* ANNOUNCEMENT *: You can enter the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards right now - head to www.disruptivefranchiseawards.com/awards

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise podcast, host Stacey Cann welcomes Helen Wilson, a dynamic franchisee and the owner of Gootopia, the UK's leading slime entertainment venue.

Helen shares her journey in franchising, highlighting her transition from running holiday clubs to embracing the world of slime. She emphasises the importance of having a supportive network in franchising, discussing how collaboration and shared experiences can lead to success.

Stacey & Helen also delve into the concept of disruption, explaining how it has evolved from a negative connotation to a positive force for innovation and creativity in business.

Helen reflects on her experiences as a judge for franchise awards, stressing the significance of evidence-based entries and the need for franchisees to recognise their own disruptive potential.

How To Contact Helen:

• Website: www.gootopiacheshire.co.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gootopiaofficial

Takeaways:

• "You can't do it all on your own."
• "Disruption shows that you're daring to do outside the box."
• "Every win is a win."
• "It's about getting the right people around you."
• "The pressure of entering awards needs to come off people."
• "You need to enjoy it."
• "Everything is dependent on a partnership."
• "Find the right franchisees, invest in them, and they will grow."
• "You need to have a purpose, you need to have a point."
• "Whatever your superpower is, share it out there."

Keywords
franchising, disruption, entrepreneurship, Gootopia, franchise awards, business growth, support network, innovation, collaboration, franchisee, disruptive franchise awards

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A Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple.

Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers.
Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.

Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that.

This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore.

Support The Podcast

Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, we sit down with Sarah, the inspiring founder of The Baby Cloud.

Discover how Sarah's journey from corporate life to creating a thriving franchise has empowered countless mothers and their babies. Sarah shares her insights on franchising, the importance of supporting franchisees, and her vision for expanding The Baby Cloud's impact. Tune in to hear how Sarah's passion and dedication are making a difference in the lives of families everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

• We talk about the secrets behind The Baby Cloud's success in supporting new parents and their babies.
• Find out how Sarah turned her passion into a thriving franchise that empowers mothers.
• We explore the innovative classes that are setting new standards in early childhood development.
• Learn from Sarah's journey of resilience and growth from corporate life to franchise success.
• Discover the impact of The Baby Cloud's franchise model on communities and families.

Contact Sarah:

• Email: Sarahdalton@the-baby-cloud.co.uk
• Website: www.the-baby-cloud.co.uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebabycloudfranchise

Keywords:

Baby Cloud, franchising, parenting support, emotional intelligence, personal growth, franchisee success, community building, self-discovery, business challenges, emotional connections

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A Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple.

Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers.
Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.

Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that.

This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore.

Support The Podcast

Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise podcast, host, Stacey, welcomes Julie Barber from Techy Tots.

They discuss Julie's journey from franchisee to franchisor, the challenges and rewards of running a tech-focused franchise for children, and the launch of a new sister company, Techy Steam Explorers. Julie shares insights on the importance of innovation, collaboration, and the impact of franchising on personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

• From franchisee to franchisor: Julie Barber's inspiring journey of growth and innovation.
• Discover how Techy Tots is revolutionising children's education through playful coding.
• Launching Techy Steam Explorers: Expanding horizons in STEAM education for kids.
• Collaboration and feedback: The keys to thriving in the franchise industry.
• Courage and innovation: How franchising transformed Julie Barber's life.

Keywords:

franchising, lifestyle sector, helping others, Techie Tots, business expansion, supply and demand, warmth in business

Contact Julie:

• Email: julie.barber@techytots.co.uk
• Website: www.techytots.co.uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/techytots

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A Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple.

Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers.
Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.

Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that.

This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore.

Support The Podcast

Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!