The most energetic stand at Business 2001 was Croydon Pools, which featured a rowing machine to invigorate flagging visitors.

But there was a serious message to it exercise is credited with eliminating sickness levels among employees.

Barry Ashley, area manager of Croydon Pools, said: "We want to help corporate businesses to provide a healthy workplace, so companies can improve the health of their employees.

"Healthy employees have more stamina and better concentration. They have less time off sick.

"It's a well renowned fact that productivity will go up."

He said that special packages are on offer to give employees use of all the Croydon fitness suites for a special price.

And his fitness consultants can help companies that have a particularly high level of sickness.

Croydon Pools is currently offering a coastal challenge' for teams to raise money for the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton.

Ring Purley Pool on 020 8668 7251.

October 23, 2001 17:00