For over 20 years, Oxygen Consulting has been a trusted independent strategic adviser providing strategic analysis and insight. It supports organisations in the sports, health, and wellbeing economy in anticipating industry shifts, developing sustainable strategies, and unlocking long-term growth opportunities.
Oxygen Consulting was founded by Ray Algar, a strategic adviser with over 30 years of experience in the sports, health, and well-being economy. The company draws upon decades of industry expertise to help shape the future of emerging sports such as padel. As a recognised industry leader, Ray has advised global brands such as adidas, Sky, and Unilever, while sharing insights at major industry events across 14 countries. His expertise in industry transformation and sustainable business models has played a pivotal role in shaping significant sector shifts, including the rise of low-cost gyms in the 2010s, the impact of social media on sport and fitness engagement and the growing role of sport as a driver of social good. Building on this expertise, Ray is now leading Oxygen Consulting’s strategic focus on padel in the UK, ensuring the sport develops in a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible way.
Oxygen Consulting has a long track record of producing forward-thinking, thought-provoking reports that help organisations navigate complex market shifts. Our research attracts a global readership and offers strategic insights that shape the direction of the industry. As consumer attitudes toward sport and exercise evolve, we investigate how changing behaviours, motivations, and participation trends influence industry growth — helping organisations anticipate change and create new opportunities.
The second edition of the UK Padel Report is now available from Oxygen Consulting. Building on the UK’s first comprehensive strategic analysis of padel’s growth and accessibility, the 2026 report examines the sport’s next challenge: converting growing demand into regular, affordable and sustainable participation.
This independent 69-page digital report explores pricing, access, venue models, player behaviour and the commercial conditions needed for padel to develop responsibly across the UK. It has been written for investors, operators, landlords, developers, councils and policymakers seeking an evidence-led view of the sport’s next phase.
Readers can preview the opening eight pages and access the full report immediately.
The rapid growth of UK padel presents a unique opportunity to build an inclusive and sustainable infrastructure. However, ensuring long-term success requires thoughtful investment and a responsible expansion strategy. To meet this challenge, Oxygen Consulting is partnering with Espalier Ventures to launch a new UK padel operating company — led by Ray Algar. This initiative will develop high-quality, accessible padel venues across the UK, ensuring that the sport:
We collaborate with investors, operators, landowners, and policymakers to shape the future of UK padel and the broader sports and wellbeing economy. Whether you seek:
We are actively engaging with various public and private sector organisations to create a thriving and inclusive padel ecosystem. If you share this vision, we would be delighted to start a conversation. Contact us for a confidential discussion.
Ray Algar (MBA, MA)
Strategic adviser and analyst
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Along with short-term consultancy assignments, I am also available for longer-term non-executive advisory positions supporting CEOs and senior management with crafting and executing a compelling strategy.
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