Gordon gradated from the University of St Andrews with an Economics degree and then did a postgraduate business based degree at Edinburgh University. He subsequently worked for almost 20 years in the hospitality sector including hotels and proprietary golf clubs. He managed the build and opening of the first adventure golf course to be built on the grounds of a golf club in England (c. £750k build).
Fiona graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Engineering and became a Chartered Accountant, working for a Big 4 accountancy firm in London.
With their combined knowledge and expertise along with input from their 3 children, they launched their first leisure venue "Safari MK", a soft play and party venue in Milton Keynes in July 2014, opening in October 2014 (see www.safarimk.co.uk). They set up the business from scratch starting with an empty 16,000 sq ft warehouse.
When they're not working, Gordon and Fiona enjoy spending time with their energetic children. Gordon played golf for Scottish Schools and still tries to keep his hand in when time allows. Fiona enjoys playing tennis when she gets the chance.
The Safari MK team prides itself on, not only the quality of play equipment, but a particular focus on great food both for daily visitors and parties, with the corresponding high levels of service, something that many indoor play venues struggle with. The directors have set up all of the procedures at Safari MK to be easily scalable and believe they have a strong business model that can be rolled out efficiently and effectively at other sites.
Gordon and Fiona have built up a strong management team at Safari and together they are always looking for new ways to improve the business and bring the optimum play and eating out experience to families.
The business aims to open up at least 2 more sites in the next 5 years. FPL is an attractive option to many landlords who are a looking for a long term tenant with a proven track-record who will look after the building with limited dilapidation risks.
3 Carters Ln, Kiln Farm Roundabout,
Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3ET
