Stockport’s Life Leisure is celebrating after winning three national awards in just two days, recognising the organisation’s approach to business, and the quality of its staff and facilities.

The not-for-profit charitable trust – which manages 12 sports and leisure facilities in and around Stockport and employs over 500 people – was named Medium-Sized Employer of the Year in the 2017 UKActive Training awards for its ‘clear and innovative approach to staff engagement and personal development’.

Fitness instructor Danny Drayson picked up the Outstanding Individual of the Year gong at the Active Training Awards, run by industry body UKActive.

Completing the provider’s trio of wins, Life Leisure’s Houldsworth Village in Reddish was named Regional Gym of the Year North at the National Fitness Awards.

Life Leisure CEO Malcolm McPhail said: “I’m a firm believer in the power of people.

“Our ultimate aim as a leisure and fitness provider is to help members of the public access and enjoy activity and the best way for us to achieve that is to invest in a great team and give them all the support they need to excel in their roles.”

Danny, 34, who joined via the Motivator scheme, caught the judges’ attention for a remarkable story that has seen the father-of-two overcome long-term unemployment to become one of Life Leisure’s most popular coaches, with both the trainees he now manages and the members he works with.

Danny has also taken on the role as ambassador, championing the life-changing impact of physical activity to local community groups and organisations.

Houldsworth Village had to undergo a rigorous assessment process, which involved a site visit by a member of the awards’ team who toured the facility, chatted to members and staff and examined all areas of the business from member retention to customer service.

Judges commented that Houldsworth Village won the award ‘as the sheer amount of quality shone through in the centre and team’s approach to cover all bases’, and that making such high-quality equipment available to all through a wide and range of inclusive programmes ‘really gives the place a feeling of a gym with a heart’.

It is the second major national award win this year for Houldsworth Village following on from the UKActive Flame award in June.

Previously a disused warehouse in an area previously without any fitness provision, the centre has become a vital hub with facilities – including a gym, studios and indoor five-a-side with an extensive range of classes and activities – all widely used by the local community.

Houldsworth Village’s strong partnership with British Weight Lifting (BWL) has also seen the facility named a Regional Centre of Excellence for the sport.

One of three national BWL centres and home to weight-lifting club Spartans, Houldsworth is now a blueprint for other training facilities around the country. Many Paralympians and regional level lifters use the facility as a base.

Malcolm added: “It’s fantastic that in winning these national awards, we are doing our bit to put Stockport – and indeed the north west – on the map in terms of commitment to physical activity and fitness provision. As a region we really are doing great things so it’s great to fly that flag.”