insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 23 - January 2017 | Page 92

BUSINESS

Profile:

WICKWOODS COUNTRY CLUB, HOTEL & SPA
Celebrating 38 years of business in 2017 - during which the venue has hosted well in excess of
1000 weddings and other local family celebrations - Wickwoods Country Club, Hotel & Spa is a
wellness haven where countless Sussex residents have learned to swim in the pool, play tennis
on the courts, and sought to improve their general health, fitness and wellbeing.

In 2010 however, the party was very nearly over; after more than
30 years of trading, the business became badly neglected and the
fabric of the building and its facilities were all but derelict. The 2008
recession compounded Wickwoods’ decline and it seemed unlikely
that the business could be resurrected. Wickwoods had closed its
doors forever it appeared and, aside from the loss of a great venue
and club, many locals lost their jobs, and local suppliers a key client.

“Wickwoods has been at the heart of the local community for over 38
years and I always felt that, with the right level of investment, the club
could be developed into a leading lifestyle venue,” says Lee Goossens,
the company’s managing director. “It is a special place and holds
fond memories for a lot of local people. While it was really tough
to turn the venue around, I’m incredibly proud of what the team at
Wickwoods has achieved.”

In March 2010, Lee Goossens, the owner of Wickwoods between
2000 and 2005, who had run the business relatively successfully
during that time, bought the business back with the support of an
established group of like-minded investors.

With support from investors, Lee undertook a major refurbishment
and development programme. New, modern facilities were built
to complement the refurbished facilities, and with the help of a
dedicated team, Wickwoods is now recognised as Sussex’s leading
lifestyle venue.

Against all odds and in the depth of the recession, Wickwoods began
to give back to the local community and economy again. First to
benefit were local builders and tradesman involved in the extensive,
four-year initial refurbishment. This provided vital work at a time
when there was very little elsewhere. The business then re-opened
in June 2010 with the help of some loyal, original staff, while other
local people were hired as receptionists, chefs, restaurant staff and
therapists. Today, over 50 jobs have been created. Local suppliers
were contracted to supply the business again and now over £1
million is spent annually with local firms who supply everything
from wine and produce through to stationery and printing. Even the
electricity is purchased through a local firm in Worthing.

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The facilities are comprehensive and membership of the club
includes access to a gym, swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool,
exercise classes, both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a beauty
treatment suite known as ‘Your Spa’, an exceptional restaurant - The
Glass House - as well as a function suite and hotel rooms.
Your Spa at Wickwoods holds Guinot’s ‘Gold Crown’ status and the
club overall, Trip Advisor’s certificate of excellence for the last five
years running. In addition, The Glass House Restaurant was awarded
More Radio’s ‘Best New Eatery’ when it opened in 2014, and the venue
was also awarded Sussex’s entertainment venue of the year in 2015.