Legal
Kate Attwood - solicitor
In my professional career I have always been working towards ‘a goal’ whether it was gaining my degree, doing my post graduate qualification, qualifying as a solicitor or making strategic career moves until I ended up in my dream job at an ambitious, commercially orientated firm of solicitors in Birmingham.........and then I had Oscar! My ambitions changed instantly and the days of corporate life working to demanding client expectations and nights away from home suddenly went from exciting and challenging to daunting and unappealing. One thing that has not changed however is my desire to work towards a goal. I knew I needed to do something that would allow me to spend more time with my family and still achieve something tangible. Working for myself has for a long time held great appeal but I had no idea what I could do, until I came across the Puddle Ducks opportunity. I went to the initial meeting with Jo and Tracy, saw some lessons in action (which were a joy to watch) and put together my business plan. Although it is hard work, at no stage has any part of the process felt like a chore and I am really excited to be developing my franchise.
Several people have asked me why I wanted to buy the Puddle Ducks franchise rather than setting up my own swim school and for me the answer was a ‘no-brainer’. Other than taking Oscar to a competitor’s classes, I had no experience in this area and wanted the all round support and branding that a franchise can offer. I have not been disappointed with Puddle Ducks; the support I have received from other franchisees and from Puddle Ducks I could not get as an independent and the knowledge sharing opportunities are fantastic. Having been on the week long teacher training course it is apparent exactly how much work has gone into the programme and the franchising operation over the years, and how both continue to develop.
I am excited to be able to bring this programme to my franchise area, it meets a need that I don’t believe other classes in the area can offer. My only regret?........ I wish Puddle Ducks had been available locally when I was looking for classes for Oscar !!!!
Kate runs the Worcestershire franchise
Suzanne Horton - lawyer
When Construction Lawyer Suzanne Horton started looking for a career change in order to spend more time with her family and have more flexibility and independence she came across the Puddle Ducks baby and toddler swimming franchise. Suzanne had always been a keen swimmer and swim competitively during her school years. She therefore immediately loved the Puddle Ducks concept and was impressed by the high quality of the lesson programmes, the teacher training programme and level of technical oversight. The opportunity to pass on her passion for swimming to babies and toddlers as well as running her own business proved to be so compelling that Suzanne gave up her 11 year legal career and bought the Greater Manchester Puddle Ducks Franchise.
After completing the intensive Puddle Ducks training course and gaining some hands on teaching experience she launched the Puddle Ducks Greater Manchester Franchise at the beginning of July 2011. Four months after launching Suzanne was teaching over 100 babies, toddlers and children across the Greater Manchester area and Suzanne has now recruited her first teacher and is adding more locations for 2012 in order to meet demand.
Helen, one of Suzanne's first customers said " In the 3 lessons that Zack has had Paul and I have already seen a huge difference in his confidence in the water and how eager he is to get into the pool, thank you for your excellent tuition."
Suzanne says, "there's something really special about helping parents understand how they can help their children to learn to swim and be safe in and around water. It's wonderful to see both parents and little ones grow in confidence as the term progresses and to see parents enjoy high quality bonding time with their little ones. I get to do this and spend lots of time with my kids which is fantastic. I love the independence and flexibility that running your own business offers, I can make my own decisions and decide when and how I work. It is hard work but I love every minute of it and the Puddle Ducks Franchise network is incredibly supportive which means I never feel like I am on my own. Buying into the Puddle Ducks franchise was certainly the best career decision I've ever made. "
Suzanne runs the Greater Manchester franchise
