Introduction

Joining a Little Movers Franchise has completely changed my life. I have found myself again after becoming a mummy 5 years ago and have found the fire in my belly that makes me, me. I work incredibly hard to help my business grow and after a year of Covid on maternity leave when I felt like I’d lost who I was, I have discovered through hard work and determination, I can be a successful businesswoman and a market leader in my sector. I am unbelievably proud of my first year of business and finally believe I can be a role model for my children and provide them with the life they deserve. I am able to be there for my children when they need me and have a fantastic work/life balance. I am now able to take my children to their own activities after only ever taking them to free Surestart centres and we’re even able to go away abroad this year. The first time in 5 years! Little Movers has given me the freedom to not just be a Mum to my children but also to provide them with exciting experiences in their lives that I was unable to do before and to be proud of myself for my achievements. I’m not just a mum anymore, I’m a successful business owner and a role model to my children. My success is not just mine, it’s for my children and my family.

 After finishing my maternity leave with my second child in September 2020, I was reluctant to back to work 8-6 full time with limited childcare options. I have always had a real passion for play therapy and development play having worked in the childcare sector for over 20 years in varying roles and studying Childhood studies at university. Using play as a tool for therapy in my work in Romania really emphasised how important play, fun and games are for healing, confidence, and education. I began looking at franchises in my area. I wanted a readymade business that I could build and expand on, that gave me support but also something that was exciting and fun. I wanted to love work again. Then I found Little Movers. Primarily a Northeast based franchise there was nothing of the kind in the North West. I loved it from the start! It incorporates everything I am passionate about, dance, play, fun and laughter.

I signed in December 2020. Then lockdown 2 hit, and it meant delaying the opening of my franchise for 3 months. I did not let this deter me and I used this time to my advantage to advertise, market and network with other businesses. I primarily focused on Facebook marketing, targeting mum groups, local advertising groups and local sales,I was determined to succeed!

I networked with other business in my sector, discussing business and the effect of lockdown and reopening. I was completely number driven, constantly checking my bookings and finances. I analysed my figures daily and was never satisfied with the numbers. I had discussions with head office and worked to improve my advertising technique and marketing skills. My aim from the beginning was so sell out my first term. My hard work paid off and my opening classes in April 2021 completely sold out, 150 families across 10 sessions. Due to this demand, I employed a class leader to join me. Just 3 months after signing my contact and 4 weeks before my classes had even began.

 With the knowledge and determination for my business to grow and succeed and we now host 18 classes over 6 days a week with 200 families joining us each week. I believe my business has made an enormous impact within the Warrington community. Little Movers Warrington was one of the first classes in the area to begin face to face classes after lockdown.2. of the same age. 20 of these children are still with me from the very first term.

I have been so successful that due to the demand for Little Movers in the Warrington area I have also purchased a new postcode area, expanding my business

Awards, Achievements and Success

In 2021 I also had the absolute pleasure of receiving the Little Movers New Franchisee of the year award at The Little Movers annual conference. This was an incredible achievement as I was up against lots of new, successful franchisees that had joined during lockdown. I also had the absolute honour of receiving the Little Movers Champion award, voted for by all the franchisees. Each franchise is asked vote for who inspires them and who they believe to be the most successful franchise in the business. The team were in awe of my success and this was an incredible achievement for me competing against well established and highly successful franchises and to receive so many votes from such successful businesswomen after only being in business for 6 months was a huge honour and privilege.

I was a finalist in the Whats on 4 kids awards in London 2022 and a finalist in New Woman Franchisee of the Year 2000 at the EWIF awards!

Joining the Little Movers franchise really has been the most rewarding decision I have ever made. Financially I am able to make decisions for my family I never thought possible and give them the life they deserve. I feel empowered and so incredibly proud of myself and my business and the success I have earned in such a short year. From a lonely mum on maternity leave to a successful businesswomen, a market leader in my area and a well-known figure in my community who inspires and encourages other women into business is more than I could have dreamed