Local businesswoman Jane James, the founder & CEO of the national popular performing arts school franchise ‘Little Voices’, has been announced as a finalist in not one, but two categories of this year’s annual What’s On 4 Kids Activities Awards.

Jane was nominated for the ‘Remarkable Achievement’ award for overcoming a catastrophic mental and physical breakdown that saw her having to rebuild her life; and for ‘The Steve Franks Industry Champion of the Year’ award for her tireless work in the children’s activities sector outside of Little Voices.

“I was totally overwhelmed and humbled to have been nominated for these awards,” Jane says, “so I’m incredibly grateful to have reached the finals. Being a CEO and franchisor is at times really hard, and can be a bit lonely, but these moments give me such joy.

“Winning would be incredible, of course, but I feel honoured to be among so many other amazing finalists. And if some of my story or experience from the past two years can help someone else, then it’s all been worth it.”

Launched 16 years ago to showcase the UK’s best children’s clubs, classes, leaders, venues, and volunteers, these prestigious awards are the longest-running in the children’s activities sector – a sector that plays such a crucial role both in supporting children’s physical, social, and emotional development, and also their parents and carers.

The awards ceremony will take place next month at Mercedes-Benz World, and organisers What’s On 4 Kids concluded: “Against the glamorous Mercedes-Benz World backdrop, with hundreds of VIP guests, the highest number of awards to date and a wealth of fabulous sponsors and supporters joining us for this black-tie extravaganza, we are gearing up for a very exciting night – congratulations and good luck to each and every finalist – we can’t wait to welcome you!”