Lisa Barden named new chair of UK Spa Association

Spa consultant Lisa Barden has been named chair of the UK Spa Association (UKSA), succeeding Charlie Thompson. 

Barden has served as vice president since 2017. Her new role will be effective from next month. 

Founding chairman Thompson steps down after six years at the helm of UKSA, having driven membership growth from 20 to over 400 spas. He will remain director. 

The not-for-profit organisation was founded in 2013 as a central trade body to promote and represent the UK spa industry, as a valuable contributor to both the economy and the wellbeing of the public. 

The UKSA organises National Spa Week, a nationwide initiative to encourage “more people into more spas, more often”.  

Thompson commented: “We expect to now see some real pace for the industry in these exciting times and would encourage all spa operators and suppliers to sign up to benefit from what we have to offer. 

“You can even become a member as an individual if you are not affiliated to a specific organisation or as a student if you want to get ahead in your career”.

Image L-R: Charlie Thompson, Helena Field and Lisa Barden