Where did your experience in climbing start?

When I was about 8 years old, I tried out a treadwall while on holiday. I was immediately hooked, so my parents signed me up for the Saturday club at the local climbing wall at Brunel University. What’s amazing is that the wall is still there today with exactly the same routes in place! As a teenager, I got into competing and was lucky enough to travel the world representing the Junior GB lead team.

What first-hand experience do you have in the climbing gym world?

When I was 16, I started working as a coach in the same facility that introduced me to the sport. Since then, I’ve worked as a Coach, Setter, Duty Manager, Operations Manager, and Centre Manager across various climbing gyms. Until May 2026, I was the COO of The Font Climbing – I started at The Font as a founding team member and led operations for the business as it grew from one facility to five in just five years.

What’s been your proudest moment working in the climbing industry so far?

There have been many, as I have been lucky enough to work in positions where I can introduce new people to climbing and grow the community. To choose one, at The Font, we hosted a competition called Brawl on the Wall, and I led the organisation of that event. We wanted it to be an exciting day for our whole community while also attracting some of the biggest names in our sport. I was incredibly nervous leading up to it because we’d put so much into the planning. But the memory of seeing the facility at max capacity, with a crowd full of our regulars bringing more energy than I have ever seen at a climbing event, lives rent-free in my head.

What’s one strong opinion you have about what makes a great climbing gym experience? And how does that belief show up in the way you approach your work at Clava?

I truly believe that building a strong community within your business will drive success more than anything else. It’s what keeps people coming back, referring friends, and supporting the business through thick and thin.

At Clava, I’m always conscious of how we can protect and enhance the connection your team makes with your customers. If the software is simple, intuitive, and solves problems for you, your team can fully engage with the person in front of them rather than being buried in screens and rigid processes.

What’s a behind-the-scenes detail most climbers never notice—but operators obsess over?

Lots of operators are good at getting the basics right, but something truly special is achieved when a team is able to relax and show their personality in everything they do. For me, it was always essential to ensure there was a seamless, easy process for every regular operational task. This allowed the team to handle the basics automatically, leaving them feeling relaxed, confident, and completely present when interacting with customers.

Why should a gym trust you (and Clava) with an important part of their operation?

I’ve always lived by the principle that if you are going to do something, you should do it well; anyone who has worked with me knows I don’t like to leave anything in poor shape. I also strongly believe that some of the best ideas come when people think outside the box rather than simply conforming to industry norms. At Clava, we are lucky to be in a position where fresh ideas are regularly discussed, considered, and developed. I believe this approach is essential for overcoming the challenges that climbing gyms and the wider leisure space currently face.