Jean Oliver Spa Consultancy

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Founded in 1995
specialising in:

Country House Hotels
Destination & Health Spas
Wellness Centres
Day Spas & Salons
Beauty Clinics
Skin Care Centres of Excellence

Specialist in The Spa, Health & Fitness Industry

Recognised spa expert Jean Oliver has been a professional industry consultant since 1995. This follows extensive experience at leading British health spas at both operational and board level. The company was established to offer comprehensive guidance on the set-up, and operation of all aspects of premium spa facilities, thermal rooms, pools and suites, multi faceted spa treatments and fitness facilities.

Flexible services range from conceptual ideas and space planning to operational procedures and systems, furnishings and equipment, the creation of cutting edge spa menus, management and staff recruitment, and the introduction of new therapies. All advice given is independent, personalised and completely impartial, as the company is not linked to any skin care brand or affiliated company.

Jean is highly regarded throughout the industry and is often asked to join advisory boards and carry out judging assignments for professional, trade and commercial organisations.

Profile

About Jean

Jean Oliver set up her own consultancy services company following a lifelong involvement in the world of spa, health, fitness and beauty. The company was established to offer guidance to any company or individual wishing to open a new business or re-brand an existing one. Building on a one to one client/consultant relationship, Jean offers unparalleled expertise and an intuitive understanding of the spa industry.

"My career has taken me from practical and managerial experience in UK salons and at sea up to destination spa board director level. The ultimate role of Managing Director at award winning Ragdale Hall was followed by my introduction into what was then the fledgling world of spas. The Spa industry has since emerged and grown at an exhilarating rate and is now catering for an ever more discerning market. My mission is to work in close conjunction with you so that you benefit from these many years of experience. Attention to detail is key to a successful project and achieving your personal goals. I will help you make your own informed decisions on what is right for your business, paying attention to ultimate cost and value for money".

A highly personalized yet commercially aware approach has helped many businesses’ realise their ultimate ambition and vision.

Services

Consultancy Services:

Feasibility and Concept

Business Location & Site Suitability

Client Journey & Operational Flow

Strategy & Protocols

Introduction, Creation & Development of New Treatments

Devising Personalised Spa Menus unique to Individual Companies

Treatment Listing, Pricing & Packages

Marketing Plans & Stimulus

Promotions & Incentives

Local Authority Consents & Licenses

Management Skills & Problem Solving

Staff Search & Recruitment, Interviewing & Trade Testing

Staff Contracts & Job Descriptions

Total Client Support & Guidance

Practical Advice on:

Choice of Treatments & pricing

Sourcing or Designing Special Equipment

Product House & Range Selection

Treatment Concept & Personalisation

Brochure Content & Presentation

Computer Systems & Software

Corporate Image & Logo

Mystery Customer Programme

Maintaining Standards & Retention

Space Planning & Operational Advice on:

Client Journey Floor Plan

Facial & Body Treatment Rooms

Spa & Wet Treatments

Body Wrap & Envelopment

Relaxation & Refreshment Areas

Retail Sales Areas

Reseption & Office Space

Back to House Facilities

Sourcing & Equipping Leisure Spa Areas including:

Thermal Cabins & Suites inc Sauna, Steam & Hammam

Foot Spas, Kneipp & Reflexology Walks

Rasul/Serial Mud Steam Chamber

Spa & Beauty Therapy Rooms

Manicure, Pedicure & Make up Areas

Gymnasium & Fitness Suites

Hair Styling & Barber Shop

Hydrotherapy Pools & Treatments

Thermal Relaxation Loungers

Speciality Experience Showers

Training

Synchronised Massage techniques and application available under special

license. This is the original and unsurpassed method, devised 20 years ago,

suitable for experienced therapists.

Projects

Recent Projects

The Bamford Hay Barn Wellness Retreat

Daylesford Organics, Gloucestershire

Business report and review of premier Cotswolds spa facility for Lady Bamford. Recruitment of senior spa personnel. Specialising in Yoga and Pilates and unique treatments with an holistic approach to wellbeing.

1 2 3 4

Grayshott Studio Spa at The Coach House

Fawsley Hall, Northamptonshire

Complete renovation and redesign of the Coach House within the grounds of Fawsley Hall. The new spa has been re-branded the Grayshott Studio Spa, offering an exclusive environment for Fawsley hotel guests, members and day visitors to enjoy an extensive range of treatments and therapies. Facilities include thermal suites and relaxation room, juice bar, indoor swimming pool, outdoor hydro pool and state of the art Nautilus gymnasium. Spacious treatment rooms together with 6 spa bedrooms provide accommodation for overnight stays and pre-wedding parties.

Grayshott Spa

Hindhead, Surrey

Following acquisition, Grayshott completed a programme of total refurbishment of this highly esteemed health spa, renowned for outstanding natural therapies and traditional approach to a healthy lifestyle. Operational and treatment procedures perceptively reviewed and updated. New spa programmes, day and residential packages introduced. Spa tariff, health, leisure and treatment menu re-written. Introduction of contemporary furnishings and spa equipment. Recruitment and training of spa management and staff and new spa director. Participate and contribute to senior level strategy team meetings.

Corse Lawn House Hotel

Gloucestershire

Initial planning for brand new boutique spa and fitness club adjacent to existing well established country house hotel and restaurant. Concept and feasibility for new building and business plans, financial projections and cost control. Facilities to include an individually designed hydro pool with central rain shower, fully equipped gym, changing, bistro, relaxation and thermal rooms. Multi purpose treatment rooms with disabled facilities. Enclosed courtyard with outdoor hot tubs and relaxation areas.Comprehensive advise and introductions given to client throughout the project.

Ushvani Spa

Knightsbridge, London

Set up and development of elite Malaysian day spa in conjunction with appointed interior design, architectural and construction teams. Thermal suite, hydro and feature pools, relaxation room, hammam, Pilates/Yoga studio and treatment rooms designed to the very highest specification. Project included furnishings and equipment procurement, operational development, software selection and protocols. Input into development of new brand including exclusive spa treatments and retail products. Senior staff interviews and recruitment of spa manager. Assist and advise client throughout on all aspects of the UK spa industry, trends, progress and development.

Fortnum & Mason

Mayfair, London

Creation of Beauty à la Carte, an elegant suite of treatment rooms opened in Fortnum & Mason’s Tercentenary year. Advise on space planning, layout and operational procedures working closely with established store personnel. Treatment selection, equipment and fit out. Devise and write treatment brochure, liaising with major International brands for inclusion. Source and recruit spa manager.

Malaysian Day Spa Concept

London

Locate prestigious, commercial premises in central London for privately owned, 5* Malaysian day spa. Significant contribution to comprehensive presentation document to further acquisition of the premises. In-depth research of Asian and Oriental treatments and procedures. Research product formulations and own brand labelling potential. Introductions to relevant companies, suppliers and professional organisations. Feasibility and focus group trials.

Fredrick's Hotel

Maidenhead, Berkshire

A new £2.5m European style spa adjacent to established 5* hotel.Unique indoor/outdoor swimming pools and authentic hydrotherapy pool with attractions, thermal cabins and experience showers, rasul mud steam room, combined salt floatation and hydrotherapy bath(industry first in the UK), treatment rooms, relaxation and gymnasium. Assisted in latter stages of development and pre-opening. Product selection and treatment menu devised. Ongoing support and help with staff recruitment.

Body Experience

Richmond, London

Privately owned luxury wellness centre and day spa. Assisted client from initial concept through to opening of expanded premises. Yoga and Pilates fitness rooms, 8 spa treatment rooms, gym, hydrotherapy, floatation, relaxation room with garden and separate retail shop. Provided client with relevant knowledge of spa industry, suppliers and introductions to design team and related professionals. Comprehensive in-depth design, layout and operational management. Product selection and creation of treatment menu. Recruitment of spa manager and senior staff. Ongoing support given to client over 5 year period.

Calcot Spa

Calcot Manor, Tetbury, Gloucestershire

A £2.5m contemporary spa built onto established Cotswold hotel.Indoor pools and stylish outdoor hot tub in stunning courtyard setting, gym, studio, all purpose treatment rooms, thermal suite and relaxation lounges. Research and write spa menu with customised treatments. Interview and recruit all levels of staff. All therapists trained in synchronised massage techniques. Awarded hotel spa of the year within a year of opening. Persistent achiever in all spa awards categories and has become an industry icon. Continuous advice and support given to client since opening on related business and technical issues.

Guinot

17 Albemarle Street, London W1

Locate suitable property to create flagship London beauty salon for UK distributors of leading French skin care house Guinot. Recruit and liaise with the professional teams for design, quantity surveying and construction to generate scheme concept. Responsible for planning, development, cost control and project management. Set up all operational procedures and protocols. Source equipment and advise on new design for salon furniture. Work closely with head office personnel to reflect authentic brand image. Recruit management and staff.

Past Projects

The Refinery, Men’s Grooming Centre, Brook Street, London

Eastwell Manor Hotel, Ashford, Kent

Aquae-Sulis Spa atThe Ickworth Hotel, Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk

The Al-Sulaiman Family, Chamelle Health Club, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa, Southampton

Baylife plc, The Beach, Carlyon Bay, Cornwall

Bay Tree Maison, Crowthorne, Berkshire

Killashee House Hotel, Naas, Dublin

Guinot Rooms at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, London

Aquae Sulis - Bath Spa Natural Spring Products, Reading, Berkshire

Fawsley Hall Hotel, Northamptonshire

Cedar Falls Health Farm, Somerset

Messilah Beach Club Hotel, Kuwait

Anfi del Mar, Gran Canaria

Thistle Hotels, Brands Hatch, Kent

Testimonials

Grayshott Spa

Surrey

"Life so often is no about what you know, but who you know. Fortunately, I was introduced to

Jean just as I was entering the Spa business. Apart from saving us a great deal of time and money,

Jean's intimate knowledge about Spa business was our guiding light, on more than one

occasion. When we purchased Grayshott Spa, Jean was pivotal to our substainal refurbishment

programme. Her product knowledge both in terms of "hardware" and the latest and most

fashionable treatments available is extensive. She is well organized and has a commercial brain.

In short, anyone contemplating getting into the Spa business would be wise to seek her counsel."

Simon Lowe

Proprietor, Grayshott Spa

Fortnum & Mason

Piccadilly, London

"When I was charged with creating Fortnum & Mason’s Beauty a la Carte beauty rooms for the

re-launching of the business in our Tercentenary year of 2007, it was natural that I should call

upon Jean Oliver. As one of the leading figures in the world of beauty, she was indispensable

in guiding us through the intricacies of the project. Nothing was beneath her notice - from the

equipment to the brochure - and every aspect of the process benefited from her care and

professionalism. Jean’s hard work was matched by tranquillity, and also by her generosity.

She always gave more of her time and herself than we expected, and I could not have done it

without her. It was an enormous pleasure and privilege to work with Jean and our elegant

suite of beauty rooms is fitting testament to her."

Kathryn Catanzaro

Buyer for Fortnum & Mason

Calcot Spa

Tetbury, Gloucestershire

"As relative outsiders to the spa industry it is difficult to imagine how we could have achieved

such a successful project without Jean's expertise. Her help, experience and advice was

invaluable and contributed in a significant way to the early success of the operation. Jean's

knowledge of equipment, industry and market trends helped us enormously as we built up the

detail of the project. We hope to keep working with Jean in the future to maximise the potential

of the Beauty side of our operation. I would not hesitate to recommend her services to any

developing spa operation."

Richard Ball

Managing Director, Calcot Manor

Calcot Spa 2

Tetbury, Gloucestershire

"Since the set up and opening of our spa in 2003, we have maintained an excellent ongoing

relationship with Jean who was our original spa consultant. This has proved immensely

beneficial to have a constant source of information on any subject within the spa industry.

Jean willingly introduced us to many people in the industry we would not otherwise have

known about or had clear access to, an absolutely invaluable bonus. She has been

instrumental to the continuing success of our business with new ideas, sound advice and an

in-depth knowledge of the industry."

Cathy Ball

Spa Director, Calcot Spa

The Guinot Salon

17 Albemarle Street, London W1

"We are thrilled and delighted with the beautiful Guinot salon. It is everything we hoped it

would be and your contribution has been invaluable. We feel your choice of designers,

builders, QS and other suppliers was excellent and the way you co-ordinated the team's

efforts to meet the tight deadline we gave for the opening was superb. Guinot Paris are

extremely pleased with the results and feel the rooms reflect the brand to perfection.

Congratulations Jean, on a job well done and I look forward to working with you again in the

future."

Rosalind J Grace

Managing Director R Robson Ltd for Guinot

Fredrick's Hotel & Spa

Maidenhead, Berkshire

"When we didn't know the first thing about spas, Jean helped us navigate through what was

the alien world of the spa and beauty industry. A fantastic achievement particularly with staff

recruitment and structure and devising our spa menu."

"May we take this opportunity to thank you once again most sincerely for all the help and

advice you have given us during the last year. This has been invaluable and much

appreciated, we certainly could not have achieved what we have without the benefit of your

knowledge and expertise."

F W and Caroline Lösel

Directors, Fredrick's Hotel and Spa

The Ickworth Hotel

Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk

"Your considerable contribution in the choice of essential spa equipment, fixtures, fittings and

uniforms was invaluable in the opening of the Aquae Sulis Spa at Ickworth. You will be

pleased to know that we have been very forthcoming in recommending your consultancy

business. In addition, I would like to thank you for working with me in developing the basis of

our range of spa treatments which has undoubtedly moved our product business forward. A

long overdue thank you for all your help."

Laura Johnson

Managing Director Aquae Sulis Spa

BayTree Maison

Crowthorne, Berkshire

"We selected Jean Oliver Consultancy over others because she was the only consultant that

challenged our business concepts forcing us to build out a practical strategy. Her consulting

methodologies were critical to the swift definition and implementation of our business plan.

Jean's extensive industry expertise and intuitive understanding of world class spa operations

and client expectations were the bedrock from which we built our successful business model."

Steve Mason

Founding Director, Bay Tree Maison, Crowthorne, Berkshire

Eastwell Manor

Ashford, Kent

"We were delighted to be introduced to Jean Oliver who provided a source of contacts and

ideas as well as sound advice on how to structure our new beauty salon. Jean's knowledge

of suppliers, services and equipment was indeed unequalled and we believe that she made a

major contribution to our luxury beauty and therapy spa."

Turrloo Parrett

Proprietor, Eastwell Manor

The Refinery

Men's Grooming Centre, Brook Street, London

"Most impressive of all was Jean’s standing in the beauty, health and fitness market where

she seemed to know all the major players extremely well, opening many doors for our

company. Her contribution to the business was invaluable, advising on areas as diverse as

design, equipment, staffing requirements, operational software, product houses, budgets and

much more. She is always at hand to provide assistance and often went out of her way to

achieve results. We cannot recommend her highly enough to anybody in the industry."

Laith Waines, Omar Fadli

Directors The Refinery Ltd

Corse Lawn House Hotel

Gloucestershire

"Jean has been completely essential to the planning of my luxury boutique spa, and I could

not have done it without her. She is a fount of knowledge, and knows all the important details

company. Her contribution to the business was invaluable, advising on areas as diverse as

as well as the big picture. She is also delightful, charming and a bit of a giggle!"

Baba Hine

Proprietor, Corse Lawn House Hotel, Gloucestershire

Faqs

Why use a Consultant

To avoid the pitfalls and to save time and money. A professional and experienced spa consultant will offer invaluable guidance on the set-up, management and development of all areas of spa treatments, building on a personalised one to one client, consultant relationship.

Experience shows when it comes to space planning, strategy, operational procedures and standards of service. Someone with in-depth industry knowledge and who has the contacts and influence to get you to the right people can introduce you to the most suitable product houses, source the best equipment and create innovative, profit worthy treatment menus, personalised so that they are unique to each company.

A good consultant can make a significant difference to both you and the smooth running of your project providing support and guidance throughout. They will bring everything together and also remember all the things you forget!

When should you bring a consultant on board and what will they do for you?

The earlier the better. Your consultant should be in at the beginning to determine the concept, gauge the client's wants and needs and understand the vision. It is very important to establish a clear brief from the client. Clarification in the early stages saves time and money.

Once initial plans have been drawn up, monitoring the development of the design, space planning and operational flow becomes critical to the success or failure of the project. Needless to say, cost control is paramount throughout and a tight control on budget will keep the project on course.

A consultant should be responsible for your recruitment needs. Finding the best staff, interviewing, trade testing and organising specialist training. Contacts in the industry and knowing where to locate the best staff is invaluable. Additionally sourcing furniture and equipment to suit the needs of the spa. Negotiating the best deals when it comes to procurement of furniture and equipment is essential and you should rightfully expect this as a service. A good consultant will work hand-in-glove with the client to ensure expectations are achieved successfully, on time and on budget.

Finding the right spa consultant for you – How?

Spa consultants vary. Experience counts. You should look for good industry credentials and a good track record. People who have held senior positions with reputable companies and who have gained valuable hands on experience together with a working knowledge of leading spas and associated organisations. Some consultants will have more of a financial or marketing background whereas others may have come from practical beginnings having started from a therapy base and worked their way up.

A passion for the industry, genuine interest and regular research trips to monitor trends and keep updated in this fast moving world are vital. Testimonials and referrals are extremely important. Look at what they have done before and what their clients had to say about it.

A good consultant should be only too happy to let you speak with previous clients about their participation. Go to the trade shows, exhibitions and conventions and talk to people in the industry or other spa owners.

How much will it all cost?

Fees are typically dependent on the type of work and amount of time involved. These may be based on a daily, weekly or in some cases on a retainer basis per project, for ongoing advice and availability.

Most consultants will arrange for a no obligation meeting to discuss fee structure and budget. A good consultant will save you valuable time and money and will be your best investment.

Contact

Please contact:

M: +44 (0)7711 258393

E: jeo.consult@btopenworld.com

Jean Oliver