The operating committee for the Spa Business Association (SpaBA) – soon to replace the British Spas Federation (BSF) – has met at Center Parcs to discuss key issues facing the new association.

Consisting of representatives from the three sectors of its membership – local authorities, commercial companies and the independent sector – the committee has been outlining areas which it will feed into its business plan.

Six topical issues have been identified as being of great importance: quality standards, education and training, marketing, the ability to lobby government on issues such as VAT, medical issues and the state of the industry report.

The association aims to be a unifying body, creating opportunities for the industry to network, exchange ideas and to expand for the benefit of all of its members.

It has already started work with a number of partners, including Visit Britain, to realise several of SpaBA’s aims.

BSF, which SpaBA will replace in April, is a not-for-profit company. It has a board of governors who meet twice a year, and is managed by an executive committee, which meets at least four times a year. Details: www.britishspas.co.uk