diddi dance

diddi dance Shortlisted in 2018 mumandworking Awards

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Our North Essex & South Suffolk franchisee, Charlotte Foxley, has just been nominated for Franchisee of the Year at the 2018 mumandworking Awards.

Charlotte started her diddi dance in September 2015 and over the past two years she has grown the franchise to be a very successful and prominent one.

The mumandworking Awards are all about:

  • Empowering parents to achieve their potential
  • Realising the enormous commercial benefits of flexible working to employers and business owners
  • Recognising the substantial contribution to the UK economy
  • Supporting modern-day, family life
  • Celebrating the importance of the UK’s parent-preners

This award  is for companies, colleagues, staff and associates to nominate a franchisee who clearly demonstrates how a flexible franchise can bring out the best in individuals – for the benefit of the business as well as families and customers, which we wholeheartedly think is Charlotte.

When we asked Charlotte how she felt about the award nomination, which was sneakily submitted by Head Office on her behalf, she said:

I am thrilled to have been nominated in the category Franchisee of the Year with mumandworking! Mum and Working is exactly what I do. It is a juggle and hard work but so enjoyable, it doesn’t feel like work to me – not when I see the children giggle and have fun dancing to our funky tunes. Working with preschoolers & children with special needs is very rewarding and something that I am really passionate about, particularly as a mum with a child with special needs myself. I have a brilliant team of teachers and a fantastic support system in my family & my fellow franchisees, this makes it all work. “

But that’s not all! diddi dance has also been nominated for Franchisor of the Year – a category open to any franchisor who actively promotes exceptionally family-friendly and flexible working policies to its franchisees. This is a voted for category by the public so we need your votes! Click here and please cast your vote for diddi dance to show your support to us as a company but also to your local franchisee or teacher who chose to work with us.

We asked diddi dance Franchisor, Anne-Marie, how she felt about the nomination and she said:

We’re so thrilled to be nominated in the Franchisor of the Year category. We love being able to give parents the opportunity to find that work/life balance with a business opportunity that’s really family focused. Our business in a box provides that support and guidance taking the headache out of finding your own business idea and hitting all the hurdles along the way. We love our network of franchisees and the fantastic work they do in their local communities with the diddi dance brand.”

There is still a long way to go before we find out on the 3 October if either of us have won in our categories, but for now please vote, spread the word and congratulate!

New diddi dance Franchise – Worcestershire

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We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Helen, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance Worcestershire.

Helen’s first classes will be:

  • Starting 8th January, Mondays @ 9.30am – Perdiswell Young Peoples Leisure Centre, Perdiswell Park, Droitwich Road, Worcester WR3 7SN
  • Starting 8th January, Mondays @ 2:00pm – St. Nicholas Church Barn, 2 St Nicholas Lane, Worcester WR4 0SL
  • Starting 15th February, Wednesdays @ 9:30am – All Saints Church Hall, 6 Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B60 1AF

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

A little bit more about Helen:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My name is Helen, and I live with my amazing husband Ed in Worcester. We moved here about 4 months ago from Chester. Although we haven’t been in the Midlands long, we both love it here! And both agree that moving to Worcestershire was the best decision we have made in Years!

What did you do before diddi dance?

I worked in an office, doing QA and Document Control. This meant many hours sat on my own, essentially talking to myself and quality checking documents….. for hours at a time!

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

Whilst I was in Chester, I used to go to the gym before work most mornings. This is where I was lucky enough to meet Suzie, the franchisee owner on the Wirral. After weeks of Suzie coming to spin in her diddi dance hoodie, I finally plucked up the courage to ask what it was. When my Ed and I moved to the midlands, I realised that there was a gap in the market, so I dropped Suzie a message, and the rest is history! 🙂

What are you most excited about for your new business?

I love being active. Sitting at a desk, doing the same work day after day was soul destroying. I think it’s safe to say with so many little ones and parents coming to classes on a weekly basis, plus so many personalities in one room, there will be no two days the same!

Plus the kick I get out of working for me, is amazing. A total high!

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

I have thought about this one quite a bit, having been asked in training. I think it has to be Bollywood! When I came to observe my first class during the open day, it was a Bollywood based lesson. The music, the routine – I feel in love with diddi dance right there!

Helen’s classes will be starting with our Hip Hop theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!

New diddi dance Franchise – Oxford & Surrounding

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

Tatiana’s first classes are starting from 5th January 2018 and will be:

  • Fridays @ 11am – Drayton Village Hall, Drayton Hall, Drayton, Abingdon OX14 4LF
  • Mondays @ 10am – Hadland Road Community Centre, Hadland Road, Abingdon, OX14 3Y
  • Tuesdays @ 10am – Rose Hill Community Centre, Carole’s Way, Rose Hill, Oxford, OX4 4HF

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

A little bit more about Tatiana:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I genuinely believe Family is one of the greatest blessings people have here on earth. That’s where the life begins…First we are born in the family and then we make our own.

I am very fortunate to have 3 amazing men in my life – my husband and two sons. My inspiration, my happiness, my rock, my everything.

What did you do before diddi dance?

I am qualified as a teacher and before diddi dance I have worked with children for around 10 years.

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

Having a child could sometimes become a life changing event. After having my second I have decided to search for something that wouldn’t just suit my experience, my personality, my lifestyle but also would allow me to work for myself without the need to sacrifice my family. I started to research and analyse various options and it seems like diddi dance just ticked all the boxes!!! I got in touch with the local franchisee and after her statement – “diddi dance was the best decision of my life” I just couldn’t wait to start!!!

What are you most excited about for your new business?

I think it isn’t just business – there is so much more in it.

Every child is different and everyone is an amazing GIFT. Especially those first years of their life are so precious, but sometimes we notice too late. diddi dance is a wonderful chance not just to help your little ones to flourish but also this is an incredible opportunity to bond with your child. I’ve seen so many mums who have joined in during the class and truly enjoyed this dancing experience. There is a breathtaking amount of energy! And there we come to another important aspect of diddi dance – the fundamental goal to get children moving. With 1 in 5 children in UK being overweight we need to do our best to encourage them towards healthy and happy life.

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

Well I suppose it will be anything similar to belly dance! Bollywood is amazing, but I absolutely fell in love with Hula… It was simply mesmerising watching Hula dancers in Hawaii – they were just floating on stage…So, bring on Hula time!!!!

Tatiana’s classes will be starting with our Hip Hop theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!

diddi dance Plymouth win business award!

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Congrats are in order for diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding who just last week won their first local industry award at the 2017 Woolwell Centre Local Business and Community Awards.

The awards were created to recognise, reward and celebrate fantastic individuals and businesses in the Plymouth area. Liz & Rachael, who run diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding, were nominated alongside Hartbeeps & 2 Counties Plumbing for the Best Business Start-Up awards and on 22nd September they were announced as the winners!

We asked them how it felt to be recognised by their local community with this award and they said:

We are delighted and shocked to have been nominated & shortlisted for this award, it’s lovely that a member of the public has taken the time to nominate us for Best Start-Up Business. We have worked very hard over the last 12 months but have loved every minute of it. We had such a fab evening at the Woolwell Centre Local Business & Community Awards. When they announced that we won the Best Business Start-Up award we were both gobsmacked!!  It means so much to us that people really love what we are doing and even better that it’s getting our name out there – it feels like we’re doing something right!!”

Once again congratulations ladies and we can’t wait to see what the next 12 months hold for you.

Award nomination for diddi dance Plymouth

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Congrats are in order for diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding who earlier this month found out they had been nominated and become a finalist in the 2017 Woolwell Centre Local Business and Community Awards.

The awards were created to recognise, reward and celebrate fantastic individuals and businesses in the Plymouth area. Liz & Rachael, who run diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding, have been nominated by a member of the public for the Best Business Start Up awards and out of numerous nominees, they have been shortlisted as a Finalist in the category.

We asked them how it felt to be recognised by their local community for this nomination and they said:

We are delighted and shocked to have been nominated & shortlisted for this award, it’s lovely that a member of the public have taken the time to nominate us for Best Start Up Business. We have worked very hard over the last 12 months but have loved every minute of it”

The finalists are invited with everyone in the local community to attend a special awards evening at The Woolwell Centre on Friday, 22nd September. We will be keeping our fingers, toes, everything crossed here at diddi dance HO for you ladies in the hopes you win the award. Good luck!

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All about diddi dance Bristol

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diddi dance Franchisee Emily who runs diddi dance Bristol recently became the 3rd diddi dance franchise to be fully accredited by the Children’s Activity Association. To read all about their recent achievement just click here.

Because of this success, we at diddi dance wanted to take the time to tell you all about Emily and diddi dance Bristol here!

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I started my franchise in December 2014 but I was a teacher since November 2013.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

I taught modern, tap and musical theatre in local dance schools to children from 4 – 18 years. I also taught fitness classes in gyms throughout Bristol and South Glos.

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

I love working with children especially at preschool age, it doesn’t feel like I am working when I am with them, galloping round the room or catching bubbles! The best thing about diddi dance and running your own business is the flexibility! You get what you put in and I am really seeing the results from how hard I am working. I also enjoy being able to work when I want, having more family time and being able to do things I couldn’t have done working for someone else.

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

The best thing that has happened to me would be my confidence, I have gained so much more confidence in myself being a part of diddi dance. To run your own business there is no time to be scared to do anything, you need to make a decision and run with it. Usually is pays off and if not it is a learning experience.

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

I won a national award for Young Women In Franchising of the year 2017, that has to be the biggest success to date! It really gave me confidence that I know what I am doing and I am doing it well, It can be hard having your own business but this proved it is all paying off!

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

I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next! diddi dance Bristol has grown so much in just 2 years and I am pushing harder than ever to grow my business…The sky is the limit!

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

Watching children learn and grow, to have a child not even want to make eye contact with you on their first class to then be joining in fully and having fun is amazing to see. That for me is the best part of diddi dance.

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

Being able to make my own decisions, grow my business at the speed I want it to and having the flexibility to be able to do things I couldn’t do before diddi dance.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

It gives parents peace of mind that they are in a safe class and it is age appropriate for their child. That I am committed to giving 110% to all my customers and ensuring that diddi dance Bristol is at the highest standard a preschool dance class could be.

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

It has to be Bollywood! I absolutely love the music it just makes you want to dance!

 

diddi dance Bristol currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. They are as follows:

Mondays

  • Emersons Green Village Hall Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7AP @ 10:00am & 11:00am
  • Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue, Bristol BS3 5DA @ 10:00am & 11:00am

Tuesdays

  • Ridgewood Community Centre, 244 Station Rd, Yate, Bristol BS37 4AF @ 9:30am
  • Stoke Bishop Village Hall, 42 Stoke Hill, Bristol BS9 1EX @ 10:00am

Wednesday

  • St Alban’s Church Hall, Corner of Bayswater Avenue and Coldharbour Road, postcode BS6 7NU @ 9:30am
  • Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, BS34 6HR @ 10:00am
  • St. Barts Church Hall, Maurice Road, St.Andrews, BS6 5BZ @ 11:00am
  • Emersons Green Village Hall Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7AP @ 1:45pm

Thursday

  • Ridgewood Community Centre, 244 Station Rd, Yate, Bristol BS37 4AF @ 9:30am
  • St.Teresas Social Club, 71 Gloucester Rd N, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PL @ 9:45am
  • Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue, Bristol BS3 5DA @ 10:00am
  • Emersons Green Village Hall Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7AP @ 11:15am

Friday

  • Emersons Green Village Hall Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7AP @ 9:30am & 10:30am
  • Kudacan, 7 Dongola Ave, Bristol BS7 9HG @ 10:00am
  • Henleaze Trinity Church, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT @ 1:45pm

Saturday

  • Church Centre, Quakers Road, Bromley Heath, Bristol, BS16 6NH @ 9:30am

To attend any of the above classes or to express interest in having a FREE trial get in touch with diddi dance Bristol today! You can email them on [email protected], call 07850 983821, message them on Facebook at @diddidanceBristol or fill in our free enquiry form by clicking her

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diddi dance Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol’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 Emily Norman and her franchise diddi dance Bristol.

Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance Bristol to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Emily’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.

Emily took over diddi dance Bristol in December 2014, but previously was a teacher for the franchise since November 2013, and has since gone on to grow it into one of the most profitable & recognisable diddi dance brands in the nation. Becoming a Gold accredited member of the CAA is the latest achievement in Emily’s successful year as this follows on from her recent win at the EWIF Awards for Young Woman in Franchising.

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 checks, 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 Bristol has been independently verified as having met or exceeded all the necessary elements of the CAA Code of Practice. Assessed by Dr Amanda Gummer PhD, one of the UK’s leading experts in child development and Founder of Fundamentally Children, the CAA’s official independent accrediting organisation, 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 Emily’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 thirs franchise gain gold accreditation. Emily is a fantastic franchisee with drive, motivation and a fabulous leader in class. This gold accreditation is very well deserved of this award winning diddi dancer”

Adding to this Emily of diddi dance Bristol said:

It gives parents peace of mind that they are in a safe class and it is age appropriate for their child. [It also shows] that I am committed to giving 110% to all my customers and ensuring that diddi dance Bristol is at the highest standard a preschool dance class could be.”

Congratulations again to Emily and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Bristol visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

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diddi dance receives 5 Star satisfaction rating

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For the past few years diddi dance has worked with Smith & Henderson to have a Franchise Satisfaction Survey delivered to our franchisees so we can obtain anonymous responses from our current franchisees to help improve our franchise network. Now, for the 4th year running we have achieved a Satisfaction percentage in the 90s and have been awarded the 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction Award once again!

Smith & Henderson describe the survey process as:

We invite your existing franchisees to complete our confidential online Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark survey. We guarantee that franchisees’ responses will be anonymous, so they can provide honest feedback. On average 77% of franchisees complete the survey.

We use this feedback to help you benchmark your training and support against other franchisors, identify key priorities and over time, strengthen your relationships with franchisees and your support package.”

Just some of the feedback we got about our franchise from our current franchisees included:

Cannot ask for any more support than we already get”

“Very professional business. A strong blue print for success. All taken incredibly seriously which speaks volumes in the brand being delivered. Gives a huge amount of confidence for the business I am promoting.”

“I love the new system that is in place and do struggle as a newer franchisee but love what diddi represents and am really enjoying the process. The support is great and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the continued guidance. It’s really inspirational being part of a great team.”

“I love being part of diddi dance…. It is hard work and you get out of your franchise exactly what you put in. I love my job and not everyone can say that. My work life balance is perfect and you can’t put a price on that.”

Top franchisors, based on the feedback, are then shortlisted for the Best Franchise Awards – which we won for the last two year running!

    

This year we achieved a score of 91%. To see the full breakdown of our survey just click here.

To be part of our award winning and satisfactory franchise network get in touch today!

diddi dance Eastbourne up for Industry Award!

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Joanna from diddi dance Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells & Hastings has just been announced as a finalist in the 2017 East Sussex Women In Business Awards. These awards are dedicated to recognising, rewarding and celebrating local businesses and the women who run them.

Joanna has been nominated under the “Woman in Arts/Music/Dance Media” category alongside some wonderful other women she knows and has worked with. To see who she is up against and the other finalist click here.

We asked Joanna how she felt about being not only nominated but then recognised as a finalist for these awards and she said:

I am absolutely thrilled, and equally shocked, to have been shortlisted as a finalist in this years East Sussex Woman in Business Awards. The Art/Music/Dance Media category is so diverse and it’s an honour to be included representing preschool dance. I am truly passionate about what we do and getting little ones active from an early age in a fun and positive way. I get to share in the joy and happiness dance can bring to little ones (& their grown ups!) every day that I really can’t think of a better job – this sort of thing just makes it even better!”

We are thrilled for Joanna too at Head Office and can’t wait to see if she wins! The awards will be announced on 15th September, so watch this space to see what happens. Either way, we are very proud of Joanna and her nomination 🙂

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