
The traditional curtain raiser to the exhibition season, Leisure Industry Week celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and promised to be bigger and better than ever before.
It was more a case of quality over quantity in terms of attendees, but none-the-less, with 215 exhibitors spanning across six core leisure sectors including Pool & Spa, Play, Health & Fitness, Food & Drink, Leisure Facilities and Sport, there was still plenty to inspire and invigorate. There were about 25 exhibitors within the Pool & Spa section who were rewarded for their investment with enquirers from sectors such as holiday parks, swim schools, leisure centres and hotel chains.
New for this year, the Pool & Spa Advice Clinic, hosted by Pool & Spa Scene magazine, provided a central hub for visitors to discuss their pool and spa requirements with a panel of leading industry experts. Co-ordinated and staffed by Pool & Spa Scene magazine team, the clinic welcomed representatives from Bayrol, Anapos, DG Pool & Leisure and the Pollet Pool Group, covering all aspects of pool and spa design, construction and maintenance. The advice clinic was well-received by both exhibitors and attendees, with many remarking on the positive and fresh approach that it bought to the annual exhibition.
Glyn Lucas of DG Pool & Leisure said: “The Pool & Spa Advice Clinic was a roaring success and we would most certainly look to be involved again next year.

“We were glad to see a variety of visitors at the show, with a good mix of both domestic and commercial pool owners.
“Depending on their subject of enquiry, visitors were able to speak to the relevant expert from the panel, which meant that queries were dealt with thoroughly and efficiently. Feedback from the visitors was also very positive and we came away with some excellent leads.”
Jimmy Lamb of Bayrol added: “This year’s show was very worthwhile for us, and it was great to be part of the Pool & Spa Advice Clinic. “Getting the right pool and spa advice is crucial, and we were delighted to be able to offer that service.”
Elsewhere in the exhibition hall the STA hosted the Swim Zone for the second year running, and this time the pool was a central feature on the show floor, allowing demonstrations to get more exposure. This included a synchronised swimming display from Zoe Cooper, former British Champion and star of Britain’s Got Talent, plus a special one-off performance from a real life mermaid. The STA also used the show as platform to launch their new Photometer, a digital technology allowing real time analysis, alerts and reporting live in the swimming pool.
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