OFF TO A FLYING START

An interview with Louise Stewart

Yorkshire born Louise Stewart has recently completed her first 12 months as the CEO of Chester Race Company, whose racecourses include Chester, Bangor-on-Dee in North Wales and Musselburgh in Scotland. Here she talks to Cullimore Dutton about what she loves about the job and her plans for the business.

How did you get started in business?

I properly started my career when I was 25. Before then, I worked in a number of roles in restaurants, bars and overseas for a number of different tour companies and had lots of fun. Over the years, I’ve had a number of very interesting roles all focused in the leisure, culture and tourism sectors.

Before taking up the Chester role, I was CEO of Alexandra Palace or ‘Ally Pally’ as it’s better known, for nearly 7 years. A key part of that job was strengthening both the charitable and commercial operations, and investing in the visitor experience. Before this, I was Deputy CEO of VisitEngland, the national tourist board and held senior roles at both One North East and Yorkshire Forward Regional Development Agencies.

What attracted you to the world of racing?

Although it’s my first job in the racing world, I’ve always loved horses. I was very horsey as a teenager and rode from the age of 13 until I went to university. I did a lot of cross country and jumping, not on thoroughbreds like at the racecourse, but on really old ponies!

The thrill of race day

There was a chap down the road from me growing up who had three carthorses which I would look after for him. I’d take them out in a trap or jump them and they were amazing.

I also spent time at a local livery helping out and mucking out horses all in return for riding. It was a great way to spend time as a kid. Everyone thinks the horse world is just for wealthy people, but you couldn’t be further from the truth, it’s a very diverse industry.

What’s the view like from your office?

Most people expect me to be based on the racecourse, but actually my office is in HQ, which is nearby. I’ve got the most wonderful views across the whole of the racecourse and over to North Wales, and I can also see the Cathedral and cityscape from where I sit. People always comment on the view when they come in for a meeting.

What are your plans for Chester?

Chester is a world-famous racecourse with a great reputation and it was very flattering to be approached to do this job. It’s an exciting city to live and work in and I love its rich heritage. Established in 1539, our racecourse is the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world.

The diversity of the business is what excites me. We have 15 race days during the year and outside of that there’s a whole host of hospitality, leisure, corporate events, meetings, exhibitions and dinners going on. We also own and operate the Holiday Inn Express on site and a fabulous pub in the city centre.

My focus is to make sure that the existing operation runs as efficiently as possible, that we deliver great experiences for our guests and that we look after our site and the buildings that we have. I’m also looking at how we can develop the course to be even more of a multi-purpose venue. The site was of course designed as a racecourse, but there is clearly an opportunity to build on the success of the year-round events operation.

What do you think of the business community?

It’s a brilliant little city and the business community has been very welcoming to me. I like that people value the role the racecourse has to play in the city and that they want to get you involved in stuff.

I’ve worked in lots of different places and I’m always amazed at the footfall we get in Chester. People are starting to come out in bigger numbers again and places like the new Market are great assets. I don’t think I’ve ever been in there when it’s not busy. The food offering is exciting, I love the new wool shop and it’s such a good idea to make it dog friendly.

Louise will be the guest speaker at our next business lunch in April. It takes place on April 18th at 1539 between 12.30pm-2pm at Chester Racecourse.

For more details and to book your place visit www.cullimoredutton.co.uk/clc-april-23 info@cullimoredutton.co.uk

Louise Stewart Fast Facts

What do you like about Chester?

I love the Rows, the coffee shops and I’m looking forward to exploring more of the bars and restaurants. I live just ten-minutes from the city centre because I want to be part of the community and close to work.

An ideal weekend?

I would go running, cycling or just take our dog, a whippet called Barry, for a good walk. I’m also a keen open water swimmer and always on the lookout for some lovely new places to swim.

How do you relax?

The exercise is how I relax but sometimes I’ll get stuck into a good book or work on my knitting. Thankfully, British diver Tom Daley has made knitting cool again. I’m currently knitting a blanket and previously made a woolly jumper for the dog!

A little-known fact about you?

During my third year at University, studying for a Tourism Management degree, I spent a year in industry working as a mountain guide in North Wales, and Cumbria.

What type of CEO are you?

Approachable, inclusive and I have a collegiate style. I don’t have a big ego and I understand that my team will always know more than I do about what they do. We work on plans and problems together. It’s a different style, but it works well.