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 30 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

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

Dan Harrison, Sales & Partnership Manager

Dan began in the fitness and leisure industry in 2004, working in council and operator-led facilities in roles ranging from lifeguard to swim teacher, fitness instructor to operational and sales management.

In 2018, he broke away to try his skills in the property industry, as a new homes and development manager, before returning to the fitness sector to join the Leisure DB family in 2024.

Dan is a qualified first aider, pool lifeguard and open water lifeguard trainer assessor and mentor with the RLSS. In his spare time, he can be found supporting local businesses and events, providing training and first aid support, or in a HIIT session at the gym. He also enjoys the odd swim if the water isn't too cold. 

Email: dan@leisuredb.com

Blane Goddard, Researcher

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