Donald gives Scots the chance to walk on water

Tuesday 5th January 2010

 A new indoor swimming pool has opened that gives children the chance literally to walk on water.

Kids visiting the pool will be zipped up into inflatable balls called Aqua Spheres allowing them to walk, run and play on water.

Donald Lamb, 41, and his partner Janet Gilzean, 49, created Sphere Thrills with the help of Business Gateway, Renfrewshire and will be rolling out the spheres for kids parties and events.

The couple decided to start up the business after Janet was made redundant last Christmas. Using her redundancy pay they secured an empty unit in Johnstone for the next two years and made it into their own pool. The empty location in an industrial estate has been refurbished and now has a 24ft by 24ft pool suitable for at least three children to be on the water at the same time.

The pool is available for children’s parties and school trips and includes an area for food, drink and games.

Donald has also acquired a designated area at Lochwinnoch for adult functions and corporate days so that people of all ages can enjoy this activity.

And the father-of-one from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, has even invested in a mobile pool for people who want to book his unusual sport for their backyards.

Donald said: “Janet was made redundant last year so we were going through a tough time. We decided that we had to take the initiative and do something about it. We put our heads together and came up with this after doing some research.

“I thought it would be a great activity to bring to Scotland and it would offer something a little bit different. People love the aqua spheres as it’s fun as well as good exercise. You can see the excitement in the children’s faces when they are being zipped up inside. They absolutely love it.”

Despite securing a permanent location for his pool Donald was aware that other opportunities were available for his business so he bought a portable pool that he can take around the country for garden parties, fundraisers or community fetes.

During the summer months he will be taking bookings for the spheres at Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch, giving adults the chance to try them out along with the other water sports that take place on the loch.

He added: “It would have to be a big garden to accommodate my portable pool but there are plenty of people out there who want to do something fun but unusual, especially when celebrating special occasions or for community events. We can come to them with our product, much the same as booking a bouncy castle. While only children are allowed to use the spheres indoors, adults can use them outside. Loads of parents ask me if they can have a shot after their kids, so I thought it would be great to do something at the loch for them.”

Donald’s experience as a project manager helped him with the basics in starting his own business but he sought the advice of Business Gateway to assist him in making sure everything was done the right way.

Donald said: “Business Gateway helped me with my business plan and also told me about courses they run which were relevant to me. I attended as many as I could and the information I received has really benefited my business. That along with the advice and support of my adviser has added great value to my business. I am confident that with their continued help I will be able to make Sphere Thrills into a success.”

Jen Smith, Business Adviser, Business Gateway said: “Donald has taken an innovative product and used it to form an exciting business. He is offering people something different and has lots of ideas for the future. Donald has taken advantage of many of our workshops and as a result he is in a wonderful position to make his business a success.”

Business Gateway provides practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses in Scotland.

To find out more about how it can help you set up and develop your own business visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611. Alternatively call Business Gateway, Renfrewshire Office directly on 0141 435 7570.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Business Gateway by Wave PR. For more information contact Lauren Mirzai or Chris Bell on 0141 303 8390.

Notes to Editor:

Donald can be contacted on 07870153792

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