Innovation and sustainability focus
Andy Slater- 3 months ago
BSPF President Dyfed Thompson-Smith has highlighted an agenda to raise industry standards and foster innovation in spa and pool management with a focus on sustainability to guide the federation towards being more environmentally responsible.
Dyfed has outlined his vision and strategic priorities after commencing a two-year term as British Swimming Pool Federation President. His plans include a dedication to improving industry education and training, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet the evolving needs of consumers and regulatory frameworks.
With a clear focus on collaboration and advocacy, Astral Pool UK General Manager Dyfed has revealed that he is determined to strengthen the BSPF’s role as a proactive voice in shaping policies that affect the pool and spa industry nationwide. Recognising the importance of collaboration, Dyfed also plans to strengthen partnerships with national and international swimming and spa bodies, including working more closely with the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA); and to raise the BSPF’s profile with the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA).
“Having been the PIP Chair and having a position on the BSPF board, my diverse career experience and commitment to enhancing the industry’s profile, credibility, and professionalism motivated me to pursue the presidency of the British Swimming Pool Federation,” explained Dyfed.
“My journey into the swimming pool industry mirrors that of many others. It all started with a summer job as a lifeguard in North Wales. From there, I steadily advanced, taking on various supervisory and management roles in public and private leisure and health and fitness operations in Wales, Luton, Stevenage, and southeast London. This diverse experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and its challenges.”
After migrating towards the more technical aspects of pool management, Dyfed became a technical manager for Arch Chemicals, promoting and developing the HTH brand within the commercial pool sector and trade accounts. His career then took him to Barr & Wray as a sales manager and subsequently to AstralPool UK, where he served as Sales Director from 2011 to 2016 before becoming General Manager, overseeing the overall business within the UK.
Commenting on the biggest challenges facing the BSPF, Dyfed acknowledged the ever-changing economic and political landscape and declared: “Continuing to build on the excellent work of my predecessors against an ever-changing backdrop of economic and political change is certainly a short-term challenge.
In the mid-to-long term, Dyfed has reported that he plans to collaborate with existing and future stakeholders to improve technical knowledge standards and address the long-standing issue of the availability of appropriate skills within the industry. He will be seeking to promote eco-friendly practices, encouraging the use of renewable resources, and supporting companies in reducing their carbon footprints.
“Sustainability remains a central focus, with a commitment to developing clear, long-term plans and visions to support businesses and stakeholders in becoming as sustainable as possible,” revealed Dyfed.
“By implementing strategic initiatives and fostering innovation, our goal is to ensure that the industry not only meets current environmental standards but also sets new benchmarks for future sustainability.
“Diversity and inclusivity are vital aspects of any organisation, and the British Swimming Pool Federation is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment. By working closely with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) working group, the BSPF aims to implement clear policies, effective communication strategies, and training that promote fair and diverse representation within the industry.
“This includes actively addressing any barriers to inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all members, and celebrating the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that contribute to the federation’s strength and success.
“During my presidency, I plan to work even more closely with the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA) and to raise our profile with the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA). These efforts will enhance our influence, share best practices, and drive innovation within the industry.
“We will build on and continue to develop the strong foundations already in place, creating an informal framework that ties all of the BSPF’s work together. We will also continue to build and grow our existing membership base to provide meaningful, visible, and credible service to our members and the wider pool industry.”
Dyfed has also revealed that increasing visibility and credibility through ongoing subsidiary work is also a priority during his time as BSPF President.
“We aim to capitalise on the strong foundations already in place to promote our industry and recognition across the UK business landscape,” Dyfed explained; “This aligns with proposals from other bodies, such as the Institute of Directors (IoD), to explore and ‘test’ the appetite for an industry-specific ‘Code of Conduct for Directors’ for good governance and ethical working purposes.”
Dyfed also revealed that he is looking forward to working with the BSPF team and that he will be hosting his BSPF President’s Weekend in Portsmouth next year.
“This event is an opportunity to bring peers from the pool and hot tub industry together,” he said.
