An innovative procurement project that is helping to reshape the future of local authority leisure services has received national recognition after being shortlisted for the Public Procurement Project of the Year category at the CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards 2026.
The shortlisting highlights the significance of the Kingston model’s transformational approach to delivering sustainable, commercially resilient leisure services and recognises the collaboration that underpinned its success.
For the entry – The Kingston model: redefining public value in leisure services through commercial innovation, strategic dialogue and partnership – Blake Morgan advised the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council throughout the project and was involved in the joint nomination submitted for the award.
The shortlist recognises a project that transformed the delivery model for leisure services in Kingston. According to the award submission summary, the project represented a significant commercial shift from a traditional approach to a £25 million revenue-generating model. Faced with ageing infrastructure and increasing financial pressures, the council developed an innovative model focused on commercial resilience and public health outcomes, while also navigating complex regulatory changes and securing a VAT-efficient structure designed to maximise long-term value for residents.
The recognition reflects the strong partnership between the council and its advisers, as well as the commitment of the teams involved in developing a procurement solution that delivers lasting community benefits.
Blake Morgan has a long-standing relationship with both the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council and the London Borough of Merton, having supported the authorities on a number of competitive dialogue procurements relating to the local authority leisure model. The firm’s public sector and procurement specialists have advised on some of the most significant and complex leisure projects in the local government sector, helping councils develop innovative approaches that balance commercial objectives with public value.
Cllr Anita Schaper commented:
We are delighted to see this fantastic achievement - a real recognition of the enormous amount of work that has gone into delivering the new leisure management contract.
It reflects the collaborative effort across several teams and the innovative approach taken throughout the procurement process, resulting in sustainable and robust leisure services benefiting all residents.
The Kingston project is widely regarded as a pioneering example of how local authorities can rethink traditional service delivery arrangements to create sustainable, future-focused leisure services that continue to support the health and wellbeing of local communities.
Penny Rinta-Suksi, Commercial Partner at Blake Morgan, said:
We are absolutely delighted to have advised the Council on this innovative and ambitious project, and it is fantastic to see that work being recognised through this national shortlist.
The Kingston model demonstrates how strategic procurement, collaboration and commercial innovation can deliver significant long-term benefits for local authorities and the communities they serve. The project team showed real vision and commitment throughout the procurement process, developing a model that not only responds to current challenges but helps create a sustainable future for leisure services.
We have enjoyed a strong and successful working relationship with both Kingston and Merton over many years and are proud to have supported them on a number of complex leisure procurements. This shortlist is a testament to the enormous amount of work, expertise and collaboration that has gone into delivering the new leisure management contract, and we wish everyone involved the very best of luck at the awards ceremony.
The CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards are recognised globally as a benchmark for excellence within the profession, celebrating the achievements of organisations, teams and individuals who demonstrate outstanding innovation, leadership and impact. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 10 September 2026 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, where winners from across the procurement and supply chain community will be announced.
The shortlist provides national recognition for the collaborative effort behind the Kingston model and highlights the growing importance of innovative procurement approaches in helping public sector organisations deliver sustainable, high-quality services while achieving long-term value for taxpayers and local communities.
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