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‘A lasting legacy of Sustainability’ - Circadian Trust environmental champion retires after 45 remarkable years
13 May 2026
An architect of a lasting legacy of innovation, resilience and sustainability in the South Gloucestershire leisure industry, Ian Jones is retiring after a career spanning 45 years.
Jones, Director of Buildings and Environment at Circadian Trust, which operates the Active Lifestyle Centres in Thornbury, Longwell Green, Bradley Stoke, Yate and Kingswood, is closing the door on a career that has helped shape the way modern leisure facilities are built, managed and powered.
His successor is Mike Beltrami, who has worked for Circadian for over 25 years, working across multiple departments, including leisure management, before transitioning into facilities. Mentored by Jones, he has undertaken extensive professional development, most notably completing a Higher National qualification in Building Services at the University of Bath.
One of Jones’ most significant legacies is his strategic approach to energy procurement and management, overseeing a purchasing strategy that allowed the organisation to secure long-term contracts at highly favourable rates.
His approach especially paid off just before the Covid-19 pandemic, when in 2019, he led the decision to lock in energy prices through to 2026 at significantly reduced rates - protecting the organisation from the subsequent surge in global energy costs.
This foresight ensured Circadian Trust remained financially stable during a period when many leisure operators faced existential challenges. More recently, he has secured further energy contracts extending to 2031, once again safeguarding the organisation against market volatility, particularly in the light of the current geo-political conflict in the Middle East.
But leisure’s loss will be gardening’s gain, as Jones now plans to spend more time indulging in one of his favourites hobbies, as well as spending more time on his allotment and swimming at Circadian’s Active Lifestyle centres.
He says: “I've had the best rewarding role and career anyone could ever ask for. I’ve never had a problem getting up and going to work. Every day is a different challenge, and I've worked with the most amazing people – and that’s the thing I will really miss. It’s been like one big family. Now it’s time to take a step back, reflect, and embrace the next chapter. I’m looking forward to spending the summer in my shorts in the garden and at my allotment - and I know I’ve left the operation in good hands with Mike, who’s hit the ground running.”
Jones has worked for Circadian Trust since its inception over 20 years ago. Before that he worked his way ‘from the ground floor up’ – he began his career as a part time lifeguard - in the leisure departments at Gwent County Council, Stroud District Council, North Avon District Council, South Gloucestershire Council and then South Gloucestershire Leisure.
Throughout his career, Jones has driven major investment in green technology, from combined heat and power systems to solar panels, advanced building controls and rainwater harvesting, helping to transform Circadian’s sites into some of the most energy-efficient facilities in the region.
His unique blend of technical expertise and operational insight has also played a key role in designing and developing facilities across South Gloucestershire, including Yate, Thornbury, Bradley Stoke and Longwell Green.
And under his leadership, Circadian Trust achieved internationally recognised standards including ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for health and safety, and ISO 9001 for quality management.
A passionate educator, Jones has trained countless professionals through accredited pool plant and water treatment courses, both within Circadian and across the UK, and will continue his work with the Swimming Teachers’ Association in that space in retirement.
Reflecting on a career defined by passion, innovation and a genuine love for what he does, Jones offers one piece of advice: “Don’t wish the time away. It goes quicker than you think. Just enjoy it.”
Photograph: Ian Jones (right) pictured with Circadian Trust’s CEO Mark Crutchley
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