Leisure
Lease Expense Management for Leisure Occupiers.
- The challenge
Leisure and Hospitality occupiers continue to face a difficult trading environment being impacted by inflation, increased labour costs and business rates changes. In 2025, service charge budgets were already increasing above inflation levels, and as we move into 2026, our latest data suggests that service charge budgets for leisure destinations are still averaging above inflation increases of 4.5% (in-town/enclosed) to 7.7% (out of town).
This upward pressure is being seen across all cost categories, with the greatest increases being seen in staff costs and the continuing need for major works, as owners invest in their best performing assets and look to drive increased footfall.
With customers looking for new and exciting experiences at value for money prices, reducing costs and making savings has never been more important to keep operations running smoothly and allowing leisure operators to continue to grow by investing costs saved into their businesses.
- Solution
Occupiers work with Assure Consulting’s team of experts to gain control and value for money from recurring financial liabilities, including service charges and insurance recharges.
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uk Retail/shopping Parks 2026
Out of town Retail Parks service charges are increasing at a rate of 7.7% (Q4 2026), this upward pressure covers many cost categories. Soft Services and Management costs increased significantly reflecting on going challenges with the cost of employing staff. Major Works are also still increasing, but this year the most significant increases are in the lowest Tier Schemes.
“I have worked with Assure Consulting over a number of years and I continue to be impressed the quality of the service they provide. From the outset they appreciate the importance of accurate data and have invested heavily in their Verivi database which provides the foundation for their work. The team at Assure are skilled and knowledgeable in their respective fields and diligently pursue potential savings with our landlords. They work with a number of different teams at Pure Gym and are professional, helpful and responsive at all times. Most importantly of all Assure have and continue to achieve substantial savings across our estate.”