With the spa industry forced to suspend face to face business during COVID-19, the not-for-profit UK Spa Association has launched a series of online resources to help spa operators and suppliers through the current crisis.
Spa Line Online - a dedicated platform which can be accessed via the UKSA website, offers a one-stop-shop of vital direct links from industry to financial information. Also featuring on the site are details of the self-employment Income Support Scheme, and downloadable resources such as How to Use Zoom, daily exercise routines, advice on how to maintain mental wellbeing, and suggestions on how to upskill during this enforced downtime.
Following Chairman, Adam Chatterley’s email (on 20th March) clarifying the government’s instruction to suspend trading, the UKSA continues to liaise with industry partners and organisations to provide the spa industry with as much regularly updated information as possible.
Commenting on the decision to launch Spa Line Online, UKSA chairman Adam Chatterley said; “These are very challenging times for the UK spa industry and the UKSA are trying to do our utmost to help members adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, so that the imagination of clients stuck at home can be captured.”
Articles posted to the association’s site urge members to stay visible in their businesses, to embrace social media activity, with live interaction where possible, and build your brand by giving relevant, value added tips such as how to ‘spa at home’.
The UKSA has also taken its popular Spa Directors Assemblies online, with the first one enjoying an impressive turnout. Attendees included Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall & Fistral Beach, The Scarlett, St Michaels Resort, Calcot Manor, Blythswood Square, Verbena Spa, Ribby Hall, Rockliffe Hall, Carden Park, The Spa at South Lodge, The Dorchester, Cowarth Park and Pendley Manor.
On the agenda was Coronavirus, specifically it's business impact, people’s impact and planning for the future. Now in their fifth year, the next Spa Directors Assembly online will take place on Monday 13th April.
As a pioneering new added benefit, the UK Spa Association is delighted to launch online an all new, Spa Suppliers Assembly. The first of its type, the inaugural session took place on 6th April 2020.
Commenting on the online platform, General Manager, Helena Grzesk said; “Now is the time to sensitively highlight the value of the spa brand, particularly products and any online services to raise awareness for the future. It’s possible that as a result of this current crisis, there will be a reawakening and a consciousness of people, who will become much more appreciative of the incredible work of the spa industry as self-care, health and wellbeing become a priority.’
The UKSA’s head of digital marketing and sponsorship Naomi Chatterley concluded; “Over a century of data shows that the businesses who continue to invest in marketing and advertising during difficult financial times,such as recessions and post-9/11, are the ones who continue to thrive. Not just through those tough times, but afterwards. Keeping visible, will keep your spa brand front-of-mind for clients, and you’ll be in a better position for growth. If you’re there for your client in the hard times, they’ll stay with you in the good times.”
To find out more about the digital Spa Director’s and Spa Suppliers Assemblies contact Helena at manager@spa-uk.org.
.gif)
