Businesses lack creativity, claims Jongleurs founder

Maria Kempinska, the founder of iconic comedy brand Jongleurs, has hit out at UK leisure businesses, claiming that they lack "creativity" and "stifle entrepreneurial spirit".

Kempinska, who is on the verge of opening the first Jongleurs site in the US — in New York — said the trouble for leisure companies starts in the boardroom.

She said: "Keeping a step ahead in the current market means taking considered risks and embracing creativity. Too many boards in the UK are nervous, play it safe all the time and are stuck in a 'follow the leader' mentality. I understand that boards have an obligation to shareholders and staff, but businesses simply will not fulfil their potential with a conservative attitude.

"Bosses of many of our businesses want to put creativity on a spreadsheet, want everything to make sense — truth is, that's not how the best businesses become a success. A recent example in our business of taking an educated gamble has been our investment in comedy in the US. We've spent a great deal of time, effort and money to establish an operation in the US, based on the fact we see an opportunity to take British talent there, but it's a long-term play."

Kempinska said boardrooms also need to be aware that consumers are "suspicious and demand more".

She said: "In recent years they've lost confidence in authority and big business and, in turn, expectations have never been greater.

"So, if you make cuts, they'll see them. Don't assume they don't know the difference between wholemeal and Nimble bread — they do, and their loyalty to your brand will rely on boards not taking that loyalty for granted.

"Look beyond the boardroom, beyond the spreadsheets, embrace change and seek out creativity."

Jongleurs operates 20 venues and comedy nights in the UK, which includes partnerships with nightclub operator Luminar and venue launches under its franchise deal with Momo Leisure.

It recently teamed up with the Ministry of Sound to provide comedy sets on selected nights before the nightclub's music offering.