CRANAGE business Puddle Ducks has made a major splash by receiving a satisfaction award for the sixth year in a row.

The company, which provides swimming lessons for babies and children aged up to 10 across the UK, was presented with a Smith and Henderson 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction award.

The company has received the award for six consecutive years, one of only two companies in the UK to have achieved the accolade.

The Smith and Henderson awards are unique as they are based on actual franchisee feedback.

Puddle Duck franchisees were invited to complete an anonymous Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark survey about their franchise ownership experience and rate the training and support provided by their franchisor.

Smith and Henderson CEO Steven Frost said: “Puddle Ducks was rated better than the franchise industry average across all five of the key areas we measure, including franchisee relations and training and support.

“Whilst nothing guarantees that a franchise is a good fit for you or you will be successful, franchisors like Puddle Ducks which have been awarded 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction status are a good place to start.”

Puddle Ducks was founded by co-owners Jo Stone and Tracy Townend in 2002 and began franchising in 2007.

They now have more than 35 territories across the UK, and teach 21,000 children to swim every week.

Jo said: “When we first set up the business we believed passionately in what we were doing.

“It’s still the same today, and we are delighted to know that everyone shares our passion.

“We all work together, supporting each other and ensuring our franchise owners have everything they need to be a success – and have a lot of fun along the way.”

Tracy said: “Franchisee feedback is incredibly important to us, and we are thrilled to have this wonderful and genuine praise for Puddle Ducks.”