Oscar
It is common with British service industries. when Wal Mart took over ASDA the first thing they did was put 'Greeters' on the door.
It is not only customer friendly staff you need, and you do have to employ training even in basic skills such as getting someone to say, HELLO! you also need a new customer service enviroment. How many clubs/school hide their staff behind screens/counters (just in case they catch anything off the nasty customers) I would imagine signing on would be a more friendly experience!
The other gripe is the general appearance, cleanliness and untidyness of some of these places. In most businesses where you are going to part with around £5000 plus they have much more than just a untidy shed to encourage you to part with your money.