Puddle Ducks duo shortlisted for 2020 EWIF Awards

Kim Pinnington, owner of Puddle Ducks North West Midlands, South Cheshire and Wrexham has been shortlisted in the EWIF Woman Franchisee of the Year category and Victoria Rowley from Puddle Ducks East Kent has been named as a finalist in the Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2020 (Under 30 years) category

Baby and child swim school, Puddle Ducks, has announced that two of its franchisees are finalists in the 2020 NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards.

Kim Pinnington, owner of Puddle Ducks North West Midlands, South Cheshire and Wrexham has been shortlisted in the EWIF Woman Franchisee of the Year category and Victoria Rowley from Puddle Ducks East Kent has been named as a finalist in the Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2020 (Under 30 years) category.

Puddle Ducks was founded in 2002 and the franchise now teaches over 21,000 children to swim every week across the UK. 

EWIF encourage women to consider buying a franchise, encourage business women to franchise their existing operations and to help franchisors attract more women to their networks. The annual awards celebrate the best and brightest women in franchising. 

The Woman Franchisee of the Year category recognises the most successful woman franchisee during 2019. Kim has grown her franchise in both profits, number of teachers, pools and swimmers together with purchasing a new territory - all whilst facing the trauma of losing an established pool and office through a devastating fire!

29-year-old Victoria Rowley, co-owner of Puddle Ducks East Kent has been named as a finalist in the Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2020 (Under 30 years) category.

Victoria bought her franchise five years ago and she has seen the business go from strength to strength. Under her direction customer numbers have grown by 43 per cent, new pools and staff have been appointed, and turnover has doubled!

Speaking about the two finalists, managing director of Puddle Ducks, Jo Stone said: “Kim and Victoria are both inspirational women and deserving finalists in their respective categories. I am very proud of their achievements and outstanding contribution to the Puddle Ducks franchising network.

“It has been a challenging year for everyone, but the determination and enthusiasm shown by our franchisees and national office has been wonderful. I wish Kim, Victoria and all the other finalists the very best for the awards.”

The winners for the 2020 awards will be announced at the online awards ceremony on Wednesday, 21 October, from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.