Name: Keith Holmes, NT Labs Brand Ambassador
Born: 1978
Do you have any industry related qualifications?
Yes, I hold a 1st year diploma in Aquatics & Ornamental Fisheries Management gained at Sparsholt College, I left Sparsholt College and pursued a career at Koi Water Barn learning a great deal and being able to put what I had learnt into action. This grounding enabled me in part to co author 4 books, 2 of which have been published in many different languages! In addition I have had articles published in Koi Magazine, Koi Carp Magazine, Essential Water Gardener, Practical Fish Keeping and Koi USA.
How long have you had an interest in Koi and where did it stem from?
My interest stems as far back as childhood and came from my parents, visiting a shop called Kent Koi in Polhill with my mum and dad, I was simply fascinated by big Koi. I used to keep small Goldfish as a kid and that has since grown into an interest into all things fishy, especially marine fish. I actually wrote my first article aged 14 which got published by the British Cichlid Association. I used to keep and breed many species of cichlids and catfish and when living with my parents was lucky enough to have a 30 tank fish house.
Do you have other interests?
Yes, aside from aquatics I enjoy quality time with my family. I like technology and keep up to date with all things IT related. I also enjoy Kite buggying and power kiting at which I do at Camber Sands or in Cornwall when visiting my family.
You are an established and well regarded author within the Koi industry, where do you get your inspiration from?
I like to see others enjoy what I have to write about and give me feedback, it fills me with a great deal of satisfaction seeing my work published. All this stems back to my love for anything to do with fish.
What is your favorite Koi breed?
Oow that’s a toughie, it used to be Komunryu which is a black and white fish but I have learnt to appreciate Showa a lot more recently, and you cant beat a good high quality Kohaku.
If you could offer 3 key pieces of advice to beginners new to the hobby what would they be?
1) Do your homework
2) Do your Homework! Look at issues such as associated running costs.
3) Seek professional advice, go and see as many ponds before deciding on how you would like yours to look. I’d recommend visiting a local Koi club and asking for their advice.
What excites you about keeping Koi?
Undoubtedly it is the knowledge that you are responsible for looking after living creatures and that for me fills me with a great sense of personal achievement.
What is your proudest Koi related moment?
It would have to be the publication of the book I co-authored “Interpet Manual of Koi Health”, this has been published in many different languages, it fills me with pride knowing that what I have written is being used by others to assist them in looking after fish.
What have been the toughest challenges you have faced keeping Koi and what did you do to over come them?
When you are presented with a Koi health issue, such as Ulceration or Koi with raised scales. It isn’t always the case that you can treat based on a previous method treatment you have used before. Trying other avenues and seeking advice before things get too bad.
Knowledge of keeping Koi isn’t gained over night, what sources would you attribute to your current knowledge level of Koi?
Well I attended Sparsholt College and was offered a job working at Koi Water Barn in 1996 by the late John Pitham on condition of doing 1 year at college. I would also say meeting and talking to customers, listening to their feedback and stories about Koi keeping. Visiting Japan all be it only once – as since going I can no longer fly - has added to my knowledge base, I would say these are the factors I attribute to my current knowledge of Koi to.
Working in a specialist Koi retail environment, you have met and sold Koi too many highly regarded Koi keepers. Do you think it is important to maintain strong relationships and what factor would you attribute to them returning to buy Koi and associated products from you?
Sticking to what you are good at, for me that is running a business and focusing on Koi health. I believe in maintaining high standards of customer service and treating someone how you would like to be treated yourself.
Koi health will always be paramount, if you were to advise Koi keepers on the best selection of NT Labs products to ensure the well being of their stock what products would you choose?
I would say the NT Labs Pondlab 200 Multi Test Kit – it’s great for measuring various water parameters and represents excellent value. The fish sedative Koi Care Koi Calm, its ideal for when you need to sedate fish to treat them topically. Koi Care Propolis for cleaning and sealing ulcers and wounds, I believe this can also be used as a food supplement to boost resistance to infection also. The final product I would recommend is Koi Care Chloramine T great for reducing parasites and bacteria in pond water.
Can you recall examples of customer feedback you have had received regarding NT Labs products?
Let me think, yes recently a customer noticed the significant increase in the cost of imported foods so I suggested they feed the Medikoi Koi food range. When I next spoke to this customer they specifically said they wouldn’t return to the previous expensive food and will remain loyal to Medikoi as they were happy with the quality, sourcing fresh product from a local manufacturer.
In relation to Koi health, what do you see as the key differentiators between NT Labs and the competition?
I would say the key differentiators between NT Labs and the competition would be the fact they are a well established, local company with excellent levels of technical support, easily contactable and manufacture products to a very high standard.
When you were asked to become an NT Labs ambassador, describe your thoughts about being associated with the market leading Koi Health Company?
Well for me it is a real privilege to be asked. Koi health as I have mentioned is my main interest so to be associated with NT Labs who specialize in this field is an honour.
