In this episode, Mark Thwaites, the Management Director of Thames and Bristol Lidos, reveals the secrets behind their success.
Mark shares the inspiring journey of transforming a historic building into a thriving wellness destination. From the challenges of restoration to the art of creating a unique customer experience, we delve into the key lessons learned.
Discover how Thames Lido has successfully combined swimming, dining, and wellness into a holistic offering. Learn about the importance of community, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and the strategies behind building a loyal customer base. Whether you're a potential customer intrigued by Thames Lido's offering, a business owner, or simply curious about the hospitality industry, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a memorable and sustainable experience and business.
TIME CODES
00:25 Introduction
00:29 The pronunciation of Lido
00:57 Introduction to Thames Lido
2:11 Introduction to Mark Thwaites
3:05 Thames Lido History
7:02 challenges faced in opening Thames Lido
9:05 Thames Lido's range of services
13:06 How the winning formula for Thames Lido was discovered
16:34 Choosing the right name for Thames Lido
18:55 How Thames Lido has helped Reading and vice versa
21:51 The best way to promote Thames Lido and the importance of knowing your audience.
23:21 The similarities and differences between Thames Lido and Bristol Lido.
24:10 How Thames Lido has made itself accessible to a diverse range of audiences
27:13 Go with the flow and be satisfied with enough
28:11 Challenge- small car park at Thames Lido
28:43 Sustainability- hydro turbines and solar panels
30:46 Thames Lido's own products and reducing chlorine in the pool
34:58 Final thoughts