diddi dance

diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester receives CAA Gold Accreditation

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The team at diddi dance, the brand behind the much loved preschool dance classes, are extremely proud to announce their franchise diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester has achieved Gold accreditation from the Children’s Activities Association (CAA). The CAA is the only not-for-profit, industry-led association to set and raise standards in all organised children’s activities across the UK and this achievement clearly showcases the team at diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester’s passion for excellence.

Set-up by leading industry experts in 2015, including diddi dance Founder Anne-Marie Martin, the establishment of the CAA (a Community Interest Company) has revolutionised the children’s activities sector. After Anne-Marie completed the accreditation process for diddi dance in 2016, she decided to offer the same accreditation to each diddi dance Franchise. This past month Anne-Marie & diddi dance were thrilled to personally accredit franchisee Liz Chisnall and her franchise diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester.

Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Liz’s commitment to achieving Gold for her franchise shows her dedication to demonstrate to her industry peers and her fellow diddi dance franchisees that she excels at what she does as well as giving her parents the reassurance they deserve when selecting the best classes for their little ones.

Liz took over the business for diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester in July 2017 and within her first year achieved both her Bronze & Silver CAA accreditations and now has an amazing 14 classes running throughout the area.

It is staggering to learn that before the CAA, there was no national, independent association in the UK for the children’s activity sector as a whole. Through the development of the CAA Code of Practice and via their thorough accreditation, for the first time, parents can now easily make simple, informed decisions when choosing from the wealth of children’s activities out there. Just by asking whether the provider is a CAA member, a parent or carer can get reassurance on important issues such as insurance, health and safety, criminal record cpreschool toddler dance hampshire chichesterhecks, training, qualifications, class content and much more.

As one parent said regarding the CAA –

With so many clubs and classes to choose from it’s so hard to know which are the best and what I should be asking when I leave my children in the care of a class leader. In the past I just wrongly assumed kids’ activities must have to be regulated. Knowing that the CAA has asked those important questions to help keep my child safe is fantastic – so now I just look for their logo!”

Having achieved Gold CAA accreditation means that diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester has been independently verified as having met or exceeded all the necessary elements of the CAA Code of Practice. This accomplishment offers parents peace of mind when selecting an activity from the myriad of providers out there.

Anne-Marie, commented on the accreditation process and Liz’s success:

“Using the CAA accreditation system to ensure all our franchisees are performing to not only our high standards but also a nationally recognised association too is so important to us. It’s fantastic seeing our fifth franchise gain gold accreditation. Having only taken this franchise over a year ago, it’s fantastic to see the turnaround Liz has given it. She is truly deserving of her gold accreditation as she is running a brilliant franchise.”

Adding to this Liz of diddi dance SE Hampshire and Chichester said:

“I’m so pleased to receive my Gold Children’s Activities Association Accreditation, I hope it gives our parents and carers confidence that our classes are run to the very highest standards, as well as being brilliant fun. As a business owner, it makes me proud to know that our classes have been externally checked and have received GOLD accreditation status.”

Congratulations again to Liz and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

All about diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester

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preschool toddler dance hampshire chichesterdiddi dance Franchisee Liz who runs diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester  recently became the 5th diddi dance franchise to be fully accredited by the Children’s Activity Association. To read all about her recent achievement just click here. 

Because of this success, we at diddi dance wanted to take the time to tell you all about Liz and diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester here!

How long have you been with diddi dance?

One year.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

I worked in PR.

What do you love most about diddi dance and running your own business?

“The flexibility to do a job I love that fits in with my life and home commitments.  

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of diddi dance?

Being able to have such fun with the children each week!

What has been a highlight for you since taking on your diddi dance?

I love going to our diddi dance conferences, learning more form our head office team and the other franchisees we’re lucky to have such a supportive network!

What is something you are looking forward to as you continue with your diddi dance franchise?

“I’m really looking forward to being able to share diddi dance with more children we’re growing our classes and preschool sessions all the time so we can encourage ore pre-schoolers to get up and moving – aiming to encourage healthy habits for life!

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

I love seeing the children gain in confidence, learn to do something they couldn’t do last week and sharing their fun and excitement.

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

The flexibility to make sure I’m there for my children when they need me!

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

I’m so proud to be Gold accredited with the CAA running my own business is new to me but I’m so pleased to have these guidelines to follow tot know we’re offering our families the best possible class.

And finally, what is your favourite diddi dance theme and why?

I love the disco dance we’ve just finished it’s so fun and the music has such a catchy beat!

 

diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. They are as follows:

Mondays

  • Bedhampton Social Hall – 21 Bedhampton Road, Havant PO9 3ES
  • Eastney Community centre, Bransbury Park, Bransbury Road, Eastnet PO4 9SU
  • Meadowside Leisure Centre, Whiteley Way, Fareham PO15 7LJ

Tuesdays

  • Herne Farm Leisure Centre, Moggs Mead, Petersfield GU31 4PY
  • Porchester Community Centre, Westlands Grove, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9AD
  • Fitjoy, 7 College Lane, Chichester, PO19 6PD
  • St Cuthberts, St Cutherbert’s Community Centre, Hayling Avenue, Copnor PO3 6EA

Wednesday

  • Waterlooville Community, 10 Maurepas Way, Waterlooville PO7 7AY
  • Fishbourne Centre, Blackboy Lane, Fishbourne, Chichester PO18 8BE

Thursday

  • 10am Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Road, Culcheth WA3 5SH
  • Rousllion Community Hall, Donegall Avenue, Chichester PO19 6DF
  • V Club, 9 Fielder Drive, Fareham PO14 1JE
  • The Stride, Daffodil Way, Havant PO9 1FA
  • Cams Alders Stadium, Palmerston Driver, Fareham PO14 1BJ

Friday

  • Napier Hall, Portsmouth Riad, Horndean, Waterlooville PO8 9NL
  • St Cuthberts, St Cutherbert’s Community Centre, Hayling Avenue, Copnor PO3 6EA
  • Havelock, 323 Fawcett Road, Southsea PO4 0LQ

To attend any of the above classes or to express interest in having a FREE trial get in touch with diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester! You can email them on liz.chisnalldiddidance.com, call 07855 412837, message them on Facebook at @diddidanceSEHantsandChi or fill in her free enquiry form by clicking here.

Welcome a new Franchisee to diddi dance North Kent

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diddi dance toddler preschool north kent bexley dartforddiddi dance North Kent (Bexley & Dartford) has a new owner – Jane Mitchell! She will be taking over the management and direction of all classes & sessions running currently in the area and will be launching some new ones this upcoming September.

The classes that will be running from 10th September are:

Mondays:

  • 10am @ The Centre, New Eltham Methodist Church, 435 Methodist Church, New Eltham, London SE9 3UL

Wednesday

  • 11am @ Bexley Cricket Club, Studio Court, Manor way, Bexley, Kent, DA5 3QG

Feel free to email Jane directly now to book a FREE trial or secure your spot in any of the above classes for September via jane.mitchell@diddidance.com.

 

A little bit more about Jane:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My name is Jane and I live in New Eltham London with my husband Neil and our two year old daughter Lucy, I have two teenage stepdaughters Cara and Nancy.

What did you do before diddi dance?

I have been hairdressing for over 20 years along with many different managerial roles at different times in other different customer focused environments. Including supervisory, managerial and proprietor all with teams working for me requiring training, support and HR.

How were you affiliated with your new diddi dance franchise before taking it over?

I attended diddi dance with Lucy and had such a great time it seemed like a fantastic opportunity.

What made you want to take on an already established diddi dance?

My initial interest in diddi dance was upon finding out that my local area franchise was available for purchase. As a parent at a class I was able to see the business in its true light. Taking on an established and reasonably small franchise I felt that I had a great business model to enable me to understand and learn the workings of the business, before expanding and exploring the territory further.

And finally, what are you looking forward to the most with your new diddi dance franchise?

After lone working for five years now I’m really excited to a part of a team again, having a network of support as well as my own teachers to work with.

This is a totally new venture for me a fantastic challenge and I’m looking forward to building a successful business and secure future for my family.

Welcome a new Franchisee to diddi dance Northwich, Sandbach & Surrounding

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preschool toddler dance northwich sandbachdiddi dance Northwich, Sandbach & Surrounding has a new owner – Laura Makinson! She will be taking over the management and direction of all classes & sessions running currently in the area and will be launching some new ones this upcoming September.

The classes that will be running from 4th September are:

Mondays:

  • 9:45am – St John’s Church Centre, School Lane, Hartford CW8 1NP

Tuesdays:

  • 9:45am – St Mary’s Parish Centre, 2 New King St, Middlewich CW10 9EB

Thursday

  • 9:45am & 10:50am – Polar Palace Play and Party Centre, 10 Road One, Winsford CW7 3PR

Friday

  • 9:30am – Barnton Memorial Hall, 30 Townfield Ln, Barnton, Northwich CW8 4LH
  • 11:30am – Holmes Chapel Scout Hut, Parkway, Holmes Chapel Cheshire CW4 7BA
  • 1:45pm – The Venue, Gadbrook Road, Rudheath, Northwich CW9 7JL

Saturday

  • 9:45am – Elworth Scout Hut, Chapel Street, Sandbach CW11 1DS
  • 10:00am – St John’s Church Centre, School Lane, Hartford CW8 1NP

Feel free to email Laura directly now to book a FREE trial or secure your spot in any of the above classes for September via laura.makinson@diddidance.com.

 

A little bit more about Laura:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Hi I’m Laura and 37 years old. I’m married to my husband Neil a mum to Will (12yrs old), Phoebe (7yrs old) & James (4yrs old). In September our youngest will be starting school and it will be the first time in 12 years that I will not have a little one at home. It’s going to be emotional and thankfully the opportunity of becoming a diddi dance franchise owner came along at the perfect time.

Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster with far too many lows unfortunately, but what it has taught me is to put my priorities in the right order. I want to be able to take my kids to school and be there for them at the end of the day, plus that when I spend my time working it is doing a job that I’m passionate about. The skills I have learned from previous jobs and from being a diddi dance teacher give me the confidence that being a diddi dance franchise owner will be a job I enjoy and gives me the flexibility to be the mum I want to be for my children.

I love being active too and play in the Cheshire Squash league, as well as playing part time for a netball team. I enjoy running regularly too and find it’s a great way to clear my head. I’m not a qualified dancer but I do love to dance and especially love teaching young children.

What did you do before diddi dance?

I have always loved textiles, art and fashion. I studied at Leeds University with the goal of going on to be a buyer. I graduated with a 1st Class Degree and went on to become part of the buying team for NEXT home. I loved my time at NEXT and left after having my first child. I moved from Leicester back to where I grew up, in Northwich. I went on to work for Eurocamp as a Holiday Advisor. The opportunity to become part of the Eurocamp marketing team arose and I started off as a Marketing Executive, working my way up to Sub Brand Co-ordinator. I worked at Eurocamp for over 9 years and when the opportunity came to take voluntary redundancy whilst on maternity leave I took it. I wanted to spend more time with my children and find a more rewarding job. I met Emma Hayward after attending diddi dance classes with my children and learned there was a job vacancy to teach. To be honest, I really didn’t think I would be offered the job but so happy Emma took a punt on me. I love teaching and the timing of Emma selling part of her Cheshire territory is perfect and I really look forward to the challenges of being a franchise owner.

How were you affiliated with your new diddi dance franchise before taking it over?

I have been a diddi dance teacher since November 2016 and taught twice a week at Hartford & Barnton plus teaching weekly at a preschool in Cotebrook.

What made you want to take on an already established diddi dance?

I personally feel there are less risks of taking on an already established diddi dance franchise. There are performance results to review and analyse and I have had the opportunity of talking about the business with the previous owner, which help with learnings and decisions to move it forward. It is also a region that I live in and know which really helps and as a teacher I have great target market knowledge which will be useful for gaining and retaining customers.

And finally, what are you looking forward to the most with your new diddi dance franchise?

Having a job which fulfils my desire of being a business owner, but without the associated risks by being part of a franchise. I love working individually but it’s great that you are also part of a team of ambitious ladies that all support each other. I love that it will test me, push me and that you can keep growing your business. There will be tough times but when it works it will be so rewarding. I love that there is so much variety too, marketing, teaching, admin, training, dance routines to learn and more – I don’t think there is ever the chance of feeling bored with diddi dance – it is going to be all systems go!

New diddi dance Franchise – York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding

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We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Hayley, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding.

Hayley’s first classes will be:

  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 10.30am – The Avenues Childrens Centre, Sixth Avenue, Heworth, YO31 0TX
  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 1.30pm – St. Oswalds Church Hall, Fulford, YO31 4HJ
  • Starting 11th September, Tuesdays @ 9.30am – St. Lukes Church Hall, Burton Stone Lane, Clifton, YO30 6DG
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 9.40am – St. Lawrence’s Church Hall, Lawrence Street, YO10 3BW
  • Starting 13th September, Thursdays @ 9.40am @-St. James the Deacon Church Hall,  2 Sheringham Drive, Dringhouses, YO24 2SE
  • Starting 13th September, Thursdays @ 11.15am – Super Sustainable Centre, Off Derwent Way, Osbaldwick, York YO10 3NP
  • Starting 14th September, Fridays @ 9.30am – The Centre, Burnholme, Mossdale Avenue, YO31 0HA
  • Starting 18th September, Tuesdays @ 11.15am – Reading Rooms, Church Street, Dunnington, YO19 5PW

To book your toddler onto any of the above classes fill in our Book a Free Trial form and address it to Hayley, or you can email her directly by clicking here 🙂

A little bit more about Hayley:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am engaged to my partner of 13 years and we have two beautiful children – Our daughter who is 4 and our son who is 1. My daughter is due to start school in September so we’ve been enjoying some lovely quality time this summer as a family including camping and some lovely days out. We also love to go cycling together as a family as my daughter has recently learnt to ride a bike.

What did you do before diddi dance?

I have been a stay at home mum for the last 2 years since having my son, but prior to that I was a Youth Worker for 12 years working with young people who were educationally and socially excluded and also helping to set up provision for community/youth groups who wanted to provide services for young people, including art, drama, dance and sporting sessions. My first role in the Youth Service was as a dance co-ordinator, helping set up and run dance sessions around York.

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

I felt there were a number of reasons that diddi dance seemed like the perfect fit. Firstly, I could go back to my first love in life, which is teaching dancing, something I am very passionate about. I also loved the flexibility of working my business around my family , not compromising my own commitments such as being able to drop/pick my daughter up from school.

What are you most excited about for your new business?

I’m just so excited to see how much fun the children are going to have in their classes, as seeing their faces light up when they’re having so much fun is amazing. It’s such a high energy and positive class it will be a joy to go to work everyday!

And finally, which diddi dance theme are you looking forward to the most and why?

Hip hop! I always taught street dance so that style of dance is something I love. I’m also really excited to do Bollywood as it’s such a fun and energetic dance style!

Hayley’s classes will be starting with our Disco theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!disco dancing toddler preschool diddi

diddi dance Wins Awards for Best Childhood Dance Classes

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SME News Announces the Winners of the 2018 UK Enterprise Awards and diddi dance is one of them!

toddler early years dance class award winning

We are thrilled with the news that this year we have been awarded Best Early Childhood Dance Classes. The 2018 UK Enterprise Awards showcase the very best businesses from across the UK’s corporate landscape.

Jessie Wilson, Awards Coordinator, discusses the success of this year’s programme:

“UK based enterprises are renowned for their diversity and ability to progress through tough times. As we turn our backs on the recession it is now more important than ever to seek out hard working, innovative and diverse business owners and offer them a platform to further succeed, and as such it is my pleasure to announce the publication of this year’s awards. Congratulations to all of my winners; you have each exhibited determination, passion and a will to succeed which I hope continues into the future.”

Founder of diddi dance, Anne-Marie, said of the win:

“At diddi dance we are really honoured to have won this award. It always makes us feel proud to gain industry recognition for our business. I feel the reason for our success is down to our passion. Not only do we love working with children, and seeing them develop, but also being able to offer other individuals a flexible working opporutnity

SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

See all the other deserving winners in the winners supplement and find us on pg 70 or read our feature below.

diddi dance Franchisees win at 2018 Conference

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Earlier this month, 30 June & 1 July, diddi dance held its annual Conference where all franchisees come together to network, share best practice and take part in workshops & listen to presentations from industry experts to help them better their diddi dance business.

franchise franchisee conference business

A highlight of the conference for founder Anne-Marie, and we think the rest of the diddi dance network, is the diddi dance Awards which recognise those franchisees that are excelling in certain aspects of the business. Both a winner and highly commended are given in each award and here they are:

Anne-Marie commented on the awards:

We love doing our annual awards recognising those franchisees in our network that go above and beyond with their diddi dance. We find motivation and inspiration our fun awards invoke is of great benefit to the all the franchisees and really helps them drive their business over the next year. We can’t wait to see who wins next year!

Now we are pleased to announce the 2018 winners are…

franchisee award winningdiddi debutante for the fastest growing franchise from a franchisee who launched in 2017 (based upon overall business growth):

Highly Commended – Tatiana from diddi dance Oxford & Surrounding

Winner – Wendy from diddi dance South Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Ayr & Surrounding

franchisee award winningdiddi developer for the franchisee who has taken over a territory (through resale or transfer) and developed the business in all aspects:

Winner – Liz C from diddi dance South East Hampshire & Chichester

diddi diva for the biggest growth by a franchisee from June 2017 to May 2018:

Highly Commended – Anuschka from diddi dance North Londonfranchisee award winning

Winner – Emily from diddi dance Bristol

diddi dancer for the most enthusiastic and “en pointe” teacher as nominated by their franchisee:

Higly Commended – Sacha, who teaches for Emily from diddi dance Bristol
franchisee award winning
Winner – Natalie, who teaches for Lisa J from diddi dance West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Tadley & Marlow

diddi discusser for the franchisee fully utilising and actively using social media & online resources to their best ability:

Winner – Lisa J from diddi dance West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Tadley & Marlow

diddi doer for the franchisee with most innovative marketing & promotions:franchisee award winning

Highly Commended – Charlotte from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk

Winner – Caroline from diddi dance Swindon, Cirencester, Chippenham, Tetbury & Surrounding

diddi driver for the most motivated and driven franchisee doing their best to drive and progress their business:franchisee award winning

Highly Commended – Julia from diddi dance North & Central Leeds

Winner – Charlotte from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk

diddi dude for the franchisee that is most supportive and active amongst the network – as voted for by the other franchisees:
franchisee award winning
Highly Commended – Emily from diddi dance Bristol

Winner – Julia from diddi dance North & Central Leeds

diddi deliverer, a new award this year, for the franchisee who is running the best business overall:

Highly Commended – Emily from diddi dance Bristolfranchisee award winning

Winner – Emma H from diddi dance North Shropshire, Wrexham & North West Stoke-on-Trent

 

And lastly our biggest award each year is diddi dame which goes to a franchisee who has made an outstanding contribution to diddi dance in the last year:

Winner – Nicola B from diddi dance Lancester, Preston & Kendal

We couldn’t be more proud of our award winning franchisees. To book a place in one of their classes visit our FREE trial page today

diddi dance is celebrating 15 years of teaching children to dance!!!

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2018 marks 15 years since diddi dance, the much-loved national dance classes for little ones, launched its first class in Islington, London. To celebrate, diddi dancers & their friends are invited to don their best party attire and attend special party themed dance classes filled with dancing props, games, balloons, bubbles and much more!

toddler dance preschool birthday celebrate partyOver 500 diddi dance classes across the UK will change from the regular 45-minute class structure to that of a special birthday party theme that will be the talk of the tots from the 4th to 10th June 2018. diddi dancers old and new are welcome to attend any of the special party classes during the week in their party best and help us wish diddi dance a happy 15th birthday!

The week-long celebration is an opportunity for diddi dance to give back to the people that helped them grow into the award-winning, national preschool activity that has over 40 franchisees running classes from Aberdeenshire down to Plymouth and has seen over 175,000 children attending classes since the beginning. There will be party goodies for all to take home and 3 competitions running across the national diddi dance Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages with the chance to win a free diddi dance Birthday Party, a free half-term of diddi dance classes or a diddi dance goodie bag choc full of all our fantastic merchandise, so your diddi one can take the dancing fun home with them as well!

Founded by professional dancer Anne-Marie Martin in 2003, diddi dance has developed over the years to offer a unique, innovative and fun way to get young boys & girls on their feet & moving. Welcoming all little ones from 16 months up to five years and using Anne-Marie’s own original music & choreography, diddi dance covers a variety of dance styles catering to all tastes. This week-long celebration is the perfect fit for the dance classes, which try to inspire children to find the enjoyment of movement from a young age but also improve physical fitness & activity amongst the under 5s inline with the UK Government’s Childhood Obesity Action Plan.

Speaking to Anne-Marie about the milestone she said:

When I was first asked by some parents in North London to start something dance related for their toddlers I didn’t think then that 15 years later diddi dance would be all across the UK encouraging thousands of children to be physically active & finding their confidence through dance. I also love that diddi dance has given other people the opportunity to find a better work/life balance through our franchise opportunity. It’s so exciting to be celebrating our 15th birthday this year and I can’t wait for our party week to share the fun with everyone!”

This celebration comes at a fantastic time for diddi dance as their recognition across the UK continues to grow. Seen as one of the leading providers of preschool dance classes, diddi dance has been featured on Strictly Come Dancing, held partnerships with Little Dish & PJ Masks, worked with charities such as MacMillan Cancer Support & Youth Sport Trust, won many top industry awards and been the go-to class for celebrities such as Amanda Holden, Sara Cox, Katie Price & many more.

 

Why not join the dancing fun today with a FREE trial in any diddi dance class!

diddi dance Franchisee wins at 2018 mumandworking awards

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The winners in the prestigious 2018 mumandworking Awards were recently revealed in an inspiring, high-rofile ceremony, as hosted by NatWest, and Charlotte Foxley from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk was amongst them!

These pioneering awards were launched over 8 years ago to celebrate the UK’s leading lights in the world of flexible working – those amazing and inspiring individuals, businesses, charities and networks demonstrating and showcasing how working practice and family-life can go hand in hand with huge potential benefits for all involved.

Charlotte Foxley from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk was revealed as the winner in the Franchisee of the Year category. Several categories were judged by a panel of leading business women, very familiar with the challenges juggling a family and a career can bring. Susannah Schofield OBE, said this about Charlotte “I loved her ethics and passion to deliver the franchise above and beyond, more than just about making money however – Charlotte runs her business to make a difference”.

Charlotte said: “Winning Franchisee of the Year at the mumandworking awards was just such an honour and a BIG surprise! I am just so proud of what I have done with diddi dance in the 2.5 years since I opened. Thank you to everyone who has been to one of our classes, booked us for a party, had a demo and to all the nurseries and pre-schools who we see throughout the year. I am especially proud of the launch last year of our special needs only classes which are now available after school and during the holidays for children with additional needs up to age 8.’’

Never has the importance of flexible working been so documented. ‘Mumpreneurs’ continue to generate billions for the UK economy, supporting in excess of 200,000 jobs and while we have witnessed significant positive changes in government policy towards flexible working in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Research in 2016 suggested improvements in flexible working opportunities for mums would enable and empower huge numbers to return to the workplace with the potential to generate a massive £60+ billion boost to the UK economy.

Organisers were delighted therefore at the wealth and standard of the submissions for this year’s awards, which were run with media partner Key Women in Business. Hundreds of nominees entered, across 14 exciting categories ranging from ‘Flexible Business of the Year’, to ‘Inspiring Business Parent’ with special categories for bloggers, team members, franchisors and technology and innovation. 2018 saw the highest number of finalists ever plus a record number of votes from throughout the UK.

Suzanne Borrell, Events Director for mumandworking.co.uk concluded:

‘The wealth of nominations, the thousands of votes, our esteemed VIP judging panel and the range of nominees reflects the significant and growing support for the promotion of flexible working. The really exciting news is that so many finalists seem to have used the event as a springboard – they made amazing connections, were inspired to tackle something new or take on a challenge or just dared to dream bigger. So this isn’t just about one day – but what happens next – and we are privileged to be involved. Huge congratulations to all our finalists on their success!”

diddi dance Shortlisted for 2018 Top Franchise Awards

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For the third year running diddi dance Franchising has been shortlisted in the WorkingMum Top Franchise Awards.

The Awards, sponsored by HSBC and Encouraging Women into Franchising, recognise franchisors both big and small who have empowered women in business – not only by providing a successful flexible business model, but by giving franchisees the advice and support they need to succeed. There is also an award celebrating the achievements of franchisees which is voted for by the public. Voting is open until 1st April and so far around 4,000 people have voted.

This year we are shortlisted in two of the six categories – Supportive Franchisor Awards & Family Friendly Franchise Award. We previously won the Family Friendly Franchise Award in 2016 so would love to win both awards this year after being nominated for them both last year.

The 2018 Top Franchise Awards winners will be announced in an online ceremony on 17th May 2018 and will be judged by Gillian Nissim, Founder of Workingmums.co.uk; David Kerrigan, Franchise Director at HSBC Bank plc; Amy Leite, Associate Solicitor at Aquabridge Law; and Helen Walbey, National Policy Chair for Health & Diversity at the Federation of Small Businesses.

The ceremony will include an awards presentation and a Q&A session with franchise experts. This event provides a great platform to celebrate passion and achievement within the franchise industry.

Gillian Nissim, founder of Workingmums.co.uk, said: “We are delighted at the quality of entries to this our third year of the Top Franchise Awards. The Awards run in tandem with our Top Employer Awards, which were created to acknowledge the very best in flexible working and diversity and we believe that there is much that employers can learn from these flexible, family friendly business models. Our surveys show that self employment is an avenue that many women are interested in exploring in order to get more control over their work life balance and because they are interested in the challenge presenting by going it alone – and Workingmums.co.uk offers a lot of advice, information and case studies for those who do in recognition of those challenges. The best franchises offer both the benefits of self employment, but without some of the risks associated with striking out alone since franchisors have already demonstrated the viability of their business models.”

Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising at HSBC, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Workingmums.co.uk Top Franchise Awards for the second year running and to support innovative family friendly franchises. HSBC has over 25 years’ experience in the franchise industry. Franchises offer the flexibility of self employment combined with a tried and tested business model.  We hope that the Awards will provide a host of ideas and inspiration for all those looking to a future in franchising.”

To be part of our Top Franchise visit our Is It For You? page and find out a bit more about our franchise opportunity today!

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