Industry body ukactive has launched an Independent Operators' Steering Group, catering for members who run independently-owned sites or a small number of locations, as part of a bid to become more representative of the sector.

The group will be made up of organisations from different areas of the sector and will meet quarterly using video conferencing, to encourage operators from all over the UK to get involved.

It will focus on representing the independent operators within the ukactive membership base, fostering a "positive working relationship across the sector".

It will also be tasked with encouraging collaboration across the independent landscape, Identifying risks and providing visibility of wider conversations and relationships.

“ukactive has been working hard with our members, and on behalf of our members, in talks with the government about reopening the sector," said Steven Scales, director of client services at ukactive.

“As a membership organisation, the views of our members direct what we do, and that is why we are always looking for ways to make sure every part of our industry is heard.

“Through the Independent Operators Steering Group, we will strengthen our offering for all of the independent fitness operators out there.”