Nikki Smith, Managing Director

Since she graduated in Leisure Marketing, Nikki has worked at every level of the industry. She began with five years working for Vardon (Merlin Entertainments) throughout the UK and Europe, and launched new Sea Life Centres in Newquay, Weston-super-Mare, Tynemouth and Benalmadena.

Moving to Real Live Leisure, she launched the Aquarium of the Lakes in Windermere, then became General Manager of the award-winning Oceanarium in Bournemouth.

She was responsible for the creation of the Blue Reef Aquarium brand, from conception in Newquay to its successful development in three further UK sites, and has also worked for Wookey Hole Caves and West Dorset Tourism. A spell in advertising involved senior account management responsibilities for clients ranging from Hampton Court Palace to regional shopping complexes.

Prior to launching Flamingo Marketing, Nikki was the Marketing Director of Aspro UK - a major leisure company which operates leading attractions, including Blue Planet, Deep Sea World and Blue Reef Aquariums and Oakwood Theme Park.

"I have worked with Nikki for many years. She is one of a rare breed of marketers who works from concept to reality, delivering marketing solutions which focus on achieving positive results. As an experienced operator as well as marketer, she has a keen understanding of the business and is able to inspire and support management teams to ensure marketing strategies are fully embraced by the whole team to help maximize visitor numbers, increase spend and develop the overall visitor experience"
Ian Cunningham,
MD, Blue Reef Leisure Ltd