Businesswoman of the month Tamsin Brewis of Water Babies
When did your businesses start?
The business started in November 2005, although I did a lot of homework and research throughout 2005. I was already a qualified swimming teacher and having taken my own baby to classes, I fell in love with the idea of providing baby swimming locally. I found ‘Water Babies’ and went to see them with the idea of franchising. A year later I started my first classes!
Where is the business based? Our office is based in Banbury although it was originally in Buckingham. We offer classes from Coventry to Aylesbury – Milton Keynes, Northampton, Leighton Buzzard, Bedford, Banbury, Kenilworth and Buckingham. Water Babies is a national company with over 35 franchisees now offering the same baby swimming classes!
What is the secret to building a good
business? Hard work, dedication, more hard work and more dedication. Actually a belief in what you are doing and a fantastic team behind you – that includes work colleagues, family and friends!
What are the particular challenges facing
business at this time? We have experienced rising pool costs, rises in VAT, changes in HR legislation amongst others. Competition is also a factor as the baby swimming industry is not regulated and the minimum standards required by the industry to set up a baby swimming operation are minimal. Safety and quality are therefore a concern. However I would say the biggest challenge is to stay focused, concentrate on what we are extremely good at and look after our lovely clients!
Did you make many mistakes as you built up
the business? I am sure there are lots but I do not look at “mistakes” – running a business is a journey and as long as you learn, are open minded and prepared to change, you can work with the mistakes. I think the biggest mistake I have made is not taking “a risk” sometimes and believing in myself and my team.
Are there any benefits to working in The Four
Shires? Buckinghamshire is an area we moved to before having children and I quickly fell in love with its eclectic mix of areas. Moving to Banbury really introduced me more to Oxfordshire and Warwickshire – I love the scenery and the family feel of these areas – it is very easy to drive a couple of miles and be in the middle of the countryside.
70 March 2011
What lessons have you learnt in your career? Many but I think the most important one is trusting in yourself because you are capable of achieving amazing things! We are very good at putting ourselves down and I think every single person is capable of surprising themselves. When I look at our tiny clients and see the things they can do, like holding onto the side of a pool at six months, swimming five metres at 18months to two years, climbing out of a pool at 18 months, I have realised that we all have inner strength and ability. Running your own business means that you have to be a jack of all trades or if not, recruit people to fill the gaps!
What are your favourite films and music? I love soppy films like Pretty Woman and Notting hill and then thrillers like Usual Suspects. My favourite music is currently when my children play with their friends as a band – everything from Queen to Bruno Mars to Black Eyed Peas!
Who do you hope to emulate in business? I am not sure I would emulate but I would love a mentor – someone like Mary Portas mainly because I admire her drive and determination and she definitely has vision and imagination. I would really value her opinion on my business and love her fresh outlook on how a business should change and develop.
What are your hopes for the future of the
company, and personally? I would love to offer baby swimming in every part of my territory. Swimming is a life skill and I think everyone should have the opportunity to learn to swim. I know our lessons are a premium product so I would also like to work with the councils to offer swimming to those who cannot afford our classes. Personally I want to ensure my children have the best possible
start in life and are able to complete their schooling and go to university if that is what they want to do. For me, I would then like to take some time and travel a little and learn a new skill or re-instate an old one like sewing or tap dancing!
• Finley Davies Muir by Jez Dixon
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