IN its first months since opening, David Lloyd Harlow Club is celebrating the success of its new team, following successful recruitment partnerships with Harlow College and Jobcentre Plus. The new health and wellbeing Club has created over 150 jobs for local people, with a wide range of roles from sport and fitness to business admin and hospitality. 

Jo Miller, general manager at David Lloyd Harlow, worked with Harlow College to create a bespoke training programme specifically to engage local students and unemployed adults in the town. The training sessions, delivered at both Harlow College and Harlow Jobcentre Plus, equipped future team members with employability skills such as problem solving and team work, followed by a mock interview.

If successful, team members were then supported to achieve qualifications in customer service, health and safety and first aid before beginning a formal induction. For those unsuccessful in the recruitment process, David Lloyd Leisure continued to support them with advice on becoming more employable, with an opportunity to apply again when ready.  

Since opening its doors on 18 December, the newly recruited team has enjoyed welcoming members to the state-of-the-art facilities, including a 100+ station gym, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, premium racquet courts and a luxurious Spa Retreat. Team members have also enjoyed the facilities for themselves as a benefit of their role, while also continuing to learn valuable career skills on-the-job.  

Jo Miller, general manager at David Lloyd Harlow, said: “We are incredibly proud to have created 150 new jobs for local people, including 27 who were previously unemployed. The team has been a credit to David Lloyd Leisure since we first opened to members in December, everyone has been working hard to offer a first-class experience for members. 

“Working with Jobcentre Plus and Harlow College was a priority for us, ensuring we can offer exciting career opportunities to a wide range of talented individuals right here in Harlow. It is a great example of how employers and community partners can work together to deliver real outcomes for jobseekers and the wider local economy.” 

Wendy Martin, Assistant Principal, Harlow College, said: “It was a privilege to work in partnership with such a reputable employer – one truly committed to investing in local people, championing upskilling, and creating meaningful opportunities for long-term growth and success.” 

Located in the town’s Innovation Park, the new David Lloyd Harlow Club has generated overwhelming interest from the local community. The new Club features a full suite of health and wellness amenities designed to meet the needs of individuals, families and professionals alike. Alongside the centrepiece gym, swimming pools and racquet courts such as tennis and padel, there is also a luxurious Spa Retreat and boutique exercise studios for David Lloyd Clubs Signature Classes including BLAZE, SPIRIT, 1GN1TE, CYCLONE and REBELS. The Club has also begun Reformer Pilates classes, and children’s coaching programmes including Junior Swim and Tennis Stars.  

In addition to the health, fitness and wellness amenities, David Lloyd Harlow serves a menu of hot and cold meals and snacks in the Clubroom, with a Business Lounge for remote working, family zone and indoor soft play area for children. 

Memberships are still available at David Lloyd Harlow Club. For more information or to sign up, visit: www.davidlloyd.co.uk/clubs/harlow