I thought they'd consolidated the Reading operation into the Egham shop.

How will this affect the PADI business model, that (as I understand it)
requires a larger operation to have
a shop on-site if they want to progress beyond simple single instructor?

This is going to put off inland instructors from expanding, unless PADI
changes the requirements -
this can't be good news for any of us.

Deep.

The staff were probably unpaid trainee divemaster/instructor candidates
helping out, with perhaps only the owner taking a wage.
Economies of a dive shop in the UK are pretty much hopeless, I read the
other day that one of the better performing PADI shops only did 120 open
water students last year, which at say £300 a head is only £36,000.
By the time you take overheads of shop rent, vans, equipment renewal,
etc out of that there's not much left over for wages.
On the equipment side, there is zero chance of getting kit on account
(due to the number of shops going bust) so it all has to be paid for up
front with little in the way of discounts available (since the owner
can't afford to buy in bulk), the internet suppliers don't have to hold
stock - just take the orders and then purchase enough to meet the orders
once a week.
Hate to say, but buying off the internet IS really shortsighted, the
shops will all close and the clubs and individuals that rely on them for
air and a meeting point, will all suffer.

Nearest one I use Is Mike's Waterfront Warehouse in Chiswick.

I've used both regularly in the past, choosing one over the other only
based on gas requirements on the day.

I don't know any others in the area, so would be keen to hear of more
(You never know what that other shop will be useful for that extra
gadget or fill?).

rich

Deep and Wide in Mychett near Camberley, couple of junctions along the
M3 from Runnymead http://www.deepandwide.co.uk/

Try Slough Scuba , there details are on the UKRS links page. I have always
found them to be friendly and helpful.

--

Owen M