Members of the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA) celebrated at the Ricoh Arena at the end of January, as the winners of the 2017 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards were announced. Some 21 companies were recognised in the awards presentation, which was attended by British Paralympian Swimmer, Ellie Simmonds OBE. Big winners of the night were Cheshire-based Portrait Pools and Enclosures who won eight SPATA awards as well as The Dick Millward Trophy for Pool Contractor of the Year and the Outstanding Pool of the Year Award.
Also celebrating were Cannings H20 who picked up two SPATA awards and three BISHTA awards, while Sussex-based Home Counties Pools and Hot Tubs were the overall winners of the Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence along with a second gold award. The Paul Kite Award for the Pool Star of the Year went to Jason Beirne of the London Swimming Pool Company. Now a Trainee Project Designer, Jason started his career at LSPC as a pool and spa servicing engineer but seeing the designers at work he got the bug for design.
Jason was able to transfer to the Contracting Division and start an apprenticeship under the tutelage of the senior designer. Jason has now gained his City & Guilds Level 3 Award in 3D Computer Aided Design from Guildford College. Speaking about his career, Jason commented: “It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve relished every new challenge, from presenting creative pool designs to architects and clients to sourcing the tiniest component that was vital to engineer the pool in the way needed. “The swimming pool industry would definitely benefit from young blood, the sector is growing, and it’s prosperous – especially at the luxury end of the market – and needs lots of creative people.”
The annual British Pool & Hot Tub Awards evening brings together BISHTA and SPATA, the two UK industry trade associations in a joint event to highlight the achievements of the water leisure industry, by showcasing the best examples of design, construction, installation and innovation from trade association approved companies. The evening was hosted by Rob Malone, supported by SPATA Chairman Richard Carrington and BSPF President and BISHTA Chairman Alex Kemsley who presented the awards along with the category sponsors. Ellie Simmonds OBE also presented a number of awards and received a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of her achievements as a British Paralymic Gold Medallist and World Record Holder.
