I wonder.... in the US there are two different governing bodiess for skating: US Figure Skating Association (USFSA) which handles the olympic/worlds track competitions and the Ice Skating Institute of America (ISIA) which is more recreational. Many rinks belong to organization but the clubs housed at them to the other (my rink was ISIA, so group lessons were with that system, but once out of group and into serious skating the club tested through USFSA- we skaters competed at both ISIA and USFSA competitions). Most competitive skaters are involved and test through USFSA, but many Elite skaters also went through the ISIA system. They are different, but compatible. ISIA is much, much cheaper, for rinks, skaters, and especially coaches, although many coaches I suspect end up working with both organizations so they can take their skaters to more competitions.
Could something similar be happening in the UK? Many adults in the US test under USFSA, but it seems like they tend to compete more under ISIA- it's more lighthearted and more fun.
Having said that, neither US system emphasizes foot watching, so someone dropped the ball/didn't think things through with Skate Excellence.....