Becky White and Shaj Ali are delighted to take over ownership of award-winning swim school franchise Puddle Ducks Nottinghamshire & North Leicestershire, taking the reins from the previous long-standing franchisees Liz and Phil Gabriel.

The couple, who live in Bristol are combining their skills to take on the franchise, providing Baby & Pre-school classes from birth to ten years. With Becky a keen swimmer having swam in her youth competitively and Shaj a solicitor, the pair were keen to find a business with purpose that provided better balance.

Becky commented: “Puddle Ducks seemed like the perfect opportunity to make a positive impact whilst getting to share something that I love personally. My previous roles include working as a nurse practitioner in theatres which could be really high pressured.

Becky added: “We began considering a franchise in early 2024 and upon researching Puddle Ducks and meeting the owner, Jo Stone, it felt like an amazing brand and network to become part of. Taking on the franchise previously owned by such long-standing and well-respected owners has been great, everyone has been really welcoming, and we can’t wait to get to know lots of families from across the community”.

Shaj concluded: “We currently have a team of nine but have exciting plans to grow and expand our franchise, so that we can provide Puddle Ducks’ award-winning programme to even more local communities”.