Kevin Moseley, the creator and Managing Director of SwimFin has been selected for the Member of the British Empire award for services to International trade and his 40+ years in the aquatic industry, including his charity work.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be nominated and to receive an MBE. Its only right I share this recognition with the amazing Team SwimFin and every one, National and International, past and present who, collectively have made the business what it is today. Also to everyone who has played a role in my aquatic journey over the last 40+ years and to those who have shown support on a personal and business level. Thank you!"
Kevin started out by assisting at his local RLSS club around the age of 14. Progressing to life guard, then onto teaching swimming for the local authority. In the Mid 80's he set out alone to become one of the first recognised private swim schools in the UK. He would employ local swimming teachers at a number of pools, teaching 1000's of children and adults, including SEN and Disabilities.
He amassed various and diverse qualifications in teaching, coaching and tutoring. His company would incorporate training the police, armed forces, airline staff and he would work closely with the medical profession to assist patients for a multitude of reasons. Kevin sold the business when SwimFin started demanding more of his time.
Interestingly, Kevin was laughed off BBC2's Dragons' Den in 2006 by Theo Paphitis and Duncan Bannatyne, after pitching his child's buoyancy aid, Swimfin. But, with the backing of his wife Nicky, the couple went on to remortgage their home and cash in their life savings to raise a total of £200,000 for the new business.
He registered worldwide patents and started Swimfin Ltd from the garage of their home in Burscough, Lancashire, with one other employee. In its first year of trading, Swimfin became an international sensation with orders flooding in from 47 countries and sales topping 70,000. Since then the business has gone from strength to strength.
"We have never lost our vision and always strive to push forward. Helping to teach the International population to swim is a monumental task. I am extremely proud that SwimFin is able to make a difference in a FUN and PRACTICAL way, helping to save lives on a daily basis. Thank you to the 100's of 1000's of teachers, coaches, parents and kids who also play a part in this award. Teaching is my passion, I was born to teach, I love it. I still teach when I can, or when I'm needed."
Congratulations Kevin!
For more information please contact info@swimfin.co.uk or visit Facebook "SwimFin Portugal"