diddi dance

diddi dance Franchisee wins at 2018 mumandworking awards

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The winners in the prestigious 2018 mumandworking Awards were recently revealed in an inspiring, high-rofile ceremony, as hosted by NatWest, and Charlotte Foxley from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk was amongst them!

These pioneering awards were launched over 8 years ago to celebrate the UK’s leading lights in the world of flexible working – those amazing and inspiring individuals, businesses, charities and networks demonstrating and showcasing how working practice and family-life can go hand in hand with huge potential benefits for all involved.

Charlotte Foxley from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk was revealed as the winner in the Franchisee of the Year category. Several categories were judged by a panel of leading business women, very familiar with the challenges juggling a family and a career can bring. Susannah Schofield OBE, said this about Charlotte “I loved her ethics and passion to deliver the franchise above and beyond, more than just about making money however – Charlotte runs her business to make a difference”.

Charlotte said: “Winning Franchisee of the Year at the mumandworking awards was just such an honour and a BIG surprise! I am just so proud of what I have done with diddi dance in the 2.5 years since I opened. Thank you to everyone who has been to one of our classes, booked us for a party, had a demo and to all the nurseries and pre-schools who we see throughout the year. I am especially proud of the launch last year of our special needs only classes which are now available after school and during the holidays for children with additional needs up to age 8.’’

Never has the importance of flexible working been so documented. ‘Mumpreneurs’ continue to generate billions for the UK economy, supporting in excess of 200,000 jobs and while we have witnessed significant positive changes in government policy towards flexible working in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Research in 2016 suggested improvements in flexible working opportunities for mums would enable and empower huge numbers to return to the workplace with the potential to generate a massive £60+ billion boost to the UK economy.

Organisers were delighted therefore at the wealth and standard of the submissions for this year’s awards, which were run with media partner Key Women in Business. Hundreds of nominees entered, across 14 exciting categories ranging from ‘Flexible Business of the Year’, to ‘Inspiring Business Parent’ with special categories for bloggers, team members, franchisors and technology and innovation. 2018 saw the highest number of finalists ever plus a record number of votes from throughout the UK.

Suzanne Borrell, Events Director for mumandworking.co.uk concluded:

‘The wealth of nominations, the thousands of votes, our esteemed VIP judging panel and the range of nominees reflects the significant and growing support for the promotion of flexible working. The really exciting news is that so many finalists seem to have used the event as a springboard – they made amazing connections, were inspired to tackle something new or take on a challenge or just dared to dream bigger. So this isn’t just about one day – but what happens next – and we are privileged to be involved. Huge congratulations to all our finalists on their success!”

diddi dance Shortlisted for 2018 Top Franchise Awards

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For the third year running diddi dance Franchising has been shortlisted in the WorkingMum Top Franchise Awards.

The Awards, sponsored by HSBC and Encouraging Women into Franchising, recognise franchisors both big and small who have empowered women in business – not only by providing a successful flexible business model, but by giving franchisees the advice and support they need to succeed. There is also an award celebrating the achievements of franchisees which is voted for by the public. Voting is open until 1st April and so far around 4,000 people have voted.

This year we are shortlisted in two of the six categories – Supportive Franchisor Awards & Family Friendly Franchise Award. We previously won the Family Friendly Franchise Award in 2016 so would love to win both awards this year after being nominated for them both last year.

The 2018 Top Franchise Awards winners will be announced in an online ceremony on 17th May 2018 and will be judged by Gillian Nissim, Founder of Workingmums.co.uk; David Kerrigan, Franchise Director at HSBC Bank plc; Amy Leite, Associate Solicitor at Aquabridge Law; and Helen Walbey, National Policy Chair for Health & Diversity at the Federation of Small Businesses.

The ceremony will include an awards presentation and a Q&A session with franchise experts. This event provides a great platform to celebrate passion and achievement within the franchise industry.

Gillian Nissim, founder of Workingmums.co.uk, said: “We are delighted at the quality of entries to this our third year of the Top Franchise Awards. The Awards run in tandem with our Top Employer Awards, which were created to acknowledge the very best in flexible working and diversity and we believe that there is much that employers can learn from these flexible, family friendly business models. Our surveys show that self employment is an avenue that many women are interested in exploring in order to get more control over their work life balance and because they are interested in the challenge presenting by going it alone – and Workingmums.co.uk offers a lot of advice, information and case studies for those who do in recognition of those challenges. The best franchises offer both the benefits of self employment, but without some of the risks associated with striking out alone since franchisors have already demonstrated the viability of their business models.”

Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising at HSBC, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Workingmums.co.uk Top Franchise Awards for the second year running and to support innovative family friendly franchises. HSBC has over 25 years’ experience in the franchise industry. Franchises offer the flexibility of self employment combined with a tried and tested business model.  We hope that the Awards will provide a host of ideas and inspiration for all those looking to a future in franchising.”

To be part of our Top Franchise visit our Is It For You? page and find out a bit more about our franchise opportunity today!

All about diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington

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diddi dance Franchisee Rebecca who runs diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington recently became the 4th diddi dance franchise to be fully accredited by the Children’s Activity Association. To read all about her recent achievement just click here.

Because of this success, we at diddi dance wanted to take the time to tell you all about Rebecca and diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington here!

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I have been a diddi dance Franchisee for 15 months.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

I studied Dance and Drama at college, after which I gained employment in Sales and Marketing for a media advertising company. I left my employment to raise my two children and from there I needed something to suit being a full time primary carer for my children. Working with children was something I really wanted to do as my two are growing up so quickly.

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

I love diddi dance because of the children mainly. I have built so many wonderful friendships with the children and their grown up who brings them to class. Running my own business means I can make my own hours and still be there for my own children when they finish school, no after school clubs or holiday clubs needed.

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

The best thing is just simply the people I have met, not just my wonderful children and grown ups, but the people who rent their rooms to me so I can hold classes. All the other wonderful ladies who are franchisees at diddi dance who are such an inspiration. The fantastic ladies at Head Office, without them I would not be here as the support they give is outstanding. I have also just had a teacher come on board with me and I am so lucky to have her she is amazing. The people and relationships I have with all these people, make me feel I am not on my own, something that was a concern when I thought about working for myself.

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

Seeing children flourish, sometimes when a child first comes they are so shy and won’t leave their grown ups side, but when you get the break through and they come up to you and chat and dance away like they have been coming to class forever, really melts my heart. I love when grown ups tell me they speak of me at home and they run into class excitedly to show me something. Just heart warming. I love the 0-5 age group, never a dull moment.

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

I love it when I welcome younger siblings to diddi dance after their older brother or sister has left us for nursery or school. I see it happening more often now I have been running for a while, and it’s so nice to say hello again.

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

My diddi dance allows me, flexibility, fantastic opportunity to meet new people and build relationships and work with the fantastic children I see every day.

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

The freedom it has given me to carry on being a Mum to my children. I know when I grew up my mum was home for me after school and I always wanted to do that for my children too.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

I think this accreditation is a fantastic way to show just how passionate diddi dance and I are about the quality of our classes. So much thought hard work and dedication goes into the classes and the process of a child’s time with us at diddi dance is carefully considered. We follow rules and procedures to ensure the classes are safe, reliable and reach the high standard in quality.

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

I love the Jive theme, so energetic and the Song Mr Wolf is fantastic. I am however so looking forward to the Country theme in a couple of terms time, finally an excuse to shout Yeeee Hahhhh. In class

 

diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. They are as follows:

Mondays

  • 9.45am – Leigh Tesco Extra, The Loom, Derby Street, Leigh WN7 4BA
  • 9.45 am – Chapelford Primary, Santa Rosa Boulevard, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 3AL

Tuesdays

  • 10am – Winwick Leisure Centre, Winwick, Warrington WA2 8LQ

Wednesday

  • 9.45am – Chapelford Primary, Santa Rosa Boulevard, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 3AL
  • 10am – Pipsqueaks Play Cafe, Orrell Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8QZ

Friday

  • 10am Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Road, Culcheth WA3 5SH

Saturday

  • 9.30am – Chowbent Hall, Bolton Old Road, Atherton, Atherto M46 9DS
  • 9.45am -Burtonwood Scout Hut, Chapel Lane, Burtonwood, Warrington, WA5 4HW

To attend any of the above classes or to express interest in having a FREE trial get in touch with diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington today! You can email them on rebecca.hall@diddidance.com, call 07703 769335, message them on Facebook at @diddidanceWigan or fill in her free enquiry form by clicking here.

diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington 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 Wigan, Leigh & Warrington 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 Wigan, Leigh & Warrington’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 Rebecca Hall and her franchise diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington.

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

Rebecca opened her first class for diddi dance Wigan & Leigh in November 2016 and within her first year achieved both her Bronze & Silver CAA accreditations. She started her second year by expanding her franchise to include the Warrington area and has now become the franchisee with the youngest franchise at only 1 year and 3 months running to achieve Gold accreditation.

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 Wigan, Leigh & Warrington has been independently verified as having met or exceeded all the necessary elements of the CAA Code of Practice. 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 Rebecca’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 fourth franchise gain Gold accreditation. We’re so proud of Rebecca achieving this so quickly after starting her franchise and being so new to running a business. She’s a great asset to our network and well worthy of the full accreditation.”

Adding to this Rebecca of diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington said:

I think this accreditation is a fantastic way to show just how passionate diddi dance and I are about the quality of our classes. So much thought, hard work and dedication goes into the classes and the process of a child’s time with us at diddi dance is carefully considered. We follow rules and procedures to ensure the classes are safe, reliable and reach the high standard in quality.”

Congratulations again to Rebecca and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

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!

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 emily.norman@diddidance.com, 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 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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