2023 Club Hub Award Winners Announced

We are so excited to announce our 2023 Club Hub Award Winners. Club Hub was delighted to announce 16 award winners for 2023 at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel Birmingham, on Saturday 13 May. 

The Club Hub Awards are the only national awards for children’s activity providers with entry by application form only, no voting. The awards are independently judged by a panel of expert judges, winners are selected based on their commitment to excellence, innovation and growth of their business, demonstrated through their business performance, achievements, brand values and passion for what they do.

The awards are offered across 16 categories. 93 finalists were shortlisted from 420 applications, representing 215 businesses (Club Hub members). The standard of applications was very high and represented a diverse range of kids activities, clubs and related businesses. 

The winners were announced at the Club Hub Event 2023 on Saturday 13 May at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham, a full day event designed to help kids activity providers to grow their business through guest speakers, workshops and networking. The annual awards recognise and showcase the dedication and achievements of businesses in the sector.

Tessa Robinson – Founder and Director of Club Hub UK said: 

“Huge congratulations to our 2023 Club Hub Award Winners. It was so amazing to see you all on Saturday at the Club Hub Event and celebrate your achievements. Please take this opportunity to sit back and reflect on all your hard work. The children’s activities industry is an incredible sector to be part of.”

Family Business of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winners

For a business in the children’s activities industry with 2 or more members from the same family running it.

Sponsored By Water Babies Bucks and Beds

Water Babies, the leading baby swim school in the UK, is proud to sponsor the Club Hub awards, particularly the Family Business Award. “Water Babies is made up of a network of family businesses so it is very dear to me that family businesses are encouraged and helped to succeed as they can change the lives of a whole family” says Tamsin Brewis, who runs the Water Babies in the Buckinghamshire area and who is sponsoring this Award.

And The Winners are Siobhan and Mark Molloy  – Soccer Stars Academy Franchise Ltd

Soccer Stars Academy is a childrens football activity provider for kids aged 18 months to 9 years. My husband Mark and I started our business in August 2016 before our son, Louie, was about to start nursery. At the time, there were no football children’s activity providers in our area that provided a service that helped not only a child’s football skills but also helped with their confidence and self esteem. Louie struggled in social settings he was unfamiliar with and was a really shy little boy. We wanted to try and help build his confidence in an activity we knew he would love before he started his nursery journey, as we knew this would make the transition from leaving us to nursery so much easier. This is when Soccer Stars Academy was born. 

Fast forward seven years, we have franchised our business so that more children across the UK can enjoy and benefit from the Soccer Stars Academy experience. We are absolutely elated at winning the Family Business of the Year award, this will be our third award from Club Hub in just two years which for us, is a definite ‘pinch me’ moment! 

Biggest Growth of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

For a business in the children’s activities industry that has increased their number of bookings significantly or has shown they have made huge growth in their business in the past year.

Sponsored by Little Starts Gift Cards

The Little Starts Gift Card is the UK’s leading gift card for baby, toddler and preschool classes. Accepting Little Starts Gift Cards as payment for classes helps activity providers like you to reach more customers, fill empty class spaces and even earn commission, all with minimal input from you and your team.

And the Winner is Jenni Dunman – Daisy First Aid

‘Winning this award surrounded by all my gorgeous business friends was so very special.

I adore this industry and to be recognised for our achievements is just fantastic. 

Thank you ClubHub for all your support over the years and congrats to all the finalists and winners’ 

Non-Profit Business of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

A charity, social enterprise or non-profit business in the children’s activities industry.

Sponsored by Tappy Toes

Multi Award-Winning dance, movement and sensory classes for babies and toddlers from 6 months to 5 years. Tappy Toes is on a mission to create life-ready children, one dance step at time. See your child’s confidence, motor skills, social skills, communication, rhythm and coordination blossom after just a few classes. Come and get your wiggle on at a Tappy Toes class near you!

And the Winner is Debbie Turnbull – River and Sea Sense Ltd

Start-Up of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

For a business in the children’s activities industry who are no more than 3 years old at the time of the event in May 2023.

Sponsored by Daisy First Aid

Daisy First Aid believe that every children’s activity provider should have access to great quality, affordable paediatric first aid training. If a child has an accident or becomes poorly in a class we want both the activity provider and the carer to feel confident that the child is given the best care before medical professionals take over.

And the Winner is Andrew Hoang – Beyond Blocks

At Beyond Blocks we aim to build great people…using LEGO! 

At our LEGO Robotics clubs your child will build the most spectacular LEGO models, which integrate electronic elements like computers, motors and sensors, which they will learn to control by learning to program. Through building complex LEGO models in pairs, your child will build up their STEM skills, programming knowledge, teamwork and presentation skills while having fun. We take your child from their first steps in programming and engineering with LEGO, through to national competitions in LEGO where they can pit their skills against the best robot builders in the world.

Founded in 2021 by Andy Hoang, a science teacher and LEGO fan, we currently deliver lessons in and around Surrey.

Beyond Blocks sessions are suitable for ages 7 yrs and up and we also come into schools to deliver curriculum-aligned lessons inspiring children to get excited about computing through hands on LEGO sessions.

Leader of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

For a person who manages a team of people, whether that is someone who is head of a franchise or head of marketing or any lead role in the children’s activities industry. This person must have been managing this same team for more than 2 years.

Sponsored by GKR Karate

GKR Karate UK was established in 1994 and is one of the largest martial arts organisations in the UK. We have over 500 classes running across the UK with a membership base of over 8,000 students. With dojo’s in most major cities our locations are within 10-15 minutes of each other, thereby catering for classes 7 days per week. Classes are suitable for all ages (5 yrs and up), and we also run specialised kids only classes in many locations.

And the Winner is Carly Pryke – Fixation Academy of Performing Arts 

Fixation Academy of Performing Arts is an award winning Academy based in North London & Hertfordshire that delivers acting, singing and dance classes to children and young people of all ages and abilities, as well as adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Starting in 2012 with just six students in one class, the Academy has now grown to over 25 classes per week, 12 teachers and over 200+ students, with the big dream to reach further a field up and down the UK and internationally.

Fixation Academy currently has two Academy bases in East Finchley & High Barnet, as well as a mobile events team that provides children’s parties, holiday camps and in school workshops. Fixation is run by Academy Directors Laura Davitt & Carly Pryke, who have a dream to make the performing arts accessible for all and continue to create opportunities for young people to learn and develop new skills in a safe and collaborative environment.

We want to be more than ‘just another performing arts Academy’.

Our mission is to give disadvantaged children, young people and adults the opportunity to access the performing arts, boost their social and emotional well being, make valuable connections with others their age and develop self confidence; whilst giving them a safe space to be themselves and feel as though they have a place that they can belong, to feel heard and valued.

Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

For a person who has worked in the children’s activities industry for more than 3 years.

Sponsored by Fun Fest For Children

Fun Fest Holiday Clubs give children the freedom to choose and the power to play.  With a menu of different activities to choose from every morning and afternoon, children design their own individual holiday programme. From Nerf Challenge, Mission Impossible, Great Outdoors and Mad About Science to Cup Cake Heaven, Jewellery Making, Beauty School and Harry Potter Experience, there is something to appeal to every child.

And the Winner is Claire O’Connor – babyballet

“I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend The Club Hub Awards held in Birmingham, and it turned out to be an unforgettable day of networking, learning, celebration and recognition. The atmosphere was electric as children’s activity providers and industry leaders came together to acknowledge and honour outstanding achievements. I was overjoyed and humbled when my name was called not once, but twice, as I was awarded both Entrepreneur of the Year and Franchise of the Year. The recognition was a wonderful reflection of our entire network’s hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to our beloved brand, which left me feeling incredibly proud and motivated. It was truly an inspiring event that highlighted the incredible talent and success within the children’s activity community.”

Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winners

For a person under the age of 30 working in the children’s activities industry at the time of the event in May 2023.

Sponsored by Mess Around

Mess Around UK is the only provider of LARGE messy play in the UK. Our team of franchise leaders deliver events, children’s birthday parties and private bookings and we pride ourselves on providing high quality sessions and value for money.

And the Winners are Corinna Bordoli and Léa Henry – CocoRio

“CocoRio is the go-to choice for creative experiences for kids. Combining in-home child care (babysitting and nannying) with kids’ creative activities, they match families with fully vetted creative professionals (musicians, dancers, actors etc) to provide flexible in-home child care solutions and kids’ creative experiences. The service is all about immersing children in meaningful creative activities that are great for their development!

Founded by Corinna Bordoli and Léa Henry, the two are passionate about supporting parents in accessing quality and flexible child care,  freelance creative professionals in getting meaningful part time work and helping to expose children to creative experiences to give them the best possible start in life and aid in their development.”

Marketing Pop Star Award 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

For a person in the children’s activities industry who has shown they have excellent marketing presence.

Sponsored by Kristine Monaghan – Children’s Activity Business Academy

Hi I’m Krissy, I’m the Small, but Feisty Business Coach and the founder of the Children’s Activity Business Academy. I’m obsessed with helping business owners like you to Market Like A Pop Star, so you can attract the customers you deserve and grow your business to where you want it to be.

And the Winner is Laura Cross – Inventors & Makers

Inventors & Makers runs workshops, clubs and classes in schools and online, teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and Design skills to children aged 2-11. 

More than 8.1 million people in the UK (that’s 26% of workers) are in engineering fields, yet it’s been found that less than a quarter of 11-14 year olds even know what engineering is.

Inventors & Makers’ mission is to bring practical STEM opportunities to children in the UK and around the world with simple and approachable activities. We think STEM, and particularly engineering, needs to be seen as something that everyone can try without needing specialist equipment or knowledge. This will give more children the chance to try and to love engineering, particularly girls or those from low income backgrounds.

Solo Star of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

Sponsored by Jigsaw Performing Arts

Jigsaw was established in 1995 with a desire to pass on the joy of performing arts. Dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence, we offer weekend performing arts classes during term times and week long workshops in the holidays.

And the Winner is Lisa Davies – ExperiMENTAL Science

I am over the moon to have been selected as this year’s winner of the Solo Star of the Year award at the Club Hub awards. I feel tremendous pride in what I have created in such a short space of time. Gaining this recognition is such a big achievement for me and feels like a big pat on the back for all the hard work it has taken to get here! The response to my company and its services has been unbelievable and I am very humbled to be able to offer and support communities and schools in engaging children in STEM, which I believe is incredibly important within our society. Inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and doctors has always been my goal and I look forward to engaging even more children in STEM in the future.

Supplier of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

Sponsored by Dorset Tech

Chris has run kids coding clubs, robot combat clubs, martial arts academies and until recently had his own 1,600sqft STEM education centre. He heads up Dorset Tech, a social enterprise website and app development agency. With a large team of 25 there’s very little they can’t do in house, but they specialise in making custom development affordable with reduced rates for Club Hub members. Dorset Tech are proud to have worked with Tessa to build the Club Hub site and app, so sponsoring the Supplier of the Year category feels extra special.

And the Winner is Cerys Keneally – Cerys Keneally Ltd

Cerys Keneally helps children’s activity providers to get into schools and nurseries so they can grow their business, earn a more stable income and have a bigger impact on children’s lives.  

Cerys has worked privately with over 35 of the industry’s leading franchise networks and is best known for her online group experiences.  The 5 day free “Approaching Schools Challenge” has had over 4000 participants since 2019 and the CPD accredited “Approaching Schools Academy” has had over 200 graduates since 2020, with many staying on as alumni members for the community and ongoing support.  Her methods have been described as ‘game-changing’ for the children’s activity sector, with providers reporting adding an extra £2k per month to their income…replacing their previous salaries…taking their families on trips of a lifetime…no longer worrying about paying the bills…and so much more.  The programme is a pioneering training course, toolkit, coaching membership and community all rolled into one.  

Once a shy child in school, who gained her confidence from extra-curricular activities outside of school, Cerys says “I’m all about Building Creative Confidence…both in the business owners I work with and all the little people they work with.  There are so many children who need our help but can’t come to our community classes – we must reach them in their schools and nurseries instead.  We can grow our businesses AND make a positive difference together.”

Community Champion of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

Sponsored by Cerys Keneally

Cerys Keneally helps children’s activity providers to get into schools and nurseries (without cold-calling) so you can grow your business with confidence, earn additional income and have a bigger impact on children’s lives.

And the Winner is Pamela Hammond – Mula Cake Kids Club CIC 

Mula Cake Kids Club CIC was set up by the double award winning CEO businessman/entrepreneur Dexter Simms in 2014, following the successful launch of his clothing brand “Mula Cake Clothing”, he saw the need for a children’s holiday club where children would get 3 hot meals a day, to help combat food poverty whilst developing entrepreneur life skills in workshop based sessions. Children from low income household were not getting hot meals during the school holidays, and this is where the club supported families plus educate the children in a fun environment.

We are an inclusive non-profit educational entrepreneurial workshop based holiday club, aimed at bringing out the creativity and confidence in children aged 8-12 years old.
We have been running since 2014 and have supported over 500+ families, and continued during the Covid pandemic, using Zoom online classes delivering care packages to every child’s house.

Funded by Mayors office and HAF, we have been delivering programmes over the last 4-5 years consistently. As our tag line says, “don’t leave your child cakeless”, we do not leave children or families out, everyone is welcome and catered for.

Mula Cake Kids Club provides a unique and innovative service to families who are eligible for free school meals, and working parents on low incomes. This takes the strain off parents in the school holidays, especially now with the cost of living going up, so many parents need an extra helping hand. Mula Cake Kids Club provides that.

Franchisee of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

For a person who has bought a franchise license in the children’s activities industry and made it a big success.

Sponsored by Morton Michel Insurance

Morton Michel has supported the Children’s Activities sector for nearly 50 years and fully understands the importance that children’s activity providers bring to a child’s learning and development.

And the Winner is Anna Coggan – Caterpillar Music Newark

“Before taking on my Caterpillar Music Franchise in 2014 I was a primary school teacher for 20 years.  I LOVE teaching and have never lost my passion for watching children learn something new. After teaching for some time, I decided it was time for a break. This time away from the classroom gave me the opportunity to look at what I really wanted from life and being a happy mummy was at the centre…Caterpillar Music was my answer and the rest, as they say, is history.

Having been a franchisee for a number of years, I am now at the point of seeing families return to my classes with the second or even third child or grandchild; the excitement of watching children and their carers learn new things is still as amazing as ever and I feel incredibly fortunate to witness these ‘firsts’ on a daily basis.

I am incredibly proud of how far my business has come.  I began with just 6 classes in local village halls but now run 19 a week in a variety of settings; village halls, day nurseries, play centres, cafes and care homes.  My intergenerational classes are my pride and joy. I began visiting my first care home in March 2015; taking children and their carers into the home to enjoy their class with the elderly residents.  I now have 7 homes I visit regularly and the bonds I am watching grow between children, their families and residents are magical.”

Franchise of the Year with up to 15 franchisees 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

Sponsored by Children’s Franchise Enterprise

The Children’s Franchise Enterprise supports businesses at any stage of their franchise journey and helps parents looking for a new direction to discover what franchising is all about. Our website and social media platforms are dedicated to showcasing the top UK children’s franchise opportunities. If you’re a business looking for exposure or if you’re a parent looking at your career choices then we can help. Head over to our website to explore the possibilities…

And the Winner is Tessa Hawes – MiniMe Mindfulness

MiniMe Mindfulness® teaches positive mindfulness and mindset techniques in a fun and innovative way.  Working with schools, nurseries and communities to ensure that pre and primary school children build their internal superpowers to support their personal development.

Helping children to build confidence, raise self awareness, recognise emotions, understand feelings and regulate responses. Encouraging communication and building resilience to increase inner calm and happiness and in turn reducing stress and anxiety.

“For MiniMe Mindfulness®, starting a franchise in 2021 was so much more than a business strategy granting franchisees permission to use our brand. It was a heart led decision to bring together passionate leaders to positively impact the mental health of children all over the world.”

We are very proud of the impact that we have had on children teaching positive mindfulness and mindset superpowers and our explosive entry into the Franchise arena.”

Tessa Hawes, Founder and CEO of MiniMe Mindfulness®

Franchise of the Year with more than 15 franchisees 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

Sponsored by The Franchise Business School

Franchise Business School shortcuts your franchise business growth and provides you with the support you need, whether you are just starting on the franchising road or have already got franchisees. The exclusive membership, peer support and easy to follow masterclasses, written and delivered by multi award winning franchisor Jo Middleton, are designed to make being a franchisor easier.

And the Winner is Claire O’Connor – babyballet

“I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend The Club Hub Awards held in Birmingham, and it turned out to be an unforgettable day of networking, learning, celebration and recognition. The atmosphere was electric as children’s activity providers and industry leaders came together to acknowledge and honour outstanding achievements. I was overjoyed and humbled when my name was called not once, but twice, as I was awarded both Entrepreneur of the Year and Franchise of the Year. The recognition was a wonderful reflection of our entire network’s hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to our beloved brand, which left me feeling incredibly proud and motivated. It was truly an inspiring event that highlighted the incredible talent and success within the children’s activity community.”

Independent Business of the Year 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

Not a franchise but an independent business in the children’s activities industry.

Sponsored by The Dance Den

Sarah Gittins launched The Dance Den to help Dance, Theatre and studio School Owners like herself find balance in their life whilst running a successful school. A qualified mentor, entrepreneurial practice and management postgrad she has helped thousands of studio owners to scale their business.

And the Winners is Hannah Donkin – Music Squad Limited

I (Hannah, Founder & Director aka Chief Squadder) launched Music Squad in September 2021 with one simple aim – to help children to feel really GOOD about themselves through music! Learning and playing an instrument has improved my own life so immeasurably. I’m passionate about sharing the immense benefits that I know truly exciting instrumental lessons can bring to as many children as possible. 

Music Squad delivers fun, in-school piano lessons and clubs into primary schools throughout the North West, UK. We make the experience of learning an instrument as fun, as silly and as joyful as we think it should be and use our very own Squad Star programme to deliver all of our lessons. The Squad Star programme is a combination of published books and an app (app launching September 2023) created by me and is central to our bold, fresh approach.

Since launching just under two years ago, Music Squad now delivers weekly piano lessons to over 350 children (aka Squaddies!) across Cheshire and beyond. 

Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 Club Hub Award Winner

For a person who has worked in the children’s activities industry for more than 10 years who has made a significant impact on hundreds of children’s lives.

Sponsored by Mitchy Titch Yoga

Avril O’Brien has taken her passion for yoga and created award winning sessions for children from birth to age 12.  Our sessions for baby, toddler and school aged children provide a toolkit to help build calmness & resilience, strength & self-confidence from an early age, skills that will serve them through to adulthood.  Relaxation & mindfulness are key to self-care and it is a joy to be able to teach our children these skills.

And the Winner is Anna Neville – Kidslingo

Kidslingo is a language franchise teaching French and Spanish to over 25,000 children aged 0 – 11 every week. We provide a face-to-face and online programme in primary schools (delivering clubs and curriculum classes), nurseries, community venues, private homes, as well as offering 1-2-1 tuition.

Kidslingo’s philosophy is simple – to inspire children to love languages for life. We aim to foster inquisitiveness for language learning from a child’s very earliest years.

Anna Neville – CEO & Founder – has built up Kidslingo to a position of brand and financial strength. Making a significant impact on the numbers of children now accessing languages at a young age in the UK. What started off as local initiative to fit around her own children, has developed into a successful national network of language experts teaching and inspiring thousands of children.

Kidslingo provides a ready-made business package from in depth training and ongoing support, to exciting and engaging teaching materials and everything in between. This structure enables franchisees to grow and thrive doing something that they love and have a true impact on young children’s lives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Emma Hewitt, Event Manager [email protected]

NOTES TO EDITOR:

• Club Hub is an app and website for parents that helps them quickly and easily find local clubs and activities for their children clubhubuk.co.uk
• We work with club owners and activity providers to fill their empty spaces and grow their businesses 
• With over 2.67 million pageviews in 2022, Club Hub is growing fast
• We offer the UK’s Number 1 service for parents seeking activity providers. From babies to age 18; from Dorset to Aberdeen – we’ve got it covered!