26.06.12
NEW AQUATIC RETAILER IN THE NORTH WEST BECOMES LATEST OATA MEMBER
Although only trading for a matter of weeks, the owner of Burnley’s newest aquatic shop Bit O Blue
has joined OATA (the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association) as part of a conscious decision to give
his business a level of credibility and provide him with industry support and guidance. In fact, owner
Tom Wood has already benefitted from being a member, having sought OATA’s advice on the
preventative measures which initially arose in his Pet Shop Licence application.
With his eye firmly on the wider issues such as bio security, welfare and conservation issues, Tom is
determined to ensure that his new venture stands out amongst other aquatic and pet shop retailers
– from employing an interior designer to making the shop aesthetically pleasing, to installing a
dedicated quarantine system and selecting only the best livestock from a range of different suppliers.
Supported by two full-time staff, Bit O Blue is positioned in the destination town of Rose Grove near
Burnley, and occupies just under 5,000 square foot and houses over 250 tanks of marine, tropical
and cold water fish, ranging from fancy goldfish through to Papua New Guinea Gold nugget wrasses.
Tom recognises that his customers have a keen interest in the ecological story and where possible, he
sources livestock that have been sustainably collected or captive raised. Several species, including
Tom's clown fish often come from UK based breeders
With his interest in fish keeping spawning from a childhood hobby with a goldfish in his bedroom,
Tom’s career has seen him work for a number of aquatic retailers in the North West. One of his more
exciting ventures took him to Saudi Arabia where he was responsible for seven artificial lagoons and
a private sea-life centre at the Sheik’s Palace, to then moving offshore to manage one of the Prince of
Saudi Arabia’s on-board yacht reef tank.
Although the vast majority of his expertise and knowledge has been obtained from ‘on-the-job’
experience, Tom initially attended a first-year degree course in Aquaculture and Fishery
Management and subsequently completed OATA’s home-study Diploma Course.
Tom commented, “Becoming a member of OATA was an easy decision. Having been in the industry
for a number of years and experiencing its home-study courses, I am fully aware of OATA’s role in the
industry and how it can support me and my business. I am also keen to work with OATA to introduce
even better standards to the industry as time goes on, particularly on issues such as bio security. It is
vital that my customers have peace of mind and are reassured that the service I provide is in
accordance with the OATA guidelines. As the business continues to grow I intend to offer fish for sale
on line. Once again, the reassurance being a member of OATA provides with its standards will be
invaluable.”
Keith Davenport of OATA, added, “We are really encouraged to hear of a new retail business starting
up and focused on delivering the best possible service and standards possible. We wish Tom every
success and commend his dedication to conservation and welfare which is becoming more important
than ever.”
-Ends –
For further information, please contact:
Moira Blackledge
PR/Marketing Manager
Direct Tel: 07585 472197
Email: [email protected]
Office Tel: 0870 0434013
Notes to Editors
OATA (the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association) was established in 1991 and currently represents
over 700 members from across the ornamental aquatic industry from importers and wholesalers to
suppliers and retailers. Its core mission is to protect and promote the ornamental aquatic industry
and to ensure its longevity through proactive and continuous lobbying and marketing activity at
local, national and international levels by working closely with national and international
government bodies.