Monthly Maidstone Spotlight – Aqua Chimp
Building on the success of his indoor climbing arena business, Clip ‘n Climb, owner Guy Bignell is making waves in Maidstone with an exciting new venture – Aqua Chimp. Here he tells us all about the aqua park, including his plans to make a splash in the corporate events market.
Guy, you opened your first leisure activity business eight years ago – have you always worked in this industry?
No, I was working in commercial real estate at the time. I started to get bored of the commute from Godstone to London and found myself feeling disenfranchised and wanting to work for myself. Plus, I’ve always believed it’s good to have a second career.
So I started looking into what kind of business I could go into and thought kids’ activities was an interesting space. Clip ‘n Climb seemed a really attractive idea so I went for it. We opened what was the world’s biggest centre at the time. There were only about 100 in the world back then but now there’s a franchise model so that’s increased to around 3-400. We started from scratch with no support or infrastructure and I was pleasantly surprised with how well it went. I had a great team around me, many of whom are still with me.
I was at the point of considering opening another site but then Covid hit and scuppered my plans. It turned out to be a mixed blessing as during that time, a contact bought some land in Yalding with an unused body of water and the idea for Aqua Chimp was born.
How did you come up with the idea for Aqua Chimp?
Around four years ago, some friends told me about what a fantastic time they’d had at a water activity venue in Scotland. It was very simple at the time – basically an obstacle course over water, consisting of some poles with rope challenges between. I started looking into it and followed the venue owner’s journey as he developed the concept which eventually evolved into Aqua Chimp.
It was a great product, perfect for the site in Yalding, so in April this year, we opened. We’re the 3rd Aqua Chimp to open in the country, and the biggest in the world. Early feedback has been amazing.
Who is Aqua Chimp aimed at?
It’s a floating jungle rope obstacle course, with no harnesses or restrictions, suitable for all abilities and ages from 6 up. The course has different difficulty levels so everyone taking part can enjoy taking on a challenge. It’s perfect for parties and children’s groups such as schools or scouts but it’s also great fun for adults.
Unlike most other water based activities, it is only a small body of water and everyone can feel close to the energy and enthusiasm when they spectate. That makes it particularly attractive for parents. Also, the water temperature is really warm – more so than on a reservoir or lake.
Of course, safety is incredibly important, and the activity is overseen by open water qualified lifeguards. Also, many of the team are from Clip ‘n Climb so everything we have learnt from there about providing a safe environment has transferred to Aqua Chimp.
You’re also looking to attract corporate events – tell us more about that
It really lends itself to a great teambuilding activity. Everyone can get involved, encourage each other and cheer one another on. There are some hard challenges which people really enjoy and take great pride in completing.
For corporate parties, we can offer exclusive hire for up to 50 people. It’s somewhere a group can come to after work, have the place to themselves and perhaps enjoy a barbecue afterwards, all provided by us. There aren’t many places offering water-based activities this time of year so it’s something a little different.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
I think because Aqua Chimp is quite innovative and new, the hardest thing has been learning not to get demoralised about making mistakes. We’ve had to learn a lot about new areas such as water quality and keeping the water level topped up; there are so many things we didn’t get right the first time but we just have to learn from them. It’s important not to get disenchanted if you make a few wrong decisions.
What are your plans going forward?
It’s early days for Aqua Chimp so as well as expanding more into the corporate market, the plan is to get proof of concept and then we’ll start looking into offering other activities on the site – perhaps some based more on-shore.
What advice would you give to others starting up a business on their own?
I think a big part of my success was that I really researched and spent a lot of time talking to people before I committed. A lot of people think setting up alone can be very complicated but it doesn’t have to be if you’re prepared.
Also, choose a landlord you feel you can work with. With a lease, you’re committing to a 5-10 year plan, so you really need to figure out who you’re partnering up with.
And when you start building a team, make sure you have good people around you. I’ve got exceptional people at the top of my businesses and they’re brilliant. We’re all friends and love seeing each other – it doesn’t feel like work.
Find out more about Aqua Chimp www.aquachimpkent.co.uk
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