POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

COVID-19 Can’t Mask Our Industry’s Successes With the pandemic still affecting the normal running of our industry, BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes highlights the effort and achievements from the last year and progress being made, often behind the scenes

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would like to start this update by repeating a huge thank you to all of the exhibitors, contributors and visitors who supported the SPATEX Virtual show. It is hugely appreciated and a timely reminder about the importance of having opportunities to come together (even online) to keep the industry informed of key updates. But also, for the entertainment through the virtual awards ceremony – for the re-presentation of the 2020 ISPE awards and the announcement of the 2021 British Pool and Hot Tub Award winners. I know talking to a number of members, they were able to celebrate the event with staff in a COVID-secure environment to bring people together, so thank you to you all. In addition, a heartfelt thank you to the entire SPATEX team, my fellow SPATEX Directors and vFairs for providing the online platform to put on the unique, virtual event. Having briefly mentioned the 2021 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards and the re-presentation of the ISPE awards for 2020, my thanks also to Jan Hardy, Sallie LeslieGolding, Isabel Lock and Caroline Cross for their excellent organisation of this Industry event. Jamie Smith (BSPF President), Pete Grinnall (BISHTA Chairman), Richard Carrington (SPATA Chairman) and Phil Barlow (ISPE President) also made a huge difference with their role in announcing the winners. I would also like to thank the sponsors, whose details are below. Further details of all of the award winners can be found on pages 30-36 of this issue.

Each year for the Gala Dinner, we are honoured to be joined by a guest (usually from the world of sport) to announce some of the winners, and this year was no exception, with the hugely inspiring presence of Danielle Brown MBE. For those of you unaware of Danielle’s achievements and her aim this year to be part of a world record attempt, please see page 29 for more details. As in previous years, many of the 2021 British Pool and Hot Tub Award winners will be shortlisted for the European Pool and Spa Awards 2021, hosted by EUSA. Work with both EUSA and WAPSA continues. See the next page for more information about the importance of these links with other national pool and spa associations and the 2021 EUSA awards. Other news from Europe regards the progress of the draft domestic pool standard prEN 17645. Environmental performance efficiency – Performance evaluation, methodology, and classification of the use of outdoor pools and their equipment. Feedback has been provided on this standard by SPATA’s Technical Committee, and both SPATA and BSI are fortunate to benefit from the presence of Will Dando (Plastica) on the relevant European committee (CEN TC 402 WG5). It is envisaged that the feedback on the standard will be addressed at meetings this year, and so it is likely that there will be updates on this standard at SPATEX 2022. Returning to home, with the changes brought about by Brexit, BISHTA and SPATA have been arranging monthly webinars, with the first one focusing on some of the key messages from Hampshire County Council Trading Standards regarding the knowledge expected from companies who are importers. Adam Chambers (who featured in the last issue of SPN) oversaw this session. He provided members with some really useful information and there have already been

As in previous years, many of the 2021 British Pool and Hot Tub Award winners will be shortlisted for the European Pool and Spa Awards 2021, hosted by EUSA”

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some follow-ups from members seeking further advice. A webinar has just been held on lifting equipment used for hot tubs, exercise spas and one-piece pools. Following an incident with a hot tub that fell at height while being lifted out of a garden, although nobody was injured, BISHTA and SPATA liaised with ALLMI and the CPA to draft some guidance to minimise the chances of a repeat incident occurring again. The Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) was founded in 1978 at the request of the Health & Safety Executive. It is the UK’s only trade association devoted exclusively to the lorry loader industry, and its members include manufacturers. ALLMI promotes the safe use of lorry loaders, produces good practice guidance, assists in the formulation of relevant legislation and Standards, and provides a training accreditation service. The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) was founded in 1941 and is the leading trade association for this UK sector. CPA Members supply over 85% of hired plant to the construction industry. CPA publishes a wide range of safe-use and technical guidance documents and other publications, including through their special interest groups such as the Crane Interest Group (CIG). All publications are distributed free of charge widely throughout the construction industry to support and promote safety. Webinars will be continuing this year, with a H&S webinar being hosted on Tuesday 20 April. These webinars are free to BISHTA and SPATA members.

DIARY DATES 2021 14 May 20 May 25 May 8 Jun 23 Jun 1 Jul 2022 1-3 Feb

BISHTA Technical Committee, WebEx BISHTA Committee, WebEx SPATA National Council, WebEx PIP Committee, WebEx SPATEX Board, Andover BSPF Board, WebEx SPATEX, Coventry

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