Author: Luke Griffiths

The Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE) is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with BGi.uk, bringing an exceptional insurance benefit exclusively to ISPE Student Members. This initiative is designed to support those beginning their careers in the wet leisure industry by providing affordable, professional protection at a fraction of the usual cost.

Through this partnership, ISPE Student Members can access £5,000,000 indemnity cover for just £156.84 per year, with a standard £500 excess (increasing to £1,500 for heat-related work). This premium represents outstanding value—around 27% of the best individual rates currently available, with the nearest comparable quote found being £579.92.

Such a competitive rate is only possible through collective uptake. To activate the scheme, BGi.uk requires a minimum of 75 student members to sign up. Until this threshold is met, the insurers cannot provide the cover—so ISPE must now measure interest among eligible students.

This is a unique opportunity for Student Members to secure comprehensive professional liability cover at an exceptional price, offering peace of mind as they build skills, gain experience, and take on practical work within the industry.

ISPE invites all Student Members who may be interested in this exclusive offer to register their interest as soon as possible.

Pictured: Luke Griffiths with Derek Ray from BGi.uk

The Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE) is delighted to announce that Council member Alex Kemsley has been nominated to become a Fellow of the Institute, following a vote of the ISPE Council at the meeting held on Monday 10th November.

ISPE President Bob Judd, FISPE said:

“In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Institute during a period of significant transition, the Council voted to award Alex the status of Fellow of ISPE.

Throughout this time, which included key personnel changes with Luke and Jason joining the team, Alex played an instrumental role in supporting the Institute’s rebranding and the development of our new website.

On behalf of the Council, I extend our warmest congratulations to Alex on this well-deserved achievement.”

Alex becomes the youngest Fellow at the Institute, demonstrating that age is no barrier to excellence, leadership, or meaningful contribution within the sector.

Reflecting on the honour, Alex Kemsley, FISPE said:

“I am incredibly proud to have been made a Fellow of ISPE and for the recognition from my peers in this industry.

I am looking forward to raising wider awareness of ISPE and of all the great work it does for professionals in the industry, and for young people embarking on their careers in this sector.

One of my missions is to evolve the education programme. As a dyslexic entrepreneur, I understand the importance of addressing different learning styles and want to make ISPE’s education programme more inclusive for all types of learning.”

Alex, Managing Director of Waterstream, has served on the ISPE Council since October 2022. With more than two decades of experience in the swimming pool and spa sector, he is recognised as one of the UK’s leading industry experts in wet leisure, swimming pool design, installation, and innovation.

ISPE General Manager Luke Griffiths noted:

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Alex for his continued support since I stepped into the role of General Manager.

His expertise has been invaluable in delivering the tools needed for ISPE’s rebrand and in advancing the redevelopment and hosting of our website.

Alex’s contributions are far from over, and I look forward to working closely with him as the Institute continues to evolve and grow.”

ISPE congratulates Alex on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued leadership and vision as the Institute advances its programmes and support for the industry.

ISPE’s Women in Pool Engineering campaign continues to make steady progress, with more women becoming active members and taking visible roles within the Institute.

Following the recent appointments of Amanda Thompson-Smith to the ISPE Council and Kim Mumford’s well-deserved recognition as the Institute’s first female Fellow, it’s encouraging to see new members joining the conversation and bringing fresh energy to the initiative.

One of those new members is Claire Chitty, MISPE, from Neuman Aqua, who recently joined ISPE and shared her reasons for getting involved:

“I am delighted to see Amanda taking a leading role in the ISPE Council. With several members of the Neuman Aqua team already active ISPE members and given my personal passion for the pool industry,

I felt this was the ideal time to join the organisation. I am keen to both share my knowledge and learn from fellow professionals to support my personal development while contributing to the continued growth of Neuman Aqua and our team.”

While progress is encouraging, there’s still more work to do. We currently have no female speakers confirmed for the November seminar in Dudley, and we’re keen to change that for future events. ISPE is urging female members and professionals from across the pool and spa industry to present at SPATEX 2026 and ISPE’s 136th One-Day Seminar next March in Newbury.

We also urge employers and colleagues to encourage their female team members to explore ISPE membership and training opportunities. Together, by continuing to promote visibility, opportunity, and inclusion, we can ensure that women play an even greater role in shaping the future of swimming pool engineering.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact Luke Griffiths

The ISPE Council is delighted to announce that Amanda Thompson-Smith has been co-opted onto the Council following a unanimous vote at the August Council meeting.

Amanda brings with her a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the swimming pool and spa industry, and we are thrilled that she has chosen to become more actively involved with ISPE.

As part of her appointment, Amanda will also be standing for election at the ISPE Annual General Meeting on 9th October 2025, during the 134th One Day Seminar.

Luke Griffiths, ISPE General Manager, commented:

“It’s fantastic to have Amanda co-opted onto the ISPE Council. As part of our Women in Pool Engineering campaign, ISPE is working hard to encourage more women both to engage with us and to join the wider industry. Having a professional like Amanda on the Council is a real boost to that mission, and we’re excited about the experience and perspective she will bring.”

Amanda Thompson-Smith added:

“I’ve been in the swimming pool engineering industry for over 12 years, and I currently work in the Projects division at Astralpool.

My role blends business development with technical design and specification, helping to drive innovation and growth in aquatic projects.

I’ve led both internal sales and technical teams, with a strong focus on delivering smart, efficient solutions tailored to each client.

I also sit on the National Council for SPATA and I am deeply committed to driving innovation and raising industry standards.

I’m here to share insights, learn from others, and spark meaningful conversations that move our industry forward.”

We look forward to working with Amanda and benefiting from her insight as the Institute continues to support members, promote best practice, and provide opportunities for professional development.

Click here to find out more about the AGM and how to take part.