Episode 126: Language Learning for Children with Anna Neville

The Business Awards Show

Anna Neville, the visionary founder of Kidslingo, unveils her fascinating journey from marketing professional to the creator of a thriving national language franchise. With a passion for language learning and teaching, Anna shares her experiences filled with challenges, triumphs, and the bold move into franchising. A huge leap given she knew little about it initially!

Anna founded the Kidslingo franchise in 2013. Eleven years later, the franchise boasts over 80 franchisees across the UK. She still plays an active role in the business and has led the franchise to many successes and awards. They include the Most Loved Creative and Academic Activity in the What's On 4 Kids awards 2023. She also won Club Hub UK's Franchise of the Year 2024 and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

On a personal level, Anna recently won Woman Who's Solopreneur award and is a finalist in three categories in the EWIF (Encouraging Women in Franchising) Awards 2024.

She discusses how she built Kidslingo into a network of over 90 franchises across the UK and highlights the critical role of support networks in the children's activities sector. Anna’s commitment to mentoring aspiring franchisors showcases her dedication to nurturing a new generation of business leaders in the language learning industry.

Discover how awards and recognitions play a pivotal role in enhancing brand reputation and attracting attention in the competitive marketplace. Anna recounts her experiences of winning multiple awards and how these accolades have helped Kidslingo gain visibility and credibility.

From the vibrant market of children's language classes to celebrating a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Club Hub Awards, Anna's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and resilience. For those considering franchising, she offers invaluable insights into navigating the journey successfully by leveraging awards, building trust, and always seeking guidance from seasoned experts.

{1:34} Anna's path to Kidslingo.

{2:17} The start of Kidslingo.

{4:34} Anna's knowledge of franchising before launching.

{5:42} How Anna gained her franchise information.

{6:33} Recruiting the first franchisee.

{7:43} Going nationwide.

{8:19} Why Anna started to enter awards.

{9:27} Benefits of awards for a franchisor.

{10:48}Winning multiple awards in 2019.

{12:14} Leveraging PR for award wins.

{13:49} What is needed to start a franchise.

{15:28} What makes a good franchisee.

{16:38} How franchisees have helped grow Kidslingo.

{17:39} Changes in children's language learning.

{18:22} The Kidslingo age range.

{19:22} Supporting the national curriculum.

{20:08} The profile of a typical franchisee.

{21:06} Winning a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Club Hub UK Awards.

{22:18} Anna's awards agenda for the next twelve months.

{23:51} Anna's general awards strategy.

{26:00} Anna's future business plans.

{27:39} Future overseas and UK expansion.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Anna: https://www.kidslingo.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidslingofranchisehq/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidslingoUK/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidslingo-ltd/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/KidslingoUK

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KidslingoUK