OUR EXPERT TEAM
OUR EXPERT TEAM
LEISURE DB
LEISURE DB
JAMIE BUCK, Chief Technology Officer Jamie is a bona fide pillar of the Leisure DB team having joined the business in 1998. Now CTO, he dives deep into the areas where data and technology collide in the leisure sector to drive exciting new digital projects. An expert in customer success and customer experience, sales growth and project management, he helps leisure businesses embrace the power of data to transform their performance. He also covers all areas of IT in the company and oversees the development of Leisure DB’s TLDCi sports facility database. In keeping with his passion for all things tech, Jamie’s go-to workout is bootcamp training on his Peloton. NATALIE GIBSON, Key Accounts & Insight Manager Natalie is Leisure DB’s latent demand and member analysis specialist: her expertise in site analysis and member profiling is unsurpassed in the industry, and she takes a lead in client management. Since joining Leisure DB in 1996, she has been involved in profiling millions of fitness members, helping establish our de facto supply-demand model for the fitness industry. Want to check you’ve really found the perfect spot for your new gym? Want to know more about your members and what they really want? Want to know where to focus your marketing to get the maximum bang for your buck? Natalie is your go-to! If she isn’t at her desk, you might find her on the basketball court or out on her bike. GLEN THURGOOD, Chief Strategy Officer Bringing over 25 years of experience in wellness, fitness, and professional sports, Glen thrives on driving digital transformation and market expansion. A former athlete and performance coach, Glen has a deep understanding of the science behind health and fitness, combined with a proven track record in business leadership. As the founder and CEO of Training Shed, a multi-site gym chain, and a tech entrepreneur behind MiOP, a surgical care pathway app and Huumans a Corporate Wellbeing Diagnostic tool, Glen has pioneered innovative solutions that bridge performance, wellbeing, and technology. An accomplished author, he has written nine books with over two million sales worldwide and contributed to scientific research. Holding an MSc in Strength and Conditioning, Glen’s expertise in evidence-based programming and market strategy will shape the future of Leisure DB, ensuring data-driven insights continue to support and elevate the industry.
DAVID TURNER, Chair A trailblazer in the fitness industry for almost 50 years, David opened his first club in 1979. He went on to co-found the LA Fitness Group, overseeing its expansion to over 70 clubs; held a directorship at Holmes Place Europe; and served as chair of Esporta. In 1991, he founded the Market Sports Group, pioneering the first indoor sports centre for multiple sporting disciplines. Collaboration with organisations such as the Prince’s Trust and Arsenal Football Club followed, empowering young individuals to pursue careers in the leisure industry. After the sale of LA Fitness in 2005, he co-founded Addleisure plc, where the portfolio included Movers & Shapers, an investment in multi-studio concept Mosaic, and screen-led HIIT boutique CIRQ. DAVID MINTON, Founder & Director With over 30 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, David possesses a profound understanding of the sector’s developments, an extensive network, and an endless enthusiasm for being active – cycling in particular. The founder of Leisure DB, he still passionately leads his expert team in delivering accurate, detailed data for a comprehensive view of the industry. These figures are widely adopted by industry professionals, operators, government bodies, media outlets, investors and financial institutions. As a mentor, analyst, advisor and consultant, David’s insights are sought by health and fitness organisations and leisure investors worldwide. A popular speaker and presenter, he also collaborates with leading journalists and publications to ignite discussions and generate support for the sector. HEIDI BLACKBURN, Chief Operating Officer Over 25 years’ experience as an operator in the health and fitness sector – from Dragons Health Clubs to LA Fitness to the Health Club Collection – has given Heidi a deep and first-hand understanding of how important it is for clubs to forge a data-centric culture. It is, she will tell you, the key to evolving your offering to stay relevant and engaging, and to drive continued success. A supreme team-worker, networker and change management expert, Heidi joined Leisure DB in 2023. She brings with her an infectious energy, creativity and desire to innovate and drive growth within the business and the sector as a whole. When she finds a moment to breathe, she enjoys getting out to walk the dog.
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2025
STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2025
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