Puddle Ducks investor is EWIF Franchisee of the Year

Puddle Ducks has cause to celebrate, as one of its franchisees has won the EWIF Franchisee of the Year award.

Victoria Rowley received the prize at the recent 2021 NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards. In 2015, she became the network’s youngest franchisee at the age of 24 when she set up her Puddle Ducks business in South East England.

Although the pandemic lockdowns have forced Victoria to pause her swimming classes, she’s been able to continue growing personally and professionally throughout 2020. She expanded her unit by purchasing her business partner’s share in the company, as well as a neighbouring territory.

Victoria also took part in the Return to Classes Focus Group to support her network, and managed to retain all her employees. In fact, she even created more jobs, appointing and training six new teachers and one poolside assistant.

Despite tackling a personal illness with a long recovery period, which involved learning to walk again, Victoria has kept in touch with her team and supported their mental health.

Jo Stone, the swimming franchise’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, said,

“Victoria is a shining example in our network. She has endless ambition and desire to achieve her goals and constantly delivers. She is selfless in her approach and, despite her personal situation, continued to be a support for both her fellow franchisees and Head Office. Congratulations to Victoria for winning this award, which is well deserved!”

Victoria added:

“I am absolutely astounded and so incredibly proud to win! To be nominated and make the finals for a second year running was amazing enough, but to then go on and win exceeded my expectations!

“I’m hoping this award will highlight what an amazing team we have. Everyone is so hardworking and driven to provide the best learning experience for our babies and children to learn how to swim. I feel proud to have won and thank everyone at Puddle Ducks HQ and EWIF for putting me forward and choosing me as the winner.”