Baby development franchise, Bloom Baby Classes, has been announced as finalists for no fewer than four categories in the annual What’s On 4 Kids Awards – an accolade that has been recognising and rewarding the most-loved children’s activities in the UK for over 15 years. Launched in 2017 by Victoria Jennings, Bloom Baby Classes was founded to create an engaging and supportive developmental environment for new parents and their babies. Now, just five years after launching, Bloom Baby Classes has a glowing reputation and the chance to celebrate its collective achievements at this year’s awards.
Now in its 16th year, the What’s On 4 Kids Awards celebrates the best associations in the children’s services sector and is the only organisation to feature both ‘voted for’ and ‘judged’ categories – providing parents and carers with a voice to vote for businesses that have allowed their children to thrive. An increase in votes of nearly 30% this year signifies the growing presence the children’s services have, and the recognition of the incredible difference they can make to a young person’s development and mindset.
Bloom Baby Classes has been named as a finalist in a number of categories this year, with the franchise itself being nominated for the Most Loved Baby Activity Franchisor with over 30 Leaders. Founder Victoria Jennings has been shortlisted for an accolade acknowledging Remarkable Achievement and franchisee Lizzie McKendry has been recognised for a Most Loved Licence Territory award for her Manchester West franchise. Holly Stepien, owner of Bloom Baby Classes St Helens & Wigan, and Rachel Martin, owner of the Oldham and Rochdale classes, have been shortlisted for Most Loved Activity Leader for the North of England, in recognition of their contribution to the franchise. Bloom Baby Classes is also contributing to the event by sponsoring the Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity award, drawing on the brand’s belief in the importance of music and other soft skills.
“I am so proud of our flourishing network and everything we have achieved so far,” said Victoria. “I initially launched the sessions locally in 2017 and, due to the popularity of the classes, had three teachers helping me run over 36 classes a week by January 2018. Today, we have a global presence, helping little ones all over the world to have the best start in life.”
Holly Stepien, who has just celebrated her first anniversary as a franchisee said, “I’m over the moon about being shortlisted as the Most Loved Baby Activity Leader, especially as it is within the first of four regions I have acquired in the last year. The support I have received from the Bloom team since I started has been brilliant – I speak to Victoria every day and I have just gone into business with her to launch Bloom Toddler Classes! By utilising Bloom’s franchise model and my skills, I have created a thriving business for children and their parents – I’m very excited for what the future holds.”
This year, the judging panel includes Mike Dodd, Chairman of the Children’s Activities Association, and Sarah-Jayne Honeywell, an actress who has become a household name as a presenter on CBeebies. Alison Franks is also a judge – an ambassador for the Children’s Alliance, and wife of the late Steve Franks who founded the Alliance to broaden the government’s awareness of the health and wellbeing issues children face in the UK. “As an ambassador, I am campaigning to give all children a voice, finishing my late husband’s ambition on his behalf,” stated Alison. “I am both honoured and privileged to be judging the very special ‘Steve Franks Industry Champion of the Year’ Award, to honour his legacy, his support and his spirit.”
The winners will be announced at a black-tie event at the Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, on 20th October.
