Laura Barnett

I have worked in the leisure industry for over 30 years. During this time, I have worked in local authority managed Leisure Centre’s, large health and leisure clubs and private standalone clubs. I have also managed my own swim school for the last 23 years teaching at private homes.

Swim School Manager and Head Swimming Teacher - The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club

(2007)

After 10 years’ experience running the David Lloyd swimming lessons, I was taken into the Warwickshire to increase numbers and overall P&L. When I started in 2007 there were just 100 children a week having swimming lessons. It took me just 24 months to build this up to over 350 a week which is at 98% capacity. I have also increased the team from 2 to 6 with very healthy profits.

• I organize a yearly gala for 200 children and we have an annual awards evening.
• We also have a twice a year sponsored swim where children swim up to 4000m which over the last 3 years has raised over £3,000 for the Acorns Hospice.
• I have coached national swimmers and one of my students has swam for Wales in the commonwealth games.

Swim school manager and head swimming teacher - David Lloyd Leisure Solihull Monkspath

(1997 - 2007)

When I first started at David Lloyd Leisure, the swimming pool was still being built and I was employed for the sole purpose to setup the swim school from the ground up. I had total ownership for the P&L reporting progress weekly to the senior leadership team. I recruited a team of experienced and flexible teachers and organized all the lesson plans.

The result was I managed to grow the swim school from zero to 400 children a week which was way ahead of our business plan and a very healthy P&L. The age ranges were from babies right up to pre club swimmers. This was a steep learning curve and a huge challenge that I took with open arms and took great enjoyment from.

Multiple positions - Stratford Leisure Center

(1990 - 1997)

During my time at Stratford Leisure Centre, I worked hard to expand my portfolio of skill sets and ended up holding multiple positions simultaneously.

• Lifeguarding, carrying out standard lifeguard duties
• Gymnastic coach working with 3 through to 9-year old’s
• Swimming teacher, teaching the “Learn to swim pathway / ASA” ages ranging from 4- to 10-year-old.

HND - Sports Psychology