Puddle Ducks franchisee swims into the bfa awards shortlist

Victoria Rowley has been recognised for her efforts in helping not only her own team, but the whole network to tackle the difficulties the lockdowns presented to the business

Victoria Rowley, Puddle Ducks franchisee for East Kent, North Kent and South East London has been shortlisted for the Resilient Riser award at the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards 2021.

Victoria is part of the Puddle Ducks nationwide network of baby and child swim schools, with 33 franchise offices across the UK. Franchise owners and their teachers help children to swim beautifully and independently, something which was sadly interrupted throughout the various lockdown periods.

Recognised for her efforts in helping not only her own team, but the whole network to tackle the difficulties the lockdown periods presented to the business, Victoria has displayed resilience throughout a tough time. She has been able to keep her team secure in their roles throughout the various lockdown periods, maintaining job stability during a worrying time for many. She was also able to sign on new pools in which to run her lessons when a number of her local pools shut for good after the pandemic.

Throughout a difficult time, facing a pandemic and a personal illness, Victoria grew her business. She bought her partner’s share of the business as well as buying a neighbouring territory, bringing her child-led lessons to a wider area.

Victoria provides ongoing, constant support to her team, something which has been invaluable throughout the various lockdowns. With many obstacles thrown at her throughout the past year, she never gave up and had the interests of her team and all her little swimmers at the heart of every decision.

Victoria did all of this whilst tackling a serious illness, being able to manage personal and professional needs in an admirable way- growing her business whilst recovering from a personal struggle.

Jo Stone, co-owner and managing director of Puddle Ducks said: “We are all so proud of Victoria and the ongoing determination and resilience she has demonstrated since the pandemic began. Since overcoming a serious illness in 2019, she has powered on, growing her own business from strength to strength, whilst also playing an instrumental role in helping the network more widely throughout one of the most turbulent periods we have faced as a business.

“It is a delight to see Victoria shortlisted for this award and we all wish her the very best of luck- fingers crossed!”

“To have been able to grow my business, keep my team employed and afloat throughout a time where we were often out of the pool due to restrictions, and to be able to jump back into swimming lessons with no disruptions once restrictions were eased, are things I am so proud to have achieved,” said Victoria. “I am proud to say I have supported the national office, but they are always supporting me. The help and advice from the expert team is truly invaluable, and everyone has the best interests of the business at heart – helping franchisees to grow, achieve success but also to keep everyone safe and learning in a fun and secure way.

“There are so many people who have gone above and beyond throughout a difficult time, and I am so happy that my efforts have been recognised. The whole Puddle Ducks network is happy to have come out the other side of the pandemic stronger and enthusiastic to be back in the pool!”