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SPN DEC 2011 Pool&SpaIndustry
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk AGM’S REPORT
SPN reports from Cheltenham on the BSPF, SPATA and BISHTA annual general meetings
HOT TUB CUSTOMERS TEMPTED BY LOWER INTERNET PRICES SAYS BISHTA
The UK’s hot tub customers are potentially being tempted by low prices on the internet, and not getting necessarily the best quality and overall value for money.
That, together with rising business costs, including exchange rates are two of the issues facing the industry.
BISHTA, the hot tub trade association, cannot afford to do anything but keep up the hard work on higher standards, better information to both the trade and the consumer and be careful of unscrupulous trading practices from non members.
It was vital, said Chris Hayes, Managing Director of the British Swimming Pool Federation, to have a robust code of ethics.
The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and at its annual meeting in Cheltenham reported that it had achieved great success in improving the quality of its literature, its website, training sessions and partnerships. Members heard there had also been a lot of work on improving member factsheets and PIP marketing toolkits.
Chris Hayes told the meeting that the more difficult issues facing the industry included unscrupulous trading practices from non members and the tough trading conditions. He said it was vital for BISHTA to have a robust Code of Ethics and clear warranties for customers as a defence against dubious practices from some non members. One issue which was debated by BISHTA members was the ability of offering extended warranties to customers giving them an extra reason to buy from an association member.
On BISHTA’s own investment into improving the workforce element of membership, he said that hot tub courses were being provided, but the take up from members was low. He said BISHTA was looking to develop a spa technician’s qualification.
BISHTA faces many challenges in this uncertain economic climate, but by working together we can achieve much for our industry said Isobel Rickards Sanger who confirmed she was prepared to stand again as association chair. There are some changes to the BISHTA committees with consultant Dorian Davies returning as an advisor and new members of the Technical Committee being sought. Training sessions are being planned for water hygiene courses, and dangerous goods transportation.
Chris Hayes stressed the importance of recognising the hard work and innovation of the industry and reflecting it through national and local PR.
“BISHTA is always looking for lifestyle images, as these capture the fun and excitement of hot tub and swim spa ownership. Stunning locations really set off the hot tubs and BISHTA will try to ensure that it is promoting both hot tubs and swim spas. It also recognises the importance of members having fabulous accessible retail premises to attract customers to find out more about the products on offer.”
Plans for BISHTA going forward include the development of European standards for domestic spas and hot tubs, more member and consumer factsheets, extended warranties, workforce development and a common water training syllabus.
RESOLVING SPATASHIELD SCHEME IS A KEY TASK
Resolving the future of the SpataShield warranty scheme, working at increasing membership and continuing the work to update the support literature for the industry were all highlighted as important tasks for SPATA.
The association is 50 years old this year and at the annual meeting in Cheltenham Chris Hayes said there were a number of important challenges ahead.
On SpataShield, he said that a growing number of claims had put a strain on the premium to be paid.
“Following consultation with members, a decision was taken to retain the bond and temporarily dispense with the warranty. The risks to SPATA’s reputation may remain.” He urged members to make sure that the revised two step process is being used to ensure the leaflet being given out on initial contact stage and then the bond certificate at contract signature.
Another challenge for the association he stressed was the need for more new members. SPATA membership currently stands at 183. “We need to reach out to new members, while retaining existing members with even more value for money for membership.”
SPATA’s target is to work towards a 5% annual increase for the next three years.
He said that a lot of hard work and progress had been made on producing quality factsheets and a PIP Marketing Toolkit. Regional meetings took place at various locations across the country, not only to provide members with valuable information, but also an opportunity to meet up with old friends and to make new contacts.
SPATA’s website had seen investment during the year with the member finder section well liked. There were, he added, a huge number of documents available in the members’ area. He urged SPATA members to let the association know what more they wanted on the website. “Leisure Industry Week is also useful for a different audience, as this is for commercial operators and there was a larger SPATA presence at this year’s show, supported by CPC, Lovibond Tintometer, Penguin and Ocea.
“We have worked again with LIW organisers to promote SPATA to a wider commercial audience.” SPATA Chairman Richard Carrington said: “SPATA has been very active again this year. It is vital that SPATA members take full part in communicating what they need from our Trade Association. New materials have been produced this year, based on feedback from the members. The more that you put in, the more you should be able to benefit.”
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