About the FSPA

Our Mission

As experts in sports and play, we are the voice of the industry.  Our mission is to support our sports and play members to achieve their aims.

Through our trade associations, we offer a wide range of key business services to our members and a powerful lobbying voice.

What we do

As the national trade body representing multiple associations, the FSPA serves the interests of manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of sports and play equipment, clothing and apparel.

With nearly 100 years at the heart of the sports and play sector and as the largest trade body in Europe, we work with our members to promote the industry.

Our aims are to

  • Support our sports and play companies with vital and unique business services
  • Promote the UK sports and play sector as a whole
  • Represent – we are the voice of the UK sports and play industries
  • Lobby at the highest levels on issues affecting our members
  • Collaborate with key partner agencies and government on behalf of the industry

How it works

The FSPA is an umbrella body which leads and supports its associations.  These associations cover businesses involved in the play industry, sporting goods trade and the golf sector.  This means that member companies get services which are tailored to their specific industry’s needs.

Businesses are first and foremost members of their association with all the customised benefits and support that provides, but they also get automatic membership of the FSPA which offers a broader range of services and lobbying activity.

FAQs

What does the FSPA do and where can I find more information?

The FSPA is the umbrella body serving our trade associations in the UK sports and play industries. With over 100 years’ experience, our expertise means we are the voice of these industries and campaign on their behalf. Our mission is to support our sports and play businesses to achieve their aims. Through our trade associations, we offer a wide range of key business services to our members and a powerful lobbying voice. 

What are the benefits of joining an FSPA association?

Each of our associations are experts in their specific sector and offer members a wide range of free or discounted business benefits and services tailored to their industry. From events and networking to human resources, industry data to support with marketing – our associations’ benefits package can instantly cover the cost of membership. Visit your association’s site to find out more.

What issues does the FSPA lobby on?

Our close links with UK Government and our European counterparts means we are uniquely placed to lobby on behalf of the industries we represent. Covering Brexit, Covid-19 legislation, standards, exporting and much more, our lobbying activities are focussed solely on our members’ needs. Over the years, we have effected changes which have directly benefitted the sports and play industries and the businesses we represent.

If I become a member, would I be a member of the FSPA or my association?

By joining an FSPA association, you become part of a unique community focussed entirely on your sector’s needs. Each association tailors their services to their particular industry. As such, you will become a valued member of your particular association, with the additional peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your association is part of something much bigger – the FSPA.

How do I become a member?

If your business is covered by one of our associations in the sports and play industries, you may be eligible to join. Our associations cover sporting goods, PE and leisure, golf and play. You can find links to all of our associations here and each site has a Join Us page.

 

Who are the FSPA

 Board Members

Rob Baker

Rob Baker

FSPA Chairman

Jason Bowers

Jason Bowers

FSPA Director

Helen Willsmer

Helen Willsmer

FSPA Director

Kate Costin

Kate Costin

FSPA Director

Paul Hitchenor

Paul Hitchenor

FSPA Director

Team Members

Nick Palmer

Nick Palmer

Chief Executive Officer, FSPA

Deborah Holt

Deborah Holt

Membership Manager, FSPA

Mary Lubrano

Mary Lubrano

Head of Communications, FSPA

Calvin Dalais

Calvin Dalais

Marketing & Communications Officer, FSPA