Special Feature
Water Babies Derek Lambie
Before joining Water Babies, Derek spent 15 years as a freelance journalist and was editor of the Scottish Sunday Express from 2002 until 2012. He operates out of Stirling with his wife, Wendy, and a team of 12.
Why did you decide to become aWater Babies franchisee? My wife, Wendy, and I were introduced to Water Babies when our daughter Jorja, now six, was born. We loved the lessons so much that when an opportunity to run a franchise arose, we had to give it a go. One of the things that attracted us most was the flexibility that it allowed. We could manage a business and work the hours around what we needed as a family. That was vital at the time of raising a young daughter.
How was the initial training? Wendy did all the initial training, as I joined her fully in the business after she had started solo. In terms of running the business, there was some initial training, but we can also rely on assistance from our colleagues in neighbouring franchises. What I particularly enjoyed was the six- months training to become a swimming teacher, as it was so far removed from what I was used to.
How much support do you get from head office? We get as much, or as little, as we need; having them there has helped us grow our business. The processes that are in place and the support framework that comes with that have helped no end. There cannot be many franchise companies that allow every one of us to have direct access to the managing director 24 hours a day.
What has been the biggest challenge for you so far? Every day is different and every day is challenging, but every day is very rewarding. While there is a burgeoning interest and demand for baby swimming lessons, our industry is facing a major challenge as a result of continual pool closures. Schools and leisure providers are starting to believe that it is cheaper to run a facility without a swimming pool in it, and are filling them in.
What are the advantages for you of working mainly in the school terms? Well, we can choose to pencil ourselves in for having six or seven weeks’ holiday during the summer. The flexibility to do this is one of the reasons we decided to embark upon a Water Babies journey, and we enjoy being able to spend time with the children over school holidays without worrying too much about childcare.
How do you see your business growing in the future? Water Babies wouldn’t be Water Babies if we didn’t have a few surprises up our sleeves, and over the course of the next couple of years, we’re planning a number
of major projects that will help drive forward our business. That aside, it’s really a case of continuing to do what we do and keep an eye on the constantly changing situation as far as pool availability is concerned.
What advice would you give to someone considering a Water Babies franchise? Don’t delay! We haven’t regretted a single moment of it, and any potential new franchisee wouldn’t either. The best advice I would give is to research the existing market within your region and, more importantly, whether there are swimming pools available for hire. The great thing about running a Water Babies franchise is the feeling of being part of a family. We’re all part of a big team, pulling together and working as one.
How have you found trading so far and what benefits are there to working in this industry?
What can be better than working with happy babies? We’re in an industry that is finally gaining the full respect it is due, by helping to teach children to swim. What’s more, we already have evidence that by attending Water Babies classes, the health and wellbeing of babies and toddlers really improves, as well as the development of their cognitive skills.
Would you recommend franchising to others? In particular, franchising in the kids sector? To begin with, it is hard work, but there is something empowering about being your own boss and shaping the direction of the business.
October 2016 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 73
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