Swim school makes splash with double award success

The owner of Puddle Ducks Lancashire is celebrating double success after being named Franchisee of the Year while also marking 15 years in business.

Jo Gribben received the awards at the Puddle Ducks Conference, recognising both her achievements as a franchisee and her long-standing commitment to running the Lancashire swim school.

Since taking on the franchise 15 years ago, Jo has grown Puddle Ducks Lancashire into a major local operation, teaching more than 1,100 babies, toddlers and children every week across 20 pools in Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Chorley, Euxton, Preston, Rochdale, Wigan, Whitefield and Wrea Green.

Claire Mills, head of franchising at Puddle Ducks, said: "The Franchisee of the Year is one of the most significant awards we present because it recognises a franchisee who is making an exceptional impact in their own territory while representing the values of the wider brand.

"Jo's 15 years in Lancashire show real consistency, resilience and ambition.

"She has created a swim school that serves families across a wide area, from Preston and Chorley to Blackburn, Bolton, Blackpool and beyond and is a very deserving winner."

Jo said: "To be celebrating 15 years of Puddle Ducks Lancashire and to win Franchisee of the Year in the same year is incredibly special.

"Running a business across such a wide local area takes a huge amount of teamwork, and I am so proud of what we have achieved together."