Little Voices has beaten off five other finalists to see one of our franchisees crowned winner of the ‘Next Generation Franchisee’ category in the national bfa HSBC awards.
Dubbed ‘The Oscars’ of the franchise industry, these prestigious awards celebrate the best of the best in franchising, and the Next Generation Franchisee award was open to franchisees aged 30 and under who have achieved success beyond their years.
28-year-old Ellena Morgan has been running the Little Voices Fylde franchise for the past five years. She’s been involved with Little Voices since she was just 8 when she started taking singing lessons with our founder, Jane James (nee Maudsley).
Ten years later, she started working as an apprentice with Little Voices Head Office, then progressed to becoming a tutor, until taking over the running of Little Voices Fylde in 2017 where she tripled pupil numbers in just 18 months.
And despite the impact of the covid pandemic, as well as losing her partner suddenly last year, Ellena has managed to consistently grow her business year-on-year.
Today, she employs four members of staff, and between them they teach over 160 children a week.
Commenting on her award win, Ellena said: “I’m honoured to win this award, overwhelmed to have shared a stage with so many large household brands – but more important than all that is the recognition that winning has brought to the children’s activities sector. Because what we do has
such an impact on children’s lives and can make a real difference to their futures.
“Personally, this has been the hardest year for me,” she continued. “But life throws lots of things at us, and at Little Voices, everything we do is geared towards supporting our children and young people, giving them the skills and techniques that will help get them through.
“If nothing else, I’m living proof of the power of the performing arts to do just that.”
Jane, who founded Little Voices in 2007, added: “I’m absolutely bursting with pride! Witnessing Ellena being celebrated for everything she’s achieved so far was out of this world.
“And in a week when The Princess of Wales has talked about the importance of creating ‘a healthier and happier society for future generations’, winning this award couldn’t be more poignant.”
At Little Voices, we offer all children a free trial lesson. Contact your local office to find out more and book your child’s place.
And if you’re interested in working with us as a tutor, or running your own Little Voices franchise, email Jane on jane@littlevoices.org.uk.