UK POOL & SPA EXPO, NEC, BIRMINGHAM
SHOW REVIEW
Berkshire based Thermals Spa were exhibiting and looking for new dealers
offerings, suspended swimming pools and a 3D Statue of Liberty art installation, there was plenty to see. We were also lucky enough to have Sharron Davies MBE on hand at the Hydropool stand to answer questions and discuss her experiences.
“Compass Ceramic Pools have brought one of their top end pools to showcase this year and even brought their fully branded Aston Martin onto the show floor to demonstrate the qualities of carbon fibre. It obviously worked as Alex told me this afternoon that he has been commissioned by a visitor to build a pool in Italy and has some more strong leads to follow up too.”
One thing that struck me on my initial walk around though was the amount of hot tub and spa related companies that were present given this was a pool and spa show. Many major brands were in attendance including Artesian, Marquis Vita Spas and Hydropool to name just a few and from speaking to Peter Hogg at Spaeuro, the high numbers of spa companies exhibiting was the reason they had decided to exhibit themselves, as that’s where their market is.
I wondered if the exhibitor line-up would affect the numbers or profile of those visiting
Belgium company Alpha Industries exhibited their wellness products at both the UK shows this year
With this stunning Statue Of Liberty, Laticrete used artist Mark Kennedy to
demonstrate their Hydro Ban tile adhesive and sealant
the show but thankfully though, with the doors to the venue open, this didn’t seem to be the case and visitors started arriving throughout the morning with deals being done within minutes. “At 10.15 I spoke to Steve Cooper from Pool I.D. (manufacturers of pool testing equipment) and he had sold three units already. Chris from Doughboy had sold a swimming pool before lunch, the atmosphere on the show floor was really positive,” said David Jefferies, UK Pool & Spa Expo Sales Manager.
Across the three days of the exhibition, it seemed to me that visitor levels never really built on the early success of the first morning. With the Saturday being a day aimed at consumers, despite efforts of the organisers trying to entice consumers from the neighbouring Caravan & Camping Show into the Pavilion, sadly it seemed the quietest day of all. Having spoken to a number of other exhibitors, that also seemed to be the commonly held view too. Attracting consumers and a quiet third day is something that rival show SPATEX has also struggled with previously and I wonder if a three day show is needed for the UK industry. That said, shows are not judged on just visitor
Jim Johnson talks
to customers on the Marquis Spas stand
numbers alone. A wide range of quality exhibitors with innovative products on display is a must. As is the smooth running of any event of this type and the New Events team certainly managed that, but when it comes to visitors, the quality of those that attend and getting new people to an event is a key part of making a show a success or not. Judging from what I saw and the feedback I have had, the UK Pool & Spa Expo appears on the whole to have ticked that box too, although opinions on the show varied wildly. Phil Moseley of Darlly Europe said: “We didn’t think there was any new business left for us but UK Pool & Spa Expo proved us wrong and the right people attended.” “Not only did it exceed all my
expectations in terms of orders and serious enquiries….the hospitality provided during the show made the whole experience most enjoyable. I have no hesitation in booking again for next year. I am looking forward to it,” commented Graham Kelsey of Summit Leisure who was exhibiting a range of products including Allseas Spas and Algarve Swimming Pool Enclosures. The revolutionary new spa cover and lifter called Vacuseal was exhibited by
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
SPN April 2014 59
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