This month we spoke to Duncan Howard at one of our oldest members, Castle Climbing Centre an exciting and established indoor climbing centre which has a long and interesting history.  In 2020 it is once more developing the site and what it is able to offer climbers on site.

 What do you/your organisation do?

We are an indoor rock climbing centre based in North London, constructed within a magnificent Victorian building, formerly a water pumping station (and yes it really does look like a Castle!) We offer multiple types of climbing spread over 5 floors, including 450 roped and lead routes from 8m to 13m in height and an extensive range of bouldering surfaces.

How long have you been an AIM Member?

Castle Climbing are one of the Mutual’s oldest members joining in 2007

What’s the best part of your job?

Working with a really passionate team delivering something we all love

What issues do you think the industry faces this year?

There is a lot of growth in the sector and I think there is a big risk of new operators not understanding how to manage the significant risks associated with indoor rock climbing. This could result in serious injuries for individuals and reputational damage to the industry as a whole

What benefits have you gained from being an AIM Member?

Aim have been fantastically supportive. Not only do you understand the business incredibly well you have a sensible approach to risk and risk management. This allows us to operate a facility that is still fun and challenging for our customers.

What exciting projects do you have lined up for the future?

We are opening a large extension to our building this year. Work has only just started but we’re excited because it allows us to introduce a new discipline to the centre. We can now offer all three disciplines that will feature in the Olympics for the first time this year.

What is your favourite activity?

It’s an obvious answer but of course it has to be climbing!

What activity do you want to try?

I’d like to try my hand at mountaineering one day