Background | Objectives | Current Initiatives | Operating Practices

The ABC was set up in 1994 on an informal basis. Initially four climbing centres: Rope Race, Manchester; The Rock Face, Birmingham; Undercover Rock, Bristol and The Foundry, Sheffield, got together to discuss issues facing the managers and owners of new style dedicated climbing centres. Specifically issues concerning staff, customer safety and company management and liability.

In 1997 a decision was taken to formalise the discussions and meetings being undertaken into an association and open up the meetings to a wider audience. In October 1997 the first Secretary (Steve Taylor), Chairman (Paul Reeve) and Treasurer (Alan Ellison) were elected. The ABC became a Formal Company Limited by Guarantee. By December 1997, 17 of the major climbing centres in the UK had joined as full members and started to contribute to advancing the ABC's objectives.

Eight years on the ABC has grown and now includes around 45 walls in its membership. Many of these walls are dedicated climbing centres, however, increasingly, smaller leisure centre and school walls are benefiting from joining the association.