October Talk with Matthew Simmons

It’s October and the nights are darker, the weather colder and wetter – however how is the temperature in our business community? Today we’re talking to Matthew Simmons who is general manager of Better, a not for profit charitable enterprise based in Cardiff. The organisation is committed to delivering a better quality of fitness and leisure, libraries and performing arts facilities for everyone.

What’s coming up for your organisation in Q4?

At Western Leisure Centre we have a number of activities for everyone to enjoy and participate in. Including;

• Our swim school for all abilities whether you are a beginner or you want to build your confidence in the water. You will be taught by one of our qualified teachers.
• Our newly extended gym that caters for all abilities. With state of the art equipment and a new exercise studio.
• Our giant inflatable obstacle course including free fall, wipe out balls, giant slide and our double trouble obstacle course. Public sessions are available on weekends and in the school holidays.
• All three of our swimming pools are open to the public.

This is a month for harvest and Halloween? Are either of these important for you in your organisation? 

This time of year is important for our business. With children back at school and the nights becoming darker families look to our centre to provide a safe environment where we can provide activities and fitness for the whole family. 

If Halloween is an important time for sales – when do you begin preparation for this holiday?

We plan 12 months in advance with all of our marketing campaigns and construct a business plan with input from the team ready for each new year. 

Are you doing anything in October for charity or for a community or volunteer project?

We are part of the youth action group for Ely and the surrounding areas. We will be supporting the youth teams on Halloween who will be out in the community and supporting those that need it. We will be opening our facility to accommodate the team and support them in their great work. 

October 10 was World Mental Health Day – how important is this subject?

World Mental Health Day was incredibly important in particular after the last 18 months with customers and staff coming back into our centres and requiring our support. This may be through wanting to get fitter, socialising with other customers and staff or having people around to support should they wish.