Enterprise Nation

Lisa Houghton & Tracey Park were speech and language therapists with more than 30 years of work experience between them when they started Talking Tots from a home office in Lytham, St  Annes. Early successes encouraged them to turn the business into a franchise and now they’re talking of international expansion. 

Factfile

Age: Lisa (38) & Tracey (40)

Home office location: Lytham, St Annes on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire

Business description: The aim of Talking Tots® is to provide fun interactive classes to all pre school children encouraging them to communicate with confidence and develop excellent social and literacy skills. Classes are weekly and excite and develop all pre school children from 12 months through to the pre school year.

How did you get started?

We are both paediatric Speech & Language Therapists, with over 30 years experience between us. For several years we'd 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.

We talked about starting these classes for many years and in September 2005 we ‘dipped our toes in the water’ by starting one class whilst still working as Speech & Language Therapists. Demand for the classes was huge!!

We realised that this was something that parents really wanted and after opening classes at two further locations in our area, we launched Talking Tots as a franchise in September 2007

Why did you choose a franchise model for Talking Tots?

After thorough research we decided to adopt the franchise model to expand, as we felt that this would be the most effective way to develop and grow. We felt it was important that franchisees owned their business whilst benefiting from our product, branding and support.

What are your plans?

We’re already spreading across the UK, with new franchisees joining us all the time. Eventually we hope to have Talking Tots in every area of the UK …. then we can expand in to the international market!

Who is your perfect franchisee?

Our franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds including teaching, journalism, IT and marketing. The franchise package & training is very comprehensive and so experience isn’t necessary …. however a great personality and a genuine desire to help children to reach their potential is essential.

What do they buy into?

Our franchisees buy into a new, exciting and unique company, as well as the whole Talking Tots concept and philosophy, which is supported by strong branding. We are all passionate about helping children to achieve their potential and to communicate with confidence.

We are a family friendly company who understand the importance of work – life balance and believe that all people involved in Talking Tots are part of a dynamic team.

Do you still run classes yourselves?

Yes – we think it’s essential that we run classes too, so that we are always ‘hands on’. Also, we still have many more ideas that we want to try out and develop.

Do you work from separate home offices?

We both work in the same home office during office hours. We have a joint administration and email system that allows us to keep in touch and track what’s happening even when out of the office.

Do all the people pictured here work in one house with you?!

The people in the picture are mainly family and friends. Talking Tots is a real family affair and we really value their support. We have a small team of people who work for us from their own homes.

What is the one thing you couldn’t do without in your home offices?

Each other! Seriously though … we couldn’t have created Talking Tots and the franchise package without each other.

Lisa Houghton & Tracey Park talk to Emma Jones

• Talking Tots