Alison Blenkinsop

Forged a great working relationship with Norman Fletcher GM, we run the club together. Being allowed to have input with 'Empowerment'. After Covid the club was struggling however we managed to turn this around, seen off local independent competitor, welcomed new customers and ensured great customer service. We achieved bonus in 2024 & in 2025 were proudly named as the next Darwin Club. the learnings from Metro Centre club has greatly helped whilst we were transitioning. I'm extremely proud of my contribution to the Darwin rebrand, planning new policies, leading the staff through the changes, using Facebook and Instagram to take current customers on the journey with us and attract new people to the exciting concept, so much so that the club is exceeding all targets and are on course for a very rapid ROI.

Loved the concept of 'Genesis' offering a new challenge. Opportunity to become as one with the Gala ways of working. Managed team through the change curve, due to the stress of the refurb & changes. Leading the team from negativity to positivity. GM (TIC) May to September 2018, leading the team through the Gala to Buzz transformation.

First learning experience of the brilliant world of bingo. Learned about bingo, main stage and party bingo, learning about par fee's & stakes. Leading the team to excel in fantastic customer service. I gained my gaming and alcohol licences. First experience of taking people through the change curve when Gala Bingo took over. Learning the unique working culture of a major bingo operator.

Role as previously explained

Leading a team of advertising representatives to achieve target sales & repeat business through customer loyalty. Active role in target setting, relaying targets to team. Reviewing individual achievements, through support & coaching for excellence.

A continuation of my management learning and experience in a brand new busy leisure environment. This introduced me to the importance of due diligence, health & safety, licensing responsibilities & delivering and food & beverage experience.

This was a brilliant introduction to working within the leisure industry. Learning about recruitment conversion & retention. Leading a team of 3, driving membership sales to achieve budget.

Managing membership system. Including planning & consulting with prospective members. Through working together as a team and exceeding targets we were named Club of the Year 2004/5, out of all the David Lloyd Clubs.