Alison is Director of Sales for Hilton Hotels and has worked in hospitality for the majority of her career.

In her words,  she is also 'far more importantly, beyond proud to be the wife of the truly wonderful, late Steve Franks'.  Steve lost his life to COVID19 in April 2020.  Steve was CEO of Water Babies and a total force of nature, who sat on many boards, and who had endless drive and commitment to give children a better start and a brighter future. Steve was also the man initially behind the Children's Alliance organisation.

Alison is therefore a proud Brand Ambassador for the Children’s Alliance organisation, with the aim to give children a voice at last, right at the heart of Government. Therefore for these two reasons alone, Alison is immensely honoured and extremely grateful to be a part of the prestigious 17th What’s On 4 Kids National Children’s Activities Awards judging panel.

Rachel has been in business for over 12 years with a amazing team of awesome trainers! She has people development at the heart of everything she does and has over 20 years of training experience, personally reaching over 100,000 people to date.

She is a powerful, engaging, trainer and entertaining speaker on change management, sales, team dynamics, mindset and leadership. Rachel’s on-stage energy lights up the room and as such audience members find her hugely relatable and likeable.  Team Academy has clients include, Aldi, Hilton hotels, Virgin Media, NHS, Kaspersky, premier league.

Team Academy have won a number of awards for delivering high impact programmes that deliver outstanding results. Holding the award for training and coaching company of the year, 3 times in a row.

Mike started work at 16 and helped build 2 of the largest companies supplying new technologies to the insurance sector, becoming the UK CEO of a PLC. Across the last 15 years he has been involved in a number of new start businesses as a NED and investor, together with involvement in a number of charity and community organisations.

He is the founding and current Chair of the Children's Activities Association and is relentless in his support of the children's activities sector which does so much to benefit the early years/children of the UK. The CAA is also sponsor of the Steve Franks Shining Star award. 

Mike has 3 grown up children who he's shared many adventures with and has cycled mainly independently, through over 60 countries. He is delighted to have been invited as a judge and looks forward to the live awards event. 

Kate is the Head of Franchise for Natwest, with 20 years experience supporting SME’s achieve their ambitions and is passionate about the sector and the impact it can have on families and communities. 

Leading a team of Franchise Development Managers across the country who look after over 4000 franchisees and over 400 franchisors NatWest’s aim is to support customers with a range of financial and non-financial products and services to grow their businesses.  

With 2 young children Kate knows first hand the positive impact children activity providers can have on parents and children!