Award-winning legacy going nationwide
Andy Slater- 8 years ago
Specialist Coast Spas and Regency Collection retailer A5 Spas is embarking on the historic next chapter in its hot tub and wet leisure market story by becoming inaugural partners of the Award Leisure nationwide network of dealerships.
The family-run company, which has Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy among a list of high-profile customers, has three dedicated hot tub and swim spa showrooms in Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, and Lincoln. These will now become part of the Award Leisure network of nationwide dealerships as part of a new franchise opportunity.
To build on its award-winning legacy in the market A5 Spas has taken the decision to increase its prestigious high-profile status in the industry this year by launching Award Leisure; after celebrating achieving four BISHTA Awards, including a ‘Showroom of the Year’ Award accolade, during the 2017 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards Gala Evening at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry to add to its large haul of sales and customer service honours amassed over more than three decades.
Award Leisure is going to build on the award-winning legacy and vast experience of A5 Spas, which was first established in 1984 and has since become a major success story in the market after gaining high-profile recognition from both the industry and manufacturers with an impressive list of prestigious awards including top honours from Coast Spas, which has once again achieved multiple WhatSpa? Best Buys Awards in the 2017 edition of the consumer magazine for its Coast Spas and Regency Spas models.
Over the coming years up to 50 dedicated Award Leisure dealerships will be created throughout Britain to capitalise on this market-leading industry experience to help consumers to gain access to the most unique hot tubs and pedigree outdoor products on the market from a fully qualified and trustworthy supplier on their very own doorstep.
For now three specialist sites run by the A5 Spas team in Dordon, St Albans, and South Hykeham, which have WhatSpa? Approved status and Which? Trusted Trader accreditation, are going to be initially spearheading the promotion of Award Leisure’s portfolio of pedigree outdoor products sourced from the world’s leading manufacturers in their respective fields.
These include Coast Spas and Regency Spas hot tubs and swim spas, as well as a wide choice of additional value-for-money lines including quality woodfired pizza ovens, log cabins, gazebos, saunas, BBQ huts, drinks coolers’ plus a vast array of accessories and chemicals.
The refurbished head office site in Dordon already has a stunning selection of product lines to provide a comprehensive outdoor leisure experience for customers with support from experienced professionals throughout the entire sales and installation process.
All of the showrooms are highlighting a large package of new hot tub and swim spa model options from booming Canadian manufacturer Coast Spas, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a bumper crop of new products and enhancements including the newly developed non-float lounger design that has been incorporated in the Element and Apex hot tub models.
Two years ago Coast Spas, which manufactures Regency Collection hot tubs and swim spas, unveiled the world’s first and only portable Infinity Edge Swim Spa and has now followed it up with the launch of the next model in this stable in the form of the new 17ft Infinity Edge Ultra model that is being joined by the new Wellness II Party Spa, which has been designed with benching down each side of the tub to maximise space.
Building on the successful launch of Valkea Cabins in 2015, the three showrooms are also now promoting Valkea Saunas to provide prospective customers with the capability to purchase a ‘soak and steam’ product package for their gardens.Among the additional ‘hot’ products are outdoor pizza ovens by Alfa Pizza for prospective customers to create their own authentic Italian-tasting pizzas.
A5 Spas chief and Award Leisure Managing Director Mark Anthony reported that he is now looking forward to passing on the company’s vast ‘one stop show’ experience in the wet leisure market to pedigree Award Leisure franchise dealerships, with a total capital investment of between £75,000 and £80,000 depending on showroom size, which will be coming on board in the future.
“We looked at various options to build our business and sales and this was the one that made the most sense in terms of reaching a nationwide audience,” said Mark, who helped to promote the new Coast Spas models at the 21st anniversary edition of SPATEX this year.
“It would have been almost impossible to sell more spas in our current format at our three dedicated showrooms. Now, though, we will be able to increase our presence throughout the UK by allowing only the most suitable and professional candidates to take on an Award Leisure franchise.
“It is with a heavy heart that we’re going to lose the high-profile A5 Spas name that has become so well known as a leading company in the industry but moving forward we will be part of the Award Leisure franchise group. From now on Award Leisure is going to be building on the legacy and vast experience of A5 Spas.
“Our systems are proven, our products are highly regarded and with franchise growth throughout the UK our brand reputation and recognition will increase significantly. The UK home leisure market is now worth billions and its sector is projected to continue growing as ever-increasing numbers of people look to spend time outdoors.
“We’ve seen increased customer demand throughout the UK for all of our products and services, alongside growth of at least 30 per cent year-on-year.“Our aim is to continue to grow the brand throughout the UK and to award up to 50 successful franchisees, their own store and protected territory by the end of 2021. We want to be able to furnish every garden in the UK with our luxury products, outstanding service and exceptional value-for-money.”
A5 Spas turned to The Franchise Company for help and guidance to gain membership of the British Franchise Association (BFA), a voluntary self-regulatory body for the UK franchise sector, for Award Leisure. It was achieved within record time to ensure the franchise model could be promoted at the London Franchise Exhibition at Olympia earlier this year.
Partner and consultant at The Franchise Company Julie Waites reported that the specialist company had stepped up their game to help gain membership of the BFA for Award Leisure, which she declares is now providing a high-quality franchise model.
“We’ve worked on some major franchise projects before, but Award Leisure really made us up our game, simply because of the tight deadline,” said Julie.
“We’re really proud of the high quality franchise model that Award Leisure are now offering, and look forward to working with them as they start to establish and expand their franchise network.”
www.awardleisurefranchise.co.uk
