The Work of Bethan Laker and Joni Harding at The Leisure Experts
In the ever-evolving world of leisure and aquatics, two women are leading the charge to create a brighter, more sustainable future. Bethan Laker and Joni Harding, the driving forces behind The Leisure Experts, are making a significant impact with their expertise, vision, and passion for the swimming and leisure industry.
A Leap of Faith Born from Challenge
The Leisure Experts emerged from a deeply personal journey. During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bethan and Joni devoted themselves to supporting the aquatics and leisure industry. They worked tirelessly to advocate for its survival, emphasising its importance and ensuring facilities could reopen safely and effectively.
At the same time, as women in a male-dominated industry and mothers juggling family responsibilities, they faced the added pressure of balancing professional demands with personal commitments. The relentless dedication required during the pandemic led them to experience burnout, a reality that many women in leadership roles can relate to. Recognising the need for a healthier way to make a difference, they chose to redefine their careers and their approach. Stepping away from the security of traditional roles, they took a leap of faith to build a business that aligns with their vision for the industry while allowing them to prioritise their well-being and their families.
At the core of their mission lies a belief that swimming is the only sport that can save lives. By championing high-quality, inclusive swimming lesson experiences, they aim to give more people access to this essential life skill. Swimming, they believe, is not only critical for safety but also serves as a gateway to lifelong health and broader participation in sport. Recognising the industry’s challenges—such as limited funding, space constraints, and the complexities of meeting diverse community needs—they remain steadfast in ensuring swimming lessons remain accessible and sustainable across the UK and Ireland.
As the dust began to settle, they recognised the toll that this relentless dedication had taken. Like so many women in leadership roles during this period, they experienced burnout and realised there had to be a better way to drive change and make a difference. Together, they took a leap of faith, stepping away from secure roles and putting their trust in their shared vision for the industry. Armed with decades of knowledge, hands-on experience, and an unshakeable passion for aquatics, they set out to create solutions that would not only address immediate challenges but also build a sustainable future for the sector.
A Multi-Award-Winning Business with Global Reach
Since its inception, The Leisure Experts has gone from strength to strength, earning international recognition for its innovative approach. With clients across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, the business has become a trusted name in the global aquatics industry. The Leisure Experts is proud to be a multi-award-winning consultancy, with accolades celebrating their commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership. These awards reflect not only the success of the business but also Bethan and Joni’s unwavering dedication to improving the industry as a whole.
Bethan Laker: Driving Business Growth in Aquatics
As founder and director of The Leisure Experts, Bethan Laker brings nearly two decades of experience in the leisure sector across the UK and Ireland. Specialising in swimming pool business growth, Bethan focuses on financial strategy, programme development, and operational excellence. She has worked with leading organisations, including Nuffield Health, Everyone Active, and Serco Leisure in the UK, and DLR, Coral Leisure, Sportsco and Lisburn and Castlereagh Councils in Ireland and Northern Ireland – helping them unlock new opportunities and achieve measurable success. For Bethan, swimming is more than just a skill—it’s a life-saving tool. Her dedication to promoting water safety and increasing access to high-quality swim programmes underpins everything she does.
Joni Harding: Innovating Aquatic Education
Joni Harding, co-director of The Leisure Experts, is a seasoned aquatic and education strategist with decades of experience in the Irish leisure sector. Renowned for her expertise in creating impactful development pathways, ensuring rigorous quality assurance, and enhancing customer experiences, Joni has become a pivotal figure in the industry. Her collaborative work with Swim Ireland, Sport Ireland, Ireland Active, and other key organisations has cemented her reputation as an innovator in programme design and delivery. Driven by a passion for excellence, Joni is dedicated to transforming how leisure operators provide services, consistently raising standards and delivering meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve.
The Leisure Experts: Building the Future of Aquatics
At The Leisure Experts, Bethan and Joni lead a team committed to reshaping the aquatic industry. Their services include consultancy on business growth, strategy development, workforce training, and digital transformation, as well as expertise in pool design, innovation, and funding support. Education is at the heart of their mission. By delivering tailored resources and training programmes, they empower individuals and organisations to achieve excellence. This emphasis on professional development ensures long-term sustainability and growth for the sector.
A Shared Vision of Excellence
Bethan and Joni’s approach is built on a foundation of innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Their focus on challenging the status quo and championing new ideas has earned them a reputation as trusted leaders in the industry. They are committed to transparency and building genuine partnerships with their clients, creating bespoke strategies that deliver real results.
By sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the industry, Bethan and Joni are not only helping organisations achieve success but are also fostering a culture of excellence within the leisure and aquatics community. Their work ensures that everyone, from new swimmers to seasoned professionals, benefits from a thriving and inclusive industry.
To learn more about The Leisure Experts and the impact Bethan and Joni are making in the aquatic world, visit www.theleisureexperts.com