Clear Blue Pools

Most of us, at one time or another, dream of working for ourselves. We look forward to experiencing the freedom that comes with being your own boss. Those hot sunny days could be spent lazing beside a glistening pool rather than sitting in a hot and stuffy office. For many of us it remains just that, a dream, but not for David May. This young entrepreneur has managed to combine a way of enjoying the freedom of self employment with an industry he enjoys.

For many years David has worked within the leisure industry, especially with swimming pool maintenance. Mainly working with leisure centres, David soon realised there was potential within the marketplace for a ‘domestic’ service.

“The company I was working with looked after the wet leisure sector locally,” said David. “We mainly dealt with large public swimming pools and during my daily work I saw there was a gap in the market. Individuals in the area who owned swimming pools and hot tubs also had a need for regular maintenance services. Therefore I decided to go freelance and provide a comprehensive service for existing pool owners and managers with a personal touch.”

Trained as a life guard, ISRM (Institute of Sports and Recreation Management) qualified and registered with RoPPP (Register of Pool Plant Professionals), David brings a unique and experienced standpoint on swimming pool use, health and safety. Something which he believes no other local company can offer.
Getting a new venture off the ground is never easy especially when it involves investing in new equipment. After completing a business start up course with the NWES David was awarded a small grant and further funding was provided by his family.

“Although the initial support I received got me started I still needed further investment,” said David. “I needed to buy a vehicle, equipment and fund my marketing campaign if the business was going to be a success. Because I was just starting out without a previous business background I was unable to get funding from the banks. However NatWest put me in touch with Foundation East.”

At the moment David is running his new venture alongside his regular job as a fitness instructor and lifeguard however over the next 2 to 3 years he hopes to have expanded the business to the point of it becoming his sole income. Once he is working on it full time he is looking to grow and expand the business by taking on new staff and work with leisure centres to increase his customer base.

“Getting this backing from Foundation East has made a huge difference to my life,” said David. “Without it I would never have been able to get the business off the ground.”