1st March marked a new era for our charity as we welcomed Thomas Barton as the new CEO of Everybody. His first day was spent introducing our staff to his plans for the future of our charity, this was delivered in a new way compared to our traditional written newsletters; through video message. These vlogs will be sent out monthly keeping our teams updated of exciting projects and successes.
We will also be producing something similar for our partners and social media followers so you can keep up to date with our charity news on relevant local and national topics of health and wellbeing!
As well as engaging with his employees, Tom also met with our trustees for budget setting meetings for the new financial year; whilst also tackling the biggest job of all – moving to his new office!
Thomas Barton in his new office at Holmes Chapel
We thought it would be great to get to know our charities new Chief Executive a little bit more with a Q&A…
- Can you tell us a little bit about you and your family?
Of course, I am Thomas Barton 39 years old and I have lived in Macclesfield all my life. I am married to my wife Sarah and a father of two boys Charlie (11) and Louis (7).
- How did you career start and what has your professional and academic career been like?
Having finished 6th form at Tytherington High School I went on to gain a graduate scholarship trainee role at Macclesfield Borough Council, completing the first of several part-time qualifications with a degree in Business Management. Later going on to achieve a master’s in human resources, becoming a fellow of the CIPD and then more recently completing an MBA.
Having worked in a variety of HR and business roles, I was proud to be a founding member of the Everybody Management Team when it was launched in 2014.
- What are your favourite hobbies and interests?
I love to watch my sons at football (I am also a Manchester United fan and regularly attend matches). I also like to try and play a little bit myself still when possible.. I also like playing various other sports including tennis and I have recently got back into playing squash in a local box-league.
I do want (& need) to start using our gyms and classes far more though!
I love to travel and visit new places & one of our favourite family holiday destinations being Dubai.
Tom and his sons at Manchester United
- Who is your role model?
This one had to be football related, Sir Alex Ferguson. As a leader he was constantly learning, adapting & achieving. With a focus on developing people & identifying talent, whilst demonstrating longevity & loyalty!
- Can you tell us something we wouldn’t know about you?
I am a huge Only Fools and Horses Fan – so much in fact our wedding car was a yellow 3 wheeler! I also have quite a collection of OFAH memorabilia…
Tom and wife Sarah on their wedding day
- What’s the best piece of advice you have been given?
“To never mistake politeness for weakness”
- What are your hope for the future of Everybody?
To build on the foundations and great work from the first 7+ years at Everybody and realise all the opportunities we now have. To continue to provide the best health & leisure services and facilities across the Cheshire East area and ensuring we connect to the changing needs of all the local communities and that all people value our charity.
I’m passionate about developing both people & places… I want is to be recognised as the best local employer and the leading leisure trust!
- What plans do you have for the next 12 months?
To surround myself with the best team to continue our strong recovery from the pandemic, welcoming back more customers and inviting many new users through our doors. We will also continue investing in our people and facilities and to work closer with many partner organisations to positively contribute to the local health agenda.
We’ve so many exciting projects ahead with the planned opening of a new site in Congleton, the launch of an active travel initiative and so much more…..!
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