Dave Smith Spice UK Founder

Spice UK MD and founder of the Spice Network

Spice was born back in 1981, when Manchester man, Dave Smith couldn't work out why there wasn't a multi activity adventure sports and social group to join, so he decided to start one! Dave, then 27, was already a much travelled adventurer, who had been immersed in adventure sports and outdoor activities all his life. He had progressed through venture scouting into rock and ice climbing, skiing, scuba and finally spent 10 years sky diving. His working life had seen him 6 years in the Police Force, then he side stepped into community work, managing Manchester YMCA for 6 years. His love of personal challenges then led him via his own Self Development Company specialising in personal growth through the outdoor activities into setting up Spice - the UK's first multi activity, adventure, sports and social Group.  Spice grew steadily by word of mouth until it had 1000 members in Manchester. Around 1987 the parent company Spice UK was formed to franchise the concept around the UK, and today Spice has 8 groups, and over 12000 members.

Spice has also inspired similar groups around the world which operate in the same way. Having started in Dave's back bedroom in Old Trafford, it slowly but steadily took the small terraced house over, and it is still Spice's HQ today. Four staff run the organisation at Spice HQ, with approximately 25 full and part time Co-ordinators up and down the UK.

Dave is very personable, accessible and has a special magic when he walks into a room, his love of life and all its diverse experiences is totally infectious. .... His philosophy of showing a keen interest in meeting members, attending regular events and holidays every year in past 28 years is reflected throughout the 8 Spice groups by all the regional Co-ordinators.

All his life, Dave has had a passion for working in travel and adventure, leading to him setting up Spice for likeminded people to get more out of life and inspires his team of full-time regional coordinators and voluntary coordinator helpers with his enthusiasm for life, enabling ordinary people to do extraordinary events.    His favourite adventures and Spice holidays are numerous, and his top three are Rafting down the Grand Canyon, Skiing and Scuba Diving. .......... Otherwise, when Dave finds time to relax he likes nothing better than chatting, enjoying a gourmet meal with close friends or walking his dog in Manchester.