticeship fairs, and much more.
“Keeping Portsmouth on the map for sporting excellence, the city’s sports facilities are popular for local, regional, and national competitions. Last year, we hosted more than 20 competitive swimming galas for groups such as Portsmouth Northsea Swimming Club, the Hampshire County Swimming Championships, and Military Preparation College. In addition, Racing Club Omega, Portsmouth North End Cycling Club, Hampshire Athletics, the FA (Football Association) are just some of the other organisations that regularly use the city’s facilities for training and events.”
Rob concludes;
“We are very proud to deliver leisure services, activities, and health and wellbeing programmes to inspire more people across Portsmouth to be active.
“Looking forward, our talented team remains committed to growing leisure attendances even more by inspiring more residents of all ages and abilities to get active. Continued investment into the city’s sport and leisure facilities; growing our activity programmes; and developing partnerships with local and national community groups, schools and orgasnisations will enable us to do this.
“To be awarded Leisure Business of the Year is a fantastic achievement, and I would like to extend my thanks to our hard working and dedicated teams, our partners and customers who all help us to make a positive difference to communities and residents across the city.”
On behalf of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport said:
“We have a strong partnership with BH Live to operate a variety of sports and leisure facilities across the city which are so important for the health and happiness of our residents.
“We are delighted BH Live has been recognised for their impact in the city, and they are congratulated for their diverse activity programme, continued investment in our sports and leisure facilities, hard work and ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for local people to enjoy better health and wellbeing in our community.”
For more information about the leisure centres and sports facilities BH Live manages, visit bhliveactive.org.uk.
ENDS
About BH Live
BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues – a registered charity and social enterprise.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
Our organisational and charitable purpose is to generate:
- More participation – through the provision of leisure facilities to encourage active communities, improved health, and well-being
- Higher audiences – through the provision of a diverse range of cultural and artistic events that appeal to a wide audience
- Greater economic and social benefit – through hosting major conferences, exhibitions, and events for the benefit of the local, regional, and international economies and people
Working with support from our partners we pursue our social objectives in a financially sustainable way.
We manage a diverse portfolio of venues and facilities, with millions of visits per year. Our geographical reach spans across 15 venues and attractions across the Bournemouth (BCP) and Portsmouth conurbations, together with Fairfield Halls in Croydon.
We operate in various market sectors, including sport and leisure, entertainment, conferences and exhibitions, hospitality, and catering services. Whilst each has its market focus, they have much in common and much to share.
Charitable activities are delivered by BH Live, with trading activities being delivered by BH Live Enterprises Limited (any surplus made by the trading subsidiary is gift aided in full to the charity).
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us: LinkedIn and X @BHLIVE_UK | Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive | Instagram @bhliveuk
These leisure centres are owned by Portsmouth City Council and run by registered charity BH Live.
Mountbatten Leisure Centre – Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large well equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. Dedicated training areas have lots of cardio kit to choose from, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more. With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, group cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.
Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and an eight-court sports hall where multi-sport activities and events are held throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non members a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
There is free customer parking for up to four hours seven days a week with accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten
Get social with us: X & Facebook @mountbattenlc | Instagram @bhliveactive
Pyramids Centre – BH Live Active, Pyramids is situated in Southsea overlooking the beach and Solent. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. The centre has state-of-the-art Technogym fitness equipment in an airy spacious gym with a wide range of functional fitness, strength and cardio activities. There is a dedicated assessment area for those who are new to exercise complete with fitness tracking technology to help set activity goals.
Pyramids has four activity studios. The Glasshouse and Solent each have stunning seaviews. There is also the region’s only dedicated HIIT studio running circuits style HIT classes and a Technogym Group cycle studio. Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Group Cycling, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Yoga, Pilates and classes as part of the Les MillsTM programme including BodyPump, BodyCombat and Core.
As part of BH Live Active’s multisite membership, members can also use the gym, pools and classes at Mountbatten and Charter.
Next to Pyramids is a public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces. Up to 90 minutes of free parking is available for customers attending the gym or a class – ask or register in centre. There is also free roadside parking along Clarance Esplanade after 6pm. This car park adjacent to Pyramids is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/pyramids
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @Pyramids.Centre
Exploria – Exploria at Pyramids in Southsea opened in 2021. It is Portsmouth’s largest indoor soft play and bounce attraction. With a range of exciting experiences, Exploria stimulates play for children aged 6 months and upwards. A tantalising sense of wonder and extreme fun across three connected worlds gives children plenty of action to amaze and delight. Everything, from floor to ceiling, evokes a sense of mystery with lots of jumps, leaps and thrills. All safely rightsized to inspire juniors, toddlers and babies alike.
The bounce zone is great for burning off tons of energy. The diving tower with air bag is perfect for the bravest of explorers. There are interactive games, themed slides. agility parkour, battle beams and foam pits too. Our play zone features ball pits, spider’s web and cargo climbing, a rope bridge skywalk, bash bags, tunnels, rollers, beams plus a dodge ball shoot out. And the baby and toddler zone has all things Exploria, but downsized for little ones of preschool age. There are quieter SEN play and bounce sessions plus two dedicated sensory rooms with stimulating lights, sound and touch. Four themed party rooms based on Volcanos, an underwater world, Mayan Ruins and Egyptian tomb – great for celebrating special occasions and birthdays, A dedicated Exploria café serves delicious snacks, light bites and drinks. And there’s toilets, accessible facilities, baby change, lockers, and a buggy park too. Exploria can accommodate school group bookings too – a great way to reward a class or year group.
For more and to book online visit exploria.org.uk
Get social with us on Facebook & Instagram @exploriauk
Exploria is located at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ST.
There is a pay and display public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces. This car park is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
“Great fun, good place to go with family and kids. nice, clean, friendly. I recommend this place for families and kids.”
Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre – Located in Hilsea, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre and next to Mountbatten, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is one the leading gymnastics facilities in the country.
A purpose-built gymnastics training facility provides young people and adults the opportunity to develop to a competition level with an artistic and acrobatic gymnastics club programme.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/gymnastics-centre
Get social with us:
Facebook @PortsmouthGymnasticsCentre | X & Instagram @bhliveactive
Portsmouth Tennis Centre – Situated in the north of Portsmouth (Hilsea) next to Mountbatten. Portsmouth Tennis Centre consists of four indoor courts and six floodlit outdoor courts.
There is a comprehensive coaching programme caters for all ages and abilities. Sessions are available for tots, juniors, adults and also includes variations of the sport such as cardio tennis and touch tennis.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/tennis-centre
Get social with us:
X @PortsTennis | Facebook @PortsmouthTC | Instagram @PortsmouthTennisCentre
Wimbledon Park Sports Centre – Located a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre has a large sports hall with access to activities such as badminton and indoor sports.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/wimbledon-park
Get social with us:
Facebook @WimbledonParkSportsCentre | X & Instagram @bhliveactive
Charter Community Sports Centre – Located in Portsmouth’s busy university district, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Charter Community Sports Centre offers access to swimming, gym, group exercise classes and sports hall activities. There is also an outdoor multi-use games area.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/charter
Get social with us: Facebook @CharterCommunitySC | X & Instagram @bhliveactive