NEWS
IN BRIEF KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED FOR STA CONFERENCE STA has confirmed that Tara Dillon, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), will headline as keynote speaker at the STA National Conference 2026. Taking place on 13-14 November 2026 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheltenham Chase, the two-day event will bring together swimming teachers, tutors, operators and aquatic professionals from across the UK for a comprehensive programme of learning, collaboration and sector insight. Widely recognised as one of the UK sector’s, Tara has been instrumental in shaping the professionalisation of the workforce since joining CIMSPA in 2015. Under her leadership, the organisation has played a central role in strengthening career pathways, raising professional standards and supporting the long-term development of the sector.
CRISIS FACING UK’S POOLS HIGHLIGHTED The All Party Parliamentary Group on Swimming published the findings of its report ‘The Deep End’ at the end of March and its findings weren’t good. Commissioned to identify the structural, financial and operational challenges affecting swimming pools across the country, more than 200 written submissions were received from operators, membership bodies, governing bodies, clubs and individual members of the aquatic community. The report shows that the UK’s swimming pool estate is ageing fast and becoming unsustainable without urgent action. More than 1,200 pools are over 40 years old and are past their expected lifespan. The insight has helped shape a strong, practical set of recommendations to protect these vital community assets and safeguard aquatic facilities for generations to come.
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New Pool Opens At St Ives Holiday Village There’s exciting news from John Fowler’s St Ives Holiday Village as its brand-new swimming pool experience is now officially open. Following a significant investment in the site’s leisure facilities, the holiday village has unveiled a completely transformed pool area designed to bring even more fun, energy and memorable moments to family holidays in Cornwall. Designed for children of all ages and abilities, this new installation from waterplay specialists Hippo Leisure combines development for young ones through sensory play and entertainment for the more adventurous with big splashes. This exciting new space features: • Extra large splash bucket feature in the deep end • Interactive toddler attractions including a spray hoop, water web, water cascades and a toddler slide • Bespoke themed rockwork and artificial plants. Whether children are racing through sprays, dodging giant splashes or exploring each new feature, the redesigned space offers a fresh way to enjoy time together on holiday. The opening marks an exciting addition to the
guest experience at St Ives Holiday Village, giving families even more opportunities to relax, play and make lasting memories during their Cornish escape. The area will also be benefitting from a sun terrace, where guests can sit out and enjoy a drink, soaking up the sounds of the woodland. With a resort-like feel, and features which provide endless play, John Fowler has created a space for their St Ives park which will attract families from across the UK. Hippo Leisure 01752 771740 www.hippoleisure.com
Mapei UK Marks Continued Expansion With New Distribution Centre Adhesives and sealants specialist Mapei UK has acquired new warehousing and offices as part of its continued expansion. The new mega-hub, titled 02 Distribution Centre, is located at Titan 10, Bilston, near Wolverhampton, spans over 260,000ft2 and will provide warehousing for Mapei’s increasing product lines for construction projects. Mapei’s Midlands-located warehouses will continue to transfer to the 02 location during 2026 as part of the company’s strategy to bring all logistics ‘under one roof’. A premium facility located just four miles from the M6, Titan 10 Bilston provides excellent connectivity for Mapei UK’s regional and national distribution. The expected average Mapei tonnage that will be dispatched from the warehouse is
15,152 Tn/month. Established in the UK in 1989, Mapei UK employs more than 450 people throughout the UK and Ireland. The firm cemented its commitment to the local market in 2004 with the completion of a brand-new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Halesowen, West Midlands. It now also has a concrete admixtures manufacturing plant in Speke, Liverpool and two further manufacturing facilities in Burnley, a Mapei Academy training facility in Halesowen and a Specification Centre in Clerkenwell, London. Office space at the 02 Distribution Centre will house Mapei UK’s Technical Services and Marketing Departments. “The new Distribution Centre will enable us to further enhance our customer service, efficiency and capacity. Being close to our main Halesowen plant, and in such a connected central location, it also brings additional sustainability benefits, enabling us to optimise transport routes and implement new initiatives from a central site,” explained Phil Breakspear, Mapei UK Managing Director. Mapei UK 0121 508 6970 www.mapei.com
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