Puddle Ducks Named as Finalists in Prestigious 2024 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards

Leading baby and child swimming school franchise, Puddle Ducks has been shortlisted in the Leadership and Culture category of the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

The franchise provides world-class swimming lessons from aqua-natal classes to age 10 and teaches over 25,000 children to swim every week across the UK.

Becoming a finalist in this category is a recognition of a strong culture created by Directors, Jo Stone and Ali Beckman, and the Senior Management Team (SMT).

Together they have fostered a culture that is alive in every tier of the network, based on the Puddle Ducks Values that form the acronym EXPERTS; EXceeding EXpectations, Professional, Enterprising, Respectful, Trusted and Supportive.

Jo Stone, co-founder and managing director of Puddle Ducks commented:

“This is at the very core of what we do, which enabled us to recently achieve the status of being the first franchise to achieve 12 consecutive years of 5* franchisee satisfaction, an accolade we are all extremely proud of. Of course, we wouldn’t be here today without the ongoing support of our wonderful customers who believe in the Puddle Ducks brand and have helped us to continually move forward.  We remain passionate about ensuring as many children as possible learn a lifetime skill and a love of swimming.”

Chief Executive of the BFA Pip Wilkins said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 35th year of the BFA awards this year and as always, another exceptionally difficult round of shortlisting. We never cease to be amazed by our entrant’s ingenuity and tenacity, their ability to adapt to changing marketplaces and how they are able to amend their business model to ensure they are always offering the best opportunity to their franchisees and customers. I’d like to offer my congratulations to everyone who made the finals; this is in itself a huge achievement and one they should be extremely proud of.”

UK Head of Franchise at HSBC UK Gillian Morris said: “My heartfelt congratulations to the deserving finalists in this year’s British Franchise Awards. Shortlisting the entries and choosing the finalists is one of the toughest challenges of my year but it’s one I love. I was truly inspired by the brilliant businesses amongst this year’s entrants and the finalists really do represent the best of British franchising.”

Puddle Ducks are looking forward to the awards ceremony to be held on 7th November 2024 where the coveted accolade will be announced.

The Puddle Ducks franchise was founded in 2002 by Jo Stone and Tracy Townend. The brand offers award-winning swimming lessons, a highly successful business model and consistent Head Office support.

Several territories are currently available to franchise including:

• London (and surrounding area)
• Surrey
• Buckinghamshire
• Birmingham 
• Hampshire
• Devon
• South Wales
• South Scotland

For more information about becoming a Puddle Ducks baby and children swimming classes franchisee, visit their profile.