The Debutots franchise is celebrating after winning a much-coveted industry award for Best Franchise Support.

The Approved Franchise Association (AFA) is dedicated to promoting the highest standards in franchising and their prestigious awards receive hundreds of entries from across all franchise sectors.

The most competitive category of all the awards is Best Franchise Support. All franchisors want to be recognised for their support to their network of franchisees.

Debutots, which was founded in 2003, offers a unique blend of storytelling and dramatic play that creates a fun environment for children to build their confidence whilst enhancing their social, language, listening and speaking skills. After four years of developing the business, founder Charlotte Salter recruited the first of many franchisees, and more than a decade later the Debutots brand is known throughout the country.

Charlotte, who manages the franchise network from her Bristol base, says:

“There were some highly regarded and eminent companies in the category so we are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Gold Award. Coming top in The Best Franchise Support category means the world to us as we strive so hard to make sure our franchisees are supported and even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Praise for Debutots from the esteemed industry judges was high, following the announcement that Debutots had won the coveted top spot, awarding judge Adrian Goodsell of the Franchise Protection Company went on to explain why the company was a worthy winner.

Adrian said:

“Charlotte has put together a great package of support that’s so comprehensive both pre and post covid that the judges really wanted to highlight the fact that this is why she won because there was an outstanding amount of support that came from her, so great congratulations to Debutots and to Charlotte and her team.”

The Debutots franchisees were able to watch the awards ceremony as it was streamed live via Facebook and they took to social media to give their congratulations.

Emma Booth, franchisee for Hull said:

“Wonderful News!! No less than you deserve! Love being part of our Debutots Family! Congratulations!”

Charlotte Folland, franchisee for Northampton and Daventry added:

“Incredible News! Huge congratulations - I couldn’t agree more! You are outstanding at what you do, the support you give is second to none and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side!”

Debutots franchisees operate with a broad list of products including classes for parents and their little ones, classes in nurseries, schools and local authority venues as well as popular holiday clubs and children’s parties.

Charlotte says

“Family time is at the very core of our philosophy here and our diverse product base and customer base enable franchisees to have flexibility with how they want to run their business and from where they generate their income. Covid-19 meant we had to do a lot of work to deliver online classes and make sure that with each set of new government guidance that was released, we gave franchisees the maximum opportunity to deliver our unique and original classes to their community.”

For more information on Debutots and their franchise opportunities, please contact Charlotte on 03333 449780 or email charlotte@debutots.co.uk