ONE of the UK’s largest hot tub firms will double in size and target £2million turnover this year.
UK Leisure Living unveils a new Swim Spa showroom in the coming weeks, expanding its Mochdre base to more than 5,000 sq ft.
Managing director Gareth Jones also confirmed the company’s acquisition of Carbon Zero Renewables in St Asaph; now all solar, leisure and hot tub services and sales will form part of the same group.
Gareth says UK Leisure Living – listed in the top five businesses in North Wales and 21st in Wales at the recent Fast Growth 50 Awards – is aiming to increase sales of hot tubs by 30% in capitalising on a boom in the market.
Having returned from a conference and exhibition in Florida, he has witnessed first-hand the product’s emergence in the US and looks forward to a positive 12 months after a challenging year.
“We have sold more than 400 hot tubs over the last two years, but I think the consumer uncertainty around Brexit, and the investment we made last year, saw us experience some transition,” said Gareth, who was named Businessman of the Year at the latest Welsh SME Business Awards.
“We still did well but I’m always striving for better and am confident with the new Swim Spa centre in place we will achieve £2m turnover.”
He added: “The Swim Spas are quite unique and can range from 12-24ft in length, making them popular with swimmers and for resistance training.
“There are jets at one end, and they can be very powerful because the technology is incredible – perfect for the next Michael Phelps!
“People are more than welcome to come along and wet test them, and there has already been a lot of interest in anticipation of the opening of the extended showroom.”
The new-look facility at the Old Creamery on Station Road will hold more than 30 hot tubs and Swim Spas in total, as well as including showers and changing cubicles, an area for children and families to relax, decking and renewable energy displays, a kitchen and offices.
Preparations are also underway for the second North Wales Hot Tub Expo in May, following the success of last summer’s event.
“It’s all about the customer experience, that’s paramount to everything we do because people don’t want to be given the ‘hard sell’ or rushed into making what is an important decision,” said dad-of-one Gareth.
“The Swim Spas in particular, are an attraction, there is a lot of buzz around them and many people have never seen one before. It’s something a little different and we are excited to have them on display.”
He added: “There is a lot of scope for development in this sector, in tandem with the tourism market in North Wales, so we will be looking to take advantage of that in the coming months.
“We have some exciting partnerships to reveal, and growth will include new staff and further improvements, so it’s going to be a good year.”
