A PORTLAND leisure group has expanded with the addition of its 26th member company.

The National Leisure Group, based at Southwell Park, has welcomed Torquay-based Harris Pools and Leisure to its ranks.

National Leisure was formed in 1989 by a small group of pool retailers and contractors who recognised the benefits of working together. It is run as a non-profit company, for the benefit of its members.

Its purchasing power and co-operative marketing strategies bring benefits to members - particularly small to medium-sized companies.

Added value comes from the supportive relationship between member companies, whose motto is co-operation without competition'.

Harris Pools and Leisure managing director Mike Harris said: "We were attracted by the improved buying power obviously, but also by the fact that National Leisure provides a forum for companies like ours to exchange ideas and best practice.

"I already know several companies within National Leisure and they are firms for which I have a great respect, run by people whose opinions I value. The opportunity to share skills and experiences with companies like these has to be a good thing for all concerned."

National Leisure has an average annual turnover of £3.5m. It hails itself as the largest group of independent pool companies in the UK.

Harris Pools and Leisure is an award-winning family business and a member of several industry associations.

It was founded by Mike Harris, operating from the spare room of the family home in 1983. His brother Paddy joined the company two years later, and they have run it together ever since.