BICM membership means having access to a pro-active organisation with expertise, knowledge, advice and up-to-minute news and information. 

Members receive information regularly either by email or newsletters on key contemporary issues such as Licensing, Health & Safety, Human Relations, etc. and this is communicated in a timely way so that members are not caught with their trousers down. 

The Institute has for many years organised an Annual Conference which clearly demonstrates its commitment to education and training for people who run clubs.  Comments from delegates over the years bear testimony that a day or two spent on standing back away from the workplace can help facilitate blue sky thinking and can help delegates challenge traditional working practices. 

Leading speakers from companies and organisations at the forefront of sport and leisure and the licensed trade have helped many of our members, past and present, with presentations of the highest quality which have led to in-depth discussions between members on both social and business occasions. 

But it is not just the formal side of membership that helps us develop ourselves and helps our clubs progress.  It’s the ability to network with fellow managers with the same kinds of problems, the same kinds of challenges and the same needs to find solutions in a fast moving environment.  Other Institute members are always just an email or a telephone call away. 

Our Executive Director, Glenn Ashley, runs a help desk five days a week and contacts are maintained through our memberships and close ties to other organisations such as Business in Sport and Leisure, Sport England, The Fitness Industry Association, and these connections give access to the highest levels of authority in Government and key departments. 

BICM’s website clearly demonstrates that the Institute is a pathway to knowledge and experience, a platform where innovation can be discussed, where product knowledge can be gained, and where members can be kept abreast of key changes. 

The strength of any organisation comes from and through its membership and the commitment that we share within BICM will continue to provide a rich source of information, knowledge and news and will promote the main aims and objectives.  As Geoff Sutcliffe, Minister for Sport, said when he met the Board of Directors last year,

“We are glad that organisations like yours exist to promote best practices in the club world and to help provide facilities and support for all levels of grassroots sports.”

 BICM membership – you know it makes sense!