London Rowing Club shows how to achieve success

LGB London Rowing Club

As many of our clients who have attended our summer parties are aware, we have a longstanding relationship with London Rowing Club. In this context, we would like to congratulate the club on its outstanding performance at Henley Royal Regatta, which took place between 1st and 6th July. This was the result of five years of hard work.

In 2020 LRC was at a low ebb on the river and faced the suspension of its rowing activities and events business in the wake of lockdown. The club had to turn to its members for additional financial support. To gain their confidence, there was a concerted effort to increase communication, strengthen the financial management of the club, and upgrade its premises and operations. The next step was to emphasise a one-club culture that broke down silos, brought everyone together in the effort to revive the club and attracted new members. Fortunately, members responded very generously, and customers of the events side of the business returned with enthusiasm as lockdowns ended. As a result, the club was able to invest in new boats, equipment, and coaching technology. 

An M&A opportunity arose in 2023 when LRC was invited to absorb the members and boats of HSBC boat club after its clubhouse was sold by the bank. The financial and operational stability of the club supported the development of its rowing programme, which is based on the expertise of the club’s two professional coaches and a growing team of volunteers. As demonstrated at Henley, LRC has developed an elegant and effective rowing style that is consistent throughout its elite crews.

At the Royal Regatta LRC won the Thames Challenge Cup for club eights and the Wyfold Challenge Cup for club coxless fours. LRC almost completed a clean sweep of the men’s club events, but they were just pipped in the Britannia Challege Cup for coxed fours. Meanwhile, LRC’s women’s crews also had success with three crews qualifying to race in the regatta and the A crew reaching the semi-final of the Wargrave Challenge Cup for women’s eights.

Communication, sound financial and operational management, a positive and inclusive culture, investment in operating assets and collaborations – it is a template that all organisations can follow. As a longstanding supporter of the London Rowing Club, LGB is delighted for the club and those involved. Now that LRC’s flywheel is spinning, we look forward to witnessing the club’s continuing success.