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
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 Complete Thames Path 50k Ultra Challenge to raise over £1,800 for MNDA
On Sunday 10th September a team from Max Associates went the distance by walking 50km from Runnymede along the Thames in one day to finish at Henley. The team comprised…
Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading opens doors to public
Reading’s new flagship leisure centre at Rivermead recently opened to the public, July 17. The brand-new leisure centre will offer a 120-station gym with 3 studios, a 6-court sports hall with 250…
Trowbridge leisure centre project moves a step forward as preferred location confirmed
Wiltshire Council recently confirmed its preferred location for a new leisure centre in Trowbridge at the Council owned East Wing site, located across the road from County Hall. Max Associates…
