Max Associates has been operating for over 20 years across the sport, leisure and cultural sectors. 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 both local authorities and private sector operators 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
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
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.
Recent News
Max Associates and Leisure-net Solutions 53KM Walking Challenge
On the 25th June, Lisa Forsyth, Kirsty Winders and Claire Elkin from Max-Associates were joined by Mike Hill and David Monkhouse from Leisure-net Solutions (not forgetting Kirsty's husband Lee!) to…
Telford & Wrekin Council appoint Max Associates
Telford & Wrekin Council have recently appointed Max Associates to support the production of a new strategy to ensure that it’s indoor sports and leisure provision is able to meet…
Walking for Motor Neuron Disease 25th June 2022
Mark Steward, synonymous with Max Associates, the company started 21 years ago. (Have his other 3 children ever got over the fact the company is named after his first born…