The new wellness area not only looked great, it was also a very popular stop off point for visitors and exhibitors who required a relaxing foot massage after treading the halls and witnessing the many innovations within.

Someone who in the past has been both exhibitor and visitor is Neil Dalziel of Aquaflex who visited on the Monday of the show and said: "The weather almost convinced us not to attend but I am pleased that we made the effort. We were able to talk with a number of our own suppliers as well as customers; overall it was a worthwhile visit."

One of the most talked about products at SPATEX was the UK launch of GeoBubble. Plastipack's Peter Adlington voted the launch a great success saying: "Plastipack's main aim was to support our UK fabricators by offering help, information, samples and marketing support to their trade customer and this we were able to do."

Pat Devaney of Plastica was another satisfied exhibitor, saying: "We were once again very pleased with the show. The pre-show organisation and support during the show itself were excellent."

Overseas visitor levels increased significantly and came from 23 different countries; 46 per cent of these visitors were at a senior level - directors or higher. Architects, pool designers and planners also showed an impressive rise in figures of more than 30 per cent up on 2011. Visitors from private health clubs, hotels and leisure complexes also showed an increase.

The ISPE organise the Technical Programme of Workshops and Demonstrations on behalf of SPATEX and the extended workshop programme attracted good numbers.

ISPE's Ross Alcock reported: "The Workshops were again a great success in terms of attendance.

"Many visitors attended more than one session and one or two people were spotted in all sessions on some days."

Paul Webb of Fairlocks Pool Products said: "Once again we are very pleased with Spatex. We took an order for 100 Orbit pool cleaners and our new products, Cubeinverter and JetSolar were very well received."

Certikin marketing manager Catherine Saunders was particularly impressed with the increase in promotion leading up to the show.

She said: "As always, SPATEX was a great show for Certikin. We showcased many of our new product ranges and were pleased to see so many of our customers there. We gained several new customers, some of whom placed orders on the day."

Stephen Crabb MD of Catalina Spas was another satisfied customer, commenting: "It is fair to say that SPATEX has helped us become one of the UK's leading specialist spa and Swimspa distributors."

Planning has already begun on how to make SPATEX 2013 even brighter, bigger and better.

Companies can take advantage of very attractive rates by booking now for SPATEX 2013. This is scheduled to take place on 3-5 February at the Hilton Metropole Exhibition Centre Brighton.

For further information contact 01264 358558 or visit www.spatex.co.uk