Lisa Barden has been named as chair of the UK Spa Association (UKSA), after founding chairman Charlie Thompson announced he would be stepping down after six years in the role.

Thompson, who is stepping down to focus on his franchise business The Massage Company, is leaving the not-for-profit trade organisation in a strong position, having grown membership to 300 members and more than 400 spas.

He said: "I honestly was not sure if our industry wanted a central trade body when we started in 2013, but felt passionately that we needed to come together and grow our whole industry."

Assuming the role in March this year, Barden, having served as UKSA's vice-chair since 2017 and its general manager prior to that, will bring a wealth of experience to the role, as well as a deep understanding of the UK spa, wellness and beauty salon industries.

Thompson said: "We are set to enter a new phase of growth and I am so excited to see what Lisa will do. We expect to see some real pace for the industry in these exciting times."