Award-winning hot tub retailer and business entrepreneur, Gareth Jones, of UK Leisure Living, was quick to respond to the coronavirus crisis. Working with his existing decking supplier, Gareth was able to source 2,000 visors which he supplied free to key workers and sold at £2 plus VAT to local businesses. Based in North Wales, Gareth puts almost as much effort into community support as he does to business development. Inspired by the Prince of Wales’ Helping The Community scheme, Gareth set up a charitable foundation five years ago so that rather than paying increased tax, a percentage of profits from the business are diverted to the Foundation to reinvest into the community. “The Foundation is a bonus for the business with huge benefits to the community as well as good PR for the company,” explains Gareth whose Foundation supports worthwhile causes such as local foodbanks.
“I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH I LIVE AND WORK AND I HOPE MORE BUSINESSES FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE”
“CONSUMERS ARE SOMETIMES BEING LURED BY CHEAPER, INFERIOR PRODUCT, WE NEED TO GEAR UP TO BE READY FOR THE FUTURE”
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
“I am very passionate about the community in which I live and work and I hope more businesses follow the example,” he says. Gareth has used lockdown to reinvest in his UK Leisure Living business purchasing new delivery vehicles and taking on two new apprentices. UK Leisure Living has also expanded into the neighbouring retail unit which now acts as a separate swim spa show site to the original hot tub showroom. It is also available as an aquatic workout venue with visitors able to book 30, 45 or 60 minute slots in the swim spas. The company is being rewarded with record sales figures – 70% up on the same period the previous year. “We have been inundated with enquiries,” reflects Gareth. “It is not a question of selling – more order taking — as we are reactive rather than proactive. We as a company and as an industry are truly blessed. Those enquiries have been for entry level, lower value product…I guess the selling comes in if you move them on a sales journey to a bigger ticket it,” he continues. “Like always, there will be winners and losers,” reflects Gareth whose company is a former Spa Retailer of The Year and listed in the top five businesses in North Wales. “Because consumers are sometimes being lured by cheaper, inferior product, we need to gear up to be ready for the future repair business that is sure to follow,” predicts Gareth.
UK Leisure Living
Tel. 0845 034 3550
www.ukleisureliving.co.uk
