Brio Shortlisted for Four National Leisure Industry Awards
The Cheshire West leisure operator has been recognised for its facilities, community services and staff following a year of major investment.
By Chester Standard
Brio, the organisation that operates leisure centres on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, has been shortlisted in four categories at the 2026 ukactive Awards.
The national awards recognise excellence across the UK's sport, leisure and physical activity sector, celebrating organisations and individuals that have made a significant contribution to improving health and wellbeing.
Brio has been shortlisted for Build, Redevelopment or Refurbishment of the Year and the Marketing Campaign Award following the reopening of Brio Northgate after its multi-million-pound redevelopment. The transformation has delivered upgraded fitness facilities, improved swimming provision and enhanced wellbeing spaces at one of Chester's best-known leisure centres.
Brio Ellesmere Port has also been named a finalist in the Centre of the Year (North) category, marking the first time the facility has received national recognition since opening in 2015.
The organisation's fourth nomination recognises recently retired employee Dora Smith, who has been shortlisted for the Physical Activity Hero Award in recognition of her long-standing contribution to wellbeing services and her work supporting residents to become more active.
The latest nominations follow Brio's success at the 2025 ukactive Awards, where the organisation was named Outstanding Organisation of the Year and received the Education Programme of the Year award.
Managing Director Matt Parker said the nominations reflected the commitment of Brio's employees and the investment made in improving leisure services across Cheshire West. He said the recognition acknowledged the work carried out by staff to encourage more people to lead active and healthier lives.
Brio manages a network of leisure centres, swimming pools and community wellbeing facilities across Cheshire West, providing services for thousands of residents each week through fitness programmes, swimming lessons, health initiatives and community activities.
The winners of the 2026 ukactive Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 8 October.