Justin Tomlinson MP with cinema Manager, Trudy East
Justin Tomlinson MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Leisure Group, today visited Empire Cinemas in Greenbridge to look behind the scenes at Swindon’s biggest cinema.
Justin as met by Manager Trudy East and was taken on a tour of the complex, looking at the retail area as well as the projection rooms.
The visit was an opportunity to discuss the changes that the cinema is making to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Justin discussed the changes that digital technology is bringing to cinemas, with digital projectors giving a lot more flexibility in screening schedules. The cinema has also started doing special Autism screenings on the first Sunday of each month, which are well lit and quieter than normal screenings and have proved very popular.
In the retail side of the business, the cinema is also willing to try new ideas and trial different products. The most recent addition is the Holland and Barrett pick and mix, where customers can buy whole food snacks to munch on during the film.
The Greenbridge cinema sees a staggering 8000-20,000 people pass through its doors every week, taking on extra staff for busy periods of the year. All staff undergo a full 4 week recruitment process, ensuring that even the temporary part time workers are able to provide the high level of customer service customers expect.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “Empire in Greenbridge is a fantastic example of innovation in the increasingly competitive leisure market. Not only are they embracing the benefits of digital technology, they are also trialling new ideas and products, such as special screenings for pensioners with tea and biscuits, and for those with Autism.
“As the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Leisure Group, visits like this are extremely beneficial as I can then feed my experience of what leisure giants like Empire are doing, back into the Group’s parliamentary work.”