A BUSINESSWOMAN has been named the Puddle Ducks Franchisee of the Year 2020,

Kim Pinnington has also been listed as a finalist in two prestigious national awards: the NatWest EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising) Awards 2020 and a BFA (British Franchise Association) Awards 2020.

Kim is the owner of Puddle Ducks Wrexham, as well as North West Midlands and South Cheshire, part of a nationwide swim school which provides innovative swimming classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, as well as Swim Academy from four to 10 years.

Kim's efforts and success in her business have been recognised this year as she is nominated for the Woman Franchisee of the Year category at the NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards 2020, which recognises female franchise owners who have achieved remarkable success with their business over the past year.

Kim is also nominated for the Transformation Franchisee Award category at the BFA HSBC Business Franchise Awards 2020. The awards showcase the very best in British franchising, with the Transformation Franchisee category awarding second-generation franchise owners who have successfully grown their business.

In February 2020, Kim was named as the Puddle Ducks Franchisee of the Year for 2020, recognising her monumental efforts in growing the business alongside providing the high-quality swimming lessons associated with the Puddle Ducks name. She is the newest Puddle Ducks franchisee to ever win this award!

She has been described by colleagues as ‘working tirelessly’ to ensure not only the success of her business but also for securing the best opportunities and support for her team of teachers, office workers and poolside assistants.

The last year in particular has been difficult, not only for Kim but for the entire team. A key teaching pool that also housed one of Kim’s offices burnt down last July, but Kim tackled this setback calmly. She managed to turn this negative experience into a huge positive with new pools, new team members and new class recruits.

Speaking about Kim, Managing Director of Puddle Ducks Jo Stone said: “Kim is an inspirational woman and deserving finalist for these awards. I am very proud of her achievements and outstanding contribution to the Puddle Ducks franchising network.

"I wish Kim the very best for the awards.”