Unprecedented circumstances this year have called for unprecedented responses, and on behalf of the Trustees, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those staff members that have truly gone above and beyond this year to support STA, and our members and partners.

We, the Trustees, really do appreciate everyone’s commitment during this difficult time, and whilst it has been a team effort, we would like to give a special mention to Dave Candler who has steered STA through this roller-coaster of a journey. Dave has worked tirelessly day and night, and on many weekends, to provide an extraordinary level of professional and personal support to members, and his incredible leadership, we believe, has kept STA one step ahead during this pandemic.

Also, during this time, being able to function and communicate in the digital world took on a whole new level of importance. Communications has been at the core of the team’s efforts during this pandemic, and not just in terms of providing guidance and support but also by keeping us entertained, educated and motivated through the lockdowns. Therefore, we would like to commend everyone who has been involved in this incredible charge – and might we add, on very limited resources.

In fact, there are so many colleagues that have worked tremendously this year; and their combined, giant efforts have served to raise the profile of the STA far beyond the Trustees’ expectations, and we thank everyone who has played a part.

We would also like to thank all our colleagues who through no fault of their own have been on furlough since March or flexi-furlough since the summer. The contribution they have made and continue to make, though being furloughed, has helped ensure the continued stability and success of STA during this time. The leisure sector has been hit very hard by COVID-19 restrictions and whilst we are not out of the woods just yet, if we can continue to stay strong and positive, we can hopefully get through this and look forward to a brighter 2021.

Finally, we’d like to thank our members and partners for their continued support, loyalty and trust in us over the last 9 months. We would also like to welcome and thank our new STA Brand Ambassadors for further cementing our sense of community, particularly during these tough times.

Thank you to everyone who has made a positive difference this year, and may I wish our STA Family a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Stay safe.