Sporty children and a shrewd business move help Hayley win a major award

13-January-2022

Former PE teacher Hayley Jackson knows how to keep the young athletes of Cambridge, Newmarket and Saffron Walden on their toes - and her diligence has landed her a major industry award.

Hayley, who taught PE in both primary and secondary schools, has been honoured in the Great British Franchisee Awards 2022 for her success as the local franchisee for Mini Athletics, a business that brings out the sporty side of two to seven-year-olds.

She took the business into profit in its first month and bounced back from pandemic lockdowns by opening a new weekend venue.

“The franchisor’s decision to let us function with only one coach per venue decreased our staffing costs, and using outdoor venues reduced our hall hire costs,” she says.

Kirk Bowyer, the franchisor, says Hayley is a fantastic all-rounder who’s passionate about the experience she and her staff offer the children.

“She’s meticulous about every aspect of the business and ensures the consistency of quality across her classes, which is clear from the number of children who renew blocks of sessions. 

“She’s also excellent with marketing which builds her waiting lists and ensures her classes are well-subscribed all year round.

“Hayley has two young children and manages the business around them. And she’s one of our top performers in the network.”

The Great British Franchisee Awards recognise franchisees’ exceptional performance and business experience, ability to drive business growth, staff retention, customer satisfaction, community involvement, inspired leadership, and franchise involvement.

The awards are run by whichfranchise, supported by Lloyds Bank, BDO, AMO Consulting and Chantry Group.