Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre has been shortlisted for ‘The Award for Third Sector Employer of the Year’ in The Investors in People Awards 2023

Heartfelt appreciation for the honour of being shortlisted for the Investor in People Award is being felt by the team at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, their second national accolade of recognition this year!

Stuart Fraser Centre Manager at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre said "we're overjoyed to have been recognised for the first time in our history within the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer Award.

As a seasonal business operating in the third sector, we have encountered significant financial challenges this year. Balancing the responsibilities of supporting our employees through further qualifications, which is at the heart of what the Investor in People Award is about.

It is a common perception that sports are primarily a hobby or pastime, with many people unaware of the numerous employment opportunities within the sector."

Anna Cyhan, Economic Growth and Investment Officer (people) at Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) says:

"It is fantastic that Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre has been recognised as a Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer, as well as being shortlisted for Third Sector Employer of the Year in The Investors in People Awards 2023. We know that Apprenticeships, and technical options such as T Levels offer employers excellent skills support to get ahead and develop talent in this competitive environment, whilst creating a sustainable workforce and helping to drive productivity. Hearing about the successes and good practice from Leicester Outdoor Pursuits will inspire other busy SMEs both in the thriving area sports sector and wider industries to consider how they can enhance the development of their talent pool.''

Ali Clements – Strategic Lead at Active Together said:

"It's absolutely fantastic to see one of our Fitcation organisations sitting within both the 'Sport and Physical Activity Sector' and the 'Tourism Sector' being recognised for such great work around apprentices and workforce on the national stage. LOPC provide such a huge range of inclusive opportunities and are embedding workforce development behind that. Fantastic."