Swimming Pool Scene POOL & SPA PEOPLE
POOL & SPA PEOPLE: Andrew Newsome Owner of Bespoke Building and Spas
Andrew Newsome runs Bespoke Buildings and Spas, a Staffordshire based spa and swim spa retail business. Winners of Gold Awards at the 2016 UK Pool and Spa Awards, Andrew has been in the industry since 2001 as an importer, distributor, manufacturer and retailer.
How did you get involved in spas? In 2001, I was looking to buy a hot tub, there was a very limited
range on offer, so having previously built a successful business importing and distributing high-end hand-made mountain bike products, I decided to enter the spa market. I ultimately became the UK Distributor for the Canadian Manufacturer, Coast Mountain Spas and had a strong dealer network selling their products, culminating in being named their International Distributor of the Year in 2005.
How has the industry changed in that time? I suppose that the Internet has made customers slightly more
knowledgeable, but that has its own drawbacks as so many people have ‘conflicting’ messages. The hot tub industry still appears to be very new and most consumers are still engaging in their first purchase.
What is the best part of your job? Probably when an installation is completed, and we get to see the
genuine excitement on a client’s face. Our luxury spa installation in St Tropez this summer was one of the highlights of some fantastic installations that have been completed over the years. A few weeks ago, we installed a swim spa for a family with a disabled son. This swim spa will change their lives, and provide additional mobility for him. Even after 17 years of doing this, it is a great feeling to see the faces of people whose lives we are changing.
What have been the landmark moments of your career?
In 2001 I entered the Spa Industry. This was probably the best decision that I have ever made. I have won a number of awards over the years from manufacturers that I’ve worked with, but have to acknowledge the 2016 Award at the Pool and Spa Awards as being one of the major moments in the spa industry.
How did you benefit from the UK Pool and Spa Awards?
Winning the Gold Standard Award in 2016 has helped tremendously. We have seen good growth this year, but the quality of the enquiries has improved. We have certainly gained work that maybe would not have come our way without the award. Installations have been completed throughout the UK, from Margate, to Cornwall, Conway and Aberdeen, as well as overseas work in the Cote D’Azur and the French Alps.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Probably from a family friend, Bernard Simmonite, when I was 17 years old. He told me to go into sales, with the biggest company that I could find. A few months later I joined The Burton Group. The best business book that I ever read was “Everything is negotiable” by Gavin Kennedy. This book had very positive effects for me.
What are the main challenges facing the pool industry at the moment?
Probably the Brexit decision. Already it has seen costs rise by 20 per cent on imported products. I am worried about the long-term investment into the UK by overseas companies and how this will affect the future generations prosperity.
What direction do you see the industry heading in?
The majority of clients are obviously from the higher than average income bracket. I would hope that these people will maintain their stability. I see my clients now asking for a ‘turnkey’ installation, rather than them managing projects themselves.
What about outside of work?
I used to be a very keen tennis player and snowboarder, but a car accident, four years ago has limited these activities. My main passion these days has to be Ferrari Road Cars. I have restored a few Classic Ferraris and have been a member of the Ferrari Owners Club for many years.
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