Confident Communication!

We've spoken to the two Mothers, Lisa Houghton and Tracey Park behind fantastic children's communication classes company Talking Tots. We've heard how they set the business up, the inspiration behind the classes and their move into the franchise market.

You are both Mums - how old are your children?

Lisa - I've got two daughters aged 7 and 4. Tracey - I've got three girls aged 20, 16 and 7.

Where are you based?

Lytham St Annes on the Fylde Coast, in Lancashire

What is your background?

We are both paediatric Speech & Language Therapists, with over 30 years experience between us.

What inspired you to set up Talking Tots?

For several years we had been noticing a decline in the social & communication skills of the general pre school population. There are many pre school classes that focus on music, movement, dance or messy play – there are NO other classes that focus on one of the most important, complex skills that we ever learn...communication.

How did you come up with the class plans?

We have extensive experience developing children's language and the unique sessions plans were developed over many years and they're brilliant!

Did you consult with schools/nurseries about your programme?

We liaised with a variety of Early Years professionals, such as Teachers, Educational Psychologists, Paediatricians and other Speech & Language Therapists.

Was it hard getting everything set up? Getting a website designed etc..

We have worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to ensure that the Franchise Package is second to none. We've been really lucky to find fantastic people to work with...lawyers, accountants, web designers and many more. We are so passionate about Talking Tots that professionals have been keen to help us.

How did you finance the initial company?

We started Talking Tots whilst still working part time for the NHS and we also had income from our independent Speech & Language Therapy Consultancy.

You have now started offering the fantastic Talking Tots Franchise opportunity – how did you know it was time to move in to this area?

The first classes that we started became so popular that we realised that we had something that parents wanted and that no other pre school groups were offering. So we decided to launch Talking Tots throughout the UK, by franchising the business. Talking Tots classes are now running across the country.

Did you have any specialist help in putting together your franchise package?

Yes … we were very lucky to have help from a leading British Franchise Association legal practice and our excellent Franchise Agreement was drawn up by a fantastic specialist lawyer, who was recommended to us by our amazing accountants ( also a female team!).

What was your first piece of marketing activity?

We had some flyers printed and we decorated our car and walked in the local procession/gala day! Also, every weekend, we put on our Talking Tots T Shirts, grabbed our children and pounded the streets handing out flyers, in all weather .

What is the best free bit of PR or Marketing the company has had?

We were in October's edition of Practical Parenting. Of course the best PR and marketing that anyone can have is good 'word of mouth' and fortunately we have lots of that!

What has been the biggest hurdle to you've had to overcome in terms of business success?

It was a huge step to give up our salaried careers as Speech & Language Therapists and enter the 'business world'...BUT we're so pleased that we did! We are totally passionate about Talking Tots and have never looked back, or regretted our decision to "go it alone!"

How do you separate working time and family time?

Talking Tots is a 'family affair' really..our husbands and children are involved moreover our children are all good friends! We are a truly family friendly company!

What has been the biggest benefit of you being self-employed to your family?

We are very happy in what we do. Talking Tots makes our work life a pleasure.

Any tips for Mums thinking of starting in business?

Our top two tips are:

don't be afraid to take a different path in life, when an opportunity comes along, bite the bullet and "go for it!"
surround yourself with people and professionals who believe in you and your business

Find out more about the Talking Tots Franchise Opportunity here