MEET THE LEISURE DB TEAM
Leisure DB’s irrepressible founder David Minton needs little introduction, recognised globally as a leading leisure sector analyst, advisor, consultant and speaker.
But there’s far more to Leisure DB, with a fabulous team of industry experts on-hand and ready to curate and guide you through the data, deep diving into revealing metrics and tailoring advice to the needs of your business.
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.
His current involvement in charity and community initiatives most recently saw him chair the South Hampstead Community through the building of an £18m community centre.
Email: davidturner@addleisure.com
David Minton, Founder & Director
With over 30 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, David Minton possesses a profound understanding of the sector’s developments, an extensive network, and an endless enthusiasm for being active – cycling a particular passion for many years, with two completed Etape du Tour rides under his belt.
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 unparalleled insights are sought by health and fitness organisations and leisure investors worldwide.
As a popular speaker and presenter, he harnesses his unique industry knowledge and experience to provide evidence-based consultancy, media commentary and speaking engagements.
He also collaborates with leading journalists and publications to ignite discussions and generate support for the sector – the go-to expert for market trends, data and insightful analysis.
Email: david@leisuredb.com
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.
Email: heidi@leisuredb.com
Stewart Wenbourne, Financial Director
Stewart started his professional career as an auditor for Wilder Coe, a West End firm of chartered accountants. He then moved to LA Fitness, holding the position of financial controller during a period of rapid growth and a main market flotation on the London Stock Exchange.
Relocating to Russia in 2001, he spent five years working as a financial controller for offshore investment companies and funds. He returned to the UK in 2006, and after a short stint at Schroders working on investment trusts, joined The Playgate Group as its financial director. He joined the Leisure DB team in 2022.
In his spare time, Stuart enjoys a game of golf.
Email: stewart@leisuredb.com
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.
Email: jamie@leisuredb.com
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.
Email: natalie@leisuredb.com
Charlotte Quesnel, Research & Database Manager
Charlotte is Leisure DB’s meticulous data expert. She is responsible for the TLDCi data analysis business unit, which includes managing our dedicated research team, and is the driving force behind Leisure DB’s flagship State of the Industry reports.
She crosses every t, dots every i and continually looks to expand our knowledge to ensure Leisure DB’s data continues to be more comprehensive, more detailed and more accurate than any other available on the fitness and leisure sectors.
She is also a personal trainer and CrossFit coach, and competes in CrossFit events.
Email: charlotte@leisuredb.com
Blane Goddard, Researcher
The newest member of our team, Blane joined Leisure DB in February 2024 and focuses on research to power our TLDCi UK fitness facility database.
His interest in all things data and research analysis will be invaluable as we continually expand our knowledge and build our portfolio of reports, from our renowned State of the Industry publications to our bespoke customer insight and growth reports.
When he’s not at work, Blane dabbles in everything from the gym to swimming (badly, he says) to climbing, but is happiest when doing combat sports or martial arts.
Email: blane@leisuredb.com