Issue - meetings

The Managing Director of Rubicon Leisure Limited presented the Business Plan 2026/27 for the Committee’s consideration.

Members were asked to note that the Rubicon Board had already considered and endorsed the content of the business plan.  However, approval was required from the Shareholders Committee in line with reserved matters in the Articles of the company.

The overarching mission of Rubicon Leisure Limited remained to inspire communities to live healthier and happier lives.  This was supported by five key objectives and themes, underpinned by service plans.  The themes were consistent with those included in the previous year’s plan and would support a trajectory of growth.

Rubicon Leisure Limited aimed to deliver a robust and sustainable business plan whilst meeting the needs of communities. 

In terms of Rubicon Leisure Limited’s staff, the company was working with Redditch Business Improvement District (BID) on a number of training programmes that would support staff development.

A range of events and activities had been and would continue to be delivered at venues operated by the company. 

Forge Mill Needle Museum had performed really well during the 2025/26 financial year.  It was anticipated that works on the water wheel at the mill would be completed by the summer of 2026.

Once the report had been presented, Members discussed the following points in detail:

·             The contributions made by staff and volunteers at Rubicon Leisure Limited in 2025/26.  Members thanked them for their hard work.

·             The progress that had been made with the works on the water wheel at Forge Mill Needle Museum.  Members welcomed news that these works would be completed soon.

·             The growth in services that had been delivered by Rubicon Leisure Limited.

·             The links between the themes and objectives detailed in the company’s business plan and the priorities included in the Council’s Plan.  Members welcomed these synergies and suggested that this could be highlighted more explicitly within the business plan in future.

·             The extent to which Rubicon Leisure Limited was applying for grant funding available from external bodies. 

·             The opportunities available for Rubicon Leisure Limited to contribute to tackling health inequalities in the Borough.  Clarification was provided that the company worked closely with Redditch District Collaborative.

·             The commitment that the company was demonstrating to its staff through investment in training and development opportunities.  Members welcomed this commitment.

RESOLVED that

the Rubicon Leisure Annual Business Plan 2026/27 be approved.

(During consideration of this item, Members discussed matters that necessitated the disclosure of exempt information. It was therefore agreed to move to exclude the press and public prior to any debate on the grounds that information would be revealed that included information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)).