This section introduces the ‘no cost’ funding model – an approach that uses a modest fee increase to fund the introduction and funding of a SenTAG system.

1) Many local authorities and leisure management organisations can struggle to justify expenditure on additional safety however worthy. They are often involved in outsourcing agreements and it is contractually complex to adopt SenTAG 'mid-term'. They may also wish to avoid capital expenditure for a multitude of other reasons.

2) SenTAG Limited have looked at 'shared revenue' models with several operators and providers of other equipment.

3) The approach is identical to that used in the industry already to replace old lockers with modern electronic ones and can be used in conjunction with a common wristband. The key features are:

4) The following is a simple example:
Swimming costs £2.85 at Pool. Visitors pay £4.00, including deposit, to swim at reception and are issued with a SenTAG wristband each. They then swim and at the end of the session they place the wristband in the 'return unit'. This is similar to a small vending machine in reception. This checks the wristband via radio and if accepted as valid the wristband passes to a second chamber ready for reuse and the visitor receives £1.00 returned to them in coinage. Often this is spent on site.

In summary the bather is being charged a small additional sum directly. This pays for the SenTAG system and servicing. If it is integrated with a new electronic locker system the sum retained can pay for both (with a common SenTAG wristband)

The initial term would typically be for a 4 or 5 year period during which time the cost of supply, installation etc is met by the generated revenue. Any surplus above that needed to meet cost are available for expansion of the system, other expenditure or distributed according to prior agreement amongst the interested parties. After the initial period the marginal charge can either be dropped to a level that is needed to cover just servicing and equipment replacement or retained in full providing an additional source of revenue for other purposes.

In simple terms a pool  with 75,000 paid visits each year would produce revenue of £11,250 per year or £45,000 over an initial 4 year period. This compares with a required capital sum of approximately £30,000 for system etc. Obviously the actual figures will vary depending upon the number of paying swims, charge level and the size and complexity of the SenTAG installation.

This model is proving very attractive to many leisure operators - for more information please contact us directly.

Improved safety provision usually hits the bottom line - This approach can generate net +ve revenue, used to reduce capital costs, or be cost neutral. It’s your choice.