Taking an individual approach to every pool installation, Oyster Pools & Leisure has reached a premier position in the UK’s water leisure industry by understanding that no two customers’ requirements and imaginations are the same.
The South Wales-based company is a threefaceted business, covering swimming pools, hot tubs and servicing.
Specialising in residential new builds and refurbishments, Oyster also designs and installs commercial hydrotherapy pools.
Located at Raglan Garden Centre in Usk, the extensive show site has 22 Jacuzzi and Wellis hot tubs on display, as well as three swim spas. The company was recently awarded a Gold Standard in the Pool & Spa Showroom and Pool & Spa Retailer of the Year categories at the UK Pool & Spa Awards.
Oyster was one of the founding members of National Leisure from its concept, and each director mentors both a NL company member and a NL supplier. Showing continued faith and commitment to the organisation, Paula is now also a Director of NL.
FOUNDER MEMBERS
Paula explains: “There are many benefits of being a NL member, including the NL Forum which is a 24 hour contact for help and advice from other members. If anyone is looking for a particular item, usually one of our members can supply.
“There are also the member meetings and socialising aspects; Italy is our next planned visit in February to various proposed suppliers.” She adds: “Not forgetting Portland Pool Products – these are special own products that are not found on the internet, so there is no direct competition or price reductions.”
THREE DECADES
Oyster’s founder and managing director Barry McCabe originates from Wimbledon and one of his first jobs was a London bus driver.
He later joined a building company which built pools for Cranleigh Clark of Australia. This is where he became offay with the construction methods, so much so that he was head-hunted by an American company, Fox Pools, who were venturing into the UK market.
Barry was later offered the opportunity to put his pool knowldege to use in Monmouthshire at Raglan Garden Centre, and so began the start of the Oyster Pools & Leisure Ltd in 1984. More than three decades later the company continues to flourish in the area and Barry, at the age of 70, still works five days a week, assisted by his wife Paula and step-son Gareth, both co-directors.
The future of Oyster Pools & Leisure lies in the capable hands of Gareth, as the company plans to implement an exit strategy for both Barry and Paula to retire in the next couple of years.
Simultaneously, investments will be made in a new website and a marketing and customer care management system, to enable the company to stay at the top of its game.
