CEO Monthly Issue 9 2018

CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2018 19 A Pioneer in the Health & Wellness Sector g acupuncture, sports massage and nutritional services and newly refurbished members lounge area with a range of healthy food and beverage options.” New since the end of 2017 is the Hot Yoga Club, a yoga and Pilates studio dedicated to offering something a little more refined for discerning Thames Club members. Co-founded by Peter and Amanda Free – a renowned yoga teacher in the UK – the Hot Yoga Club operates independently of The Thames Club, but offers preferential rates to club members. According to Peter, the Hot Yoga Club “was designed to offer another lifestyle choice for beginners and more experienced students, providing an ideal complement to all other fitness and holistic training.” Naturally, the conversation soon turned to Peter’s role and responsibilities as Managing Director of The Thames Club, “I oversee the team of employed and self-employed staff and fitness professionals to provide a first-class facility and lifestyle experience to members. As a health and fitness service, we have to help members fulfil their goals and provide a quality environment for them to exercise, challenge themselves, and relax in a convivial and healthy social atmosphere with a team of professional and welcoming staff.” “Equally, it is important to be a driving force behind member sales and retention strategies to increase loyalty and member advocacy, with an emphasis on the member journey and customer service. As a board director of Thames Club Ltd, it is my duty to present the monthly accounts at board meetings, prepare annual budgets and forecasts and ensure value is given back to shareholders by achieving budgeted Earnings Before Income, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for the business each year.” Peter’s role extends to other departments – such as recruitment and human resources – alongside ensuring that The Thames Club engages with the local community, “It is also my responsibility to drive and manage the conference/ events aspect of the business and ensure maximum occupancy of meeting rooms. Equally, I manage all recruitment and HR processes within the businesses, including running apprenticeship, work placements, and liaise with local community schools, colleges and prison services.” “Finally, I have full accountability for financial and health and safety compliance and managing yearly audits with external providers/auditors.” Peter talks about his management style, which includes the view that general staff and managers need to collaborate to succeed, “My belief is that to have a highly motivated team, it is necessary to have a system of collaborative management that involves all areas of the business, and all employees – not just the management team. Employees are at the sharp end of the business, and interact the most with your customers or members. They have the most valid and current feedback, and they often have really innovative ideas that should be welcomed and embraced.” “I believe managers should be accountable for their specific area of the business, but should fully comprehend and collaborate with their colleagues so that a uniform and fully bought-in approach is carried out throughout the teams. At the end of the day, managers should have time to manage.” Contact: Peter Williams Company: The Thames Club Address: Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, TW18 2PD, UK Website: www.thethamesclub.co.uk Telephone: 01784 463 100