SPATEX Newslines

Many exhibitors have requested to rebook for next year, so an early sell-out of stand space is forecast. 

Details have yet to be finalised, but with daily news dominated by spiralling energy costs, top of the show’s agenda will be the latest cost-cutting innovations, high tech convenience and sustainability.

For those who would like a recap or didn’t make it to the show, SPATEX 2026’s double seminar programme is available to view on the SPATEX website. Take a look - the subject matter is diverse and there’s something for everyone.

It is with deep sorrow and much fondness that we learnt of the passing of John Asher (of Lincolnshire-based Asher Swimpool Centre). An industry statesman and staunch supporter of SPATEX, he will be sorely missed. 

His was a life well lived and, as a Rotarian, he lived by the maxim “service before self.” There are few industry accolades that haven’t been bestowed on him in his water leisure career spanning almost 70 years.

John was Instrumental in SPATEX’s inception in 1997 and gave his time and considerable expertise in good spirit and generosity, he was still on hand to provide advice at this year’s 30^th anniversary show.

SPATEX Chairman, Howard Gosling, says: “John’s infectious enthusiasm right up to the end of his life knew no bounds whether it was building show pools in SPATEX’s early days in Brighton; creating an architects’ forum or curating a new product zone. He was never happier than when he took to his soap box in “Mega-Demos” – showcasing his extensive technical knowledge in practical demonstrations. I will miss him.”

Aside from water leisure, John was the founder of the charity Trade Aid (an initiative delivering boxes of useful tools to support overseas communities). Donations may be made to Trade-Aid through Robert Holland Funeral Directors.

John hard at work at SPATEX Brighton 2006

SAVE THE DATE: SPATEX 2027 – Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th February.

Coventry Building Society Arena. Open to all and free to attend.