Business is bubbling up nicely for a leading hot tubs company with plans for international expansion after double awards success.
[aoa id=”1″]UK Leisure Living scooped two prizes at the prestigious Wales Start-Up Awards last week.
The St Asaph and Mochdre based firm received accolades for Retailer Start-Up of the Year and North Wales Start-Up of the Year.[/aoa]
Managing Director Gareth Jones was “thrilled” to emerge victorious in such competitive categories and said the awards will act as a springboard for further growth in the next 12 months.
UK Leisure Living has gone from strength to strength, opening a showroom at Gordale Garden Centre, Wirral, taking on new staff and garnering customers nationwide.
Gareth says they are now exploring opportunities in Ireland and Western Europe, capitalising on a boom in the ‘staycation’ market and a burgeoning reputation as the region’s number one hot tub retailer.
“We have big plans for the future but are still new to this industry and to retail, so to win such a prestigious award when there are so many brilliant companies in this sector is a big achievement,” said Gareth.
“The whole team is thrilled because it shows we are moving in the right direction; all of our hard work is paying off as we push sales and build the business with one eye on the future.”
He added: “The showroom at Gordale opened earlier in the summer and we plan to ramp up our marketing there to make more people aware of our presence.
“Other locations are also being looked at, in the north west and also Ireland where we are exploring the possibility of opening more showrooms in 2019.”
Gareth’s driving ambition is to provide the ultimate outdoor leisure experience for in people’s homes, holiday parks and accommodation.
“We are still in the early stages as a company but the idea of creating a complete one-stop showroom, that covers all aspects of outdoor luxury and comfort is something that appeals to me,” he said.
“We are already supplying and delivering hot tubs, composite decking and other accessories but are looking at the complete picture, the possibility of a new site which encapsulates the overall experience when people stay at a holiday park or lodge, complete with furniture, lighting, barbecues and other elements that will reinforce our position as a leader in this sector.
“That is something the company will look at in the future, for now we are going to celebrate this fabulous award win and continue to add value to the tourism industry and have a positive impact on the economy in North Wales and beyond.”
Reflecting on the Wales Start-Up Awards, founder and chairman of the judging panel Professor Dylan Jones-Evans congratulated Gareth and all of the winners.
“I am delighted that UK Leisure Living has won the North Wales start-up of the year award at the 2018 Wales Start-Up Awards,” he said.
“They, and all the other finalists and winners, are shining examples of what can be done through a combination of entrepreneurial ambition and creating the right environment in which such businesses can thrive.”
“This year’s awards have demonstrated the enterprise, innovation and vitality at the heart of the start-up community in Wales.”
