UK Spa Association continues dynamic growth strategy

Bobby Griffiths General Manager UK Spa Association

After a phenomenal year in 2024, we have outlined our continued growth and development strategy for 2025. The year (2024) saw the key role of General Manager given added vigour as it was developed into a full-time position. This meant that extra time and resources could be added into developing new work streams and subsequent benefits for the association and its members. In 2024 the we delivered three successful networking events across the country, surpassing previous attendance records and taking on a significant number of new members, both from group operators, suppliers and hotel spas. A quarterly Regional Spa Leadership meeting was added, to discuss fundamental operational challenges in a neutral environment, building a community of support & engagement. Dates are already in place for the whole of 2025 and operators are keen to contribute and become involved.

After a truly fantastic 2024, we are keen to keep up the momentum as we enter 2025

After a previous lack of any UK Spa Industry data, for a number of years, the UK Spa Association initiated a large Spa Industry Survey. The resulting figures were hugely welcomed by both operators and suppliers and the survey will now become a yearly fixture to assist the industry to benchmark effectively. More latterly, in November 2024 we revealed the results of an industry salary and benefits survey. These statistics had never been harvested within the UK Spa Industry and create a crucial starting point for an industry that has long struggled with recruitment and retention, one which has been especially precarious since covid times, resulting with many abandoning the industry altogether.

As we start the new year, the UK Spa Association is keen to continue the successful growth trajectory. Plans include more of the same, with additional strides into education, encompassing getting people into the industry, the qualifications and standards within the industry and how employers can understand these simply. A series of monthly webinars talking to not only industry greats but also a diverse selection of specialists in their own fields, who are not necessarily from a spa or hospitality background but who can still teach and pass on valuable knowledge and nuggets of wisdom.

As more insight is gained through this increased engagement with the industry via regional groups and ongoing survey results, we plan to initiate meaningful conversations to create open debate and ultimately pave the way for significant change and progress for the industry as a whole.

After a truly fantastic 2024, we are keen to keep up the momentum as we enter 2025 and we look forward to contributing towards the growth and development of the sector.