What We Do

Our expertise

About Us

Mark Steward founded Max Associates in November 2000, to deliver high quality consultancy and project management services across the sport, leisure and cultural sectors.  Mark worked across a variety of London, District, Borough and Unitary Authorities and was at the forefront of investigating and demonstrating the social, economic and community benefits of sport, leisure and cultural provision.

Operating for over 20 years the company has gone from strength to strength. Offering excellent professional advice and support is still at the heart of what we do.

We are a market leader in strategic outcome planning models, feasibility studies, alternative management options and sport and leisure procurement. Delivering both consultancy and project management, we have extensive experience across the sport, leisure and cultural sectors.  

Our consultants have worked for local authorities, leisure contractors and charitable organisations and therefore have a unique knowledge of all aspects of sport, leisure and cultural services. Most recently Max Associates has been a key provider of specialist consultancy services to 29 Local Authorities on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on leisure services and management contracts and the recovery period. 

Our expertise includes:

Strategic Outcomes Planning Models
Facility Strategies
Management Options Appraisals
Leisure and Cultural Services Procurement
Business and Financial Modelling Including Funding Options
Service Reviews
Establishment of Sport and Leisure Enterprises
Performance Review
Contract Monitoring
Covid-19 Recovery Support
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Max Associates Service Wheel

Strategic Outcomes Planning Models

Strategic Outcomes Planning Models

We have extensive experience in developing Sport England Strategic Outcomes Planning Models to inform decisions required by clients to deliver long-term sustainable leisure provision.  We have been ccommissioned to undertake 17 SOPM reports, with those completed achieving successful EOI and Sport England ring fencing funding.

Management Options Appraisals

Management Options Appraisals

Max Associates has completed nine appraisals over the last two years across leisure and wider cultural services.

Leisure and Cultural Services Procurement

Leisure and Cultural Services Procurement

Max Associates has undertaken over 30 procurement projects, completing shadow business plans and assessments of all income and expenditure projections for sport and leisure facilities. We are therefore fully conversant of best practice from private operators, consortiums and trusts. 

Contract Monitoring

Contract Monitoring

Max Associates has delivered mobilisation and contract management services for a wide range of clients. In addition, Max Associates has operational experience to ensure the contractor is meeting the requirements of the specification

Facility Strategies

Facility Strategies

We have completed over 35 feasibility studies for centres including traditional and innovative / commercial facilities to drive participation and income.

Business and Financial Modelling Including Funding Options

Business and Financial Modelling Including Funding Options

Max has extensive experience in developing complete revenue business plan projections for new developments

Performance and Service Reviews

Performance and Service Reviews

We have completed service performance and efficiency reviews for private sector, trusts and local authority facilities.

Stakeholder Consultation

Stakeholder Consultation

Max Associates has run and delivered a wide range of key stakeholder engagement consultations to fully develop shared local outcomes that physical activity, leisure and sport can impact and secure buy in from stakeholders.

Testimonials

“Working with Max Associates was an absolute pleasure. Their comprehensive review of our future leisure centre management model was exceptional. They demonstrated deep understanding of the sector, meticulously analysing operations, customer experience and financial performance. The final report was thorough, insightful, and presented clarity, offering practical recommendations that aligned perfectly with our councils’ objectives. Thanks to their high-quality work, we now have a clear roadmap to improve efficiency and enhance the services we provide the community.  I wholeheartedly recommend Max Associates to any organisation seeking expert consultancy in the leisure sector.”

Dan Stone
BCP Council

“I would not hesitate to recommend Max Associates to other areas who are on a similar journey. The team have significant experience of supporting Councils and Leisure Trusts through the SOPM process, and their input and support has strengthened our ability to develop a strong and viable Leisure Transformation vision which will benefit our community for many years to come.”

Lyndsey Sims
Hyndburn Leisure Trust

“Kirsty and Lisa, directors of Max Associates, were a pleasure to work with. Their support on this project has been invaluable and their expertise guided us to the right outcomes for the Council and the wider local community. Their planned approach and foresight of potential issues during the process ensured we delivered a thorough process within the required timescales.”

Rachel Biles
Cotswold District Council

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