Join Tanya, Workshop Facilitator and Ambassador Programme Lead from the School of Kindness and learn tips on encouraging kindness within your clubs and beyond.

Our guest speaker, Tanya, is a former primary school teacher who now works with the kindness charity 52 Lives and its education arm, The School of Kindness. In this Lunch & Learn, she’ll help you think more deeply about kindness – turning what you already know into expert‑level practice you can use every day in your provision.

Tanya will share the story behind 52 Lives and the School of Kindness, explore the impact that small, everyday choices have on children and adults, and delve into the science of kindness. You’ll see real examples, watch short videos, and pick up practical ways to weave more kindness into your club or school.

There’ll also be time to share ideas with each other, and Tanya will highlight free School of Kindness resources you can use regularly with children to build a culture of compassion and connection.

The UK’s Leading National Event For Early Years Education

Childcare & Education Expo National is the UK's longest-running and award-winning early years event, bringing together nursery owners, senior leaders, managers and practitioners from across the country for two days of learning, networking and practical solutions.

Access CPD-accredited training, free workshops, community support sessions and over 100 leading suppliers, all focused on helping you navigate the challenges facing early years settings today.

Hear from sector-leading experts including Alistair Bryce-Clegg, gain practical insights on everything from recruitment and retention to curriculum development and wellbeing, and meet Ofsted face-to-face through free sessions and the Advice Corner, where you can get answers to your questions directly from the inspectorate.

The event also features the dedicated SEND in Early Years Conference, providing specialist knowledge, strategies and support for creating more inclusive learning environments.

Join thousands of early years professionals this October and leave with practical ideas, valuable connections and solutions you can implement in your setting.

We all know that running a business can sometimes be isolating, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

We are thrilled that Julie Barber, Director of TechyTots, and Helen Simmons, CEO of Caterpillar Music are back as our friendly and welcoming hosts. And this time they are hosting at the lovely Caballo Lounge, right at the Ewell end of Epsom High Street. With its stylish, relaxed atmosphere, huge windows and hidden rooftop terrace, it’s the perfect spot to get together, connect and enjoy a great evening with fellow activity providers.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many local activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

We’re delighted to be bringing our very first CAA regional get-together to Bournemouth.

Join us at SOBO Beach for a relaxed Sunset Social overlooking the sea – a chance to connect with fellow children’s activity providers, share ideas, talk through business challenges and meet some new faces in an informal setting.

The evening will be hosted by CAA Partners Daniel Bull – Your Social Media Consultant and Nicole Bateman – The Friendly SEND Advisor.

Whether you’re a CAA member or not, you’re very welcome to come along.

Come along, grab a drink and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, connections and hopefully a beautiful Bournemouth sunset.

This event is FREE for CAA Members - log in to your Member Portal

The education landscape is shifting... and enrichment is moving higher up the agenda.

In this exclusive webinar, Cerys Keneally will take you through the new Enrichment Framework for schools, what it means in practice for external providers, and how you can use it to build stronger, more valuable school partnerships this academic year.

We’ll explore where your provision fits within the new framework, the language and priorities schools will increasingly be working towards, and how to position what you already do as part of the outcomes schools are being asked to deliver.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the changes, the opportunities they create for the enrichment sector, and practical ways to strengthen your conversations, offers and partnerships with schools in 2026/27.

Ideas Fest is our annual festival for founders, entrepreneurs and ambitious business builders.
It’s where people with big ideas come together to learn, connect and recharge away from the day-to-day.

Instead of a traditional conference, Ideas Fest feels more like a festival for entrepreneurs, relaxed, open and full of energy. You’ll find inspiring talks, honest conversations, practical sessions and plenty of chances to meet people who “get it”.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

Raising standards and keeping children safe is at the core of the Children's Activities Association. All children's activity providers have a duty of care to the children that attend their groups and classes to promote their welfare and keep them safe. The safeguarding legislation across the whole of the United Kingdom states you must have arrangements in place to safeguard children.

All organisations should have a minimum of one Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who takes lead responsibility for any safeguarding and child protection issues.

Ann Marie Christian, Safeguarding Expert and Trainer will be running whole day DSL training.

The search bar is becoming a conversation — and it's already deciding who fills classes this September.

Parents have quietly stopped browsing for children's activities and started asking. Google's AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Gemini and the assistant in their phone now answer "a good toddler swim class near me" directly — naming two or three providers. If an AI can't read your classes, you're not on page two; you're not in the conversation at all. And on the other side of the enquiry, for the first time, you can run the back office — bookings, registers, payment chasing, parent messages — by talking to it.

Join Kate Markham — a 20-year children's-activity operator and UK babyballet franchise owner — as she puts the questions every provider should be asking to Martin Rapávý, co-founder & CTO of Zooza, who has spent the last months building AI into the systems this sector runs on. Two sides, one intake window: how to be found when the searcher is an AI, and how to run what follows without drowning in admin — plus a September AI-readiness checklist you can act on the same afternoon, and live audience Q&A.

You'll leave knowing exactly what's changing, what to check on your own website and systems before the autumn rush, and what's genuinely worth your attention versus the hype.

Drop into the CAA's FREE Marketing Clinic and get your marketing, social media & GDPR questions answered.

Our very own Marketing Board Director, TikTok legend, and Founder and Franchisor of diddi dance, Anne Marie Martin, will share her big marketing wins as an activity provider.

Tamara Holland, of Dot & Stripe, will be talking about how to capture and convert leads.

Whilst GDPR Systems' Simon Bishop will be around to answer any GDPR questions.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

If you are a CAA Member or Supporter, you can attend for FREE - just log in to your Member Portal and your discount will be applied. You can book as many FREE tickets as you like, so if you want to come with your industry friends, you can.

We are thrilled to announce that Amanda Frolich, CEO of Amanda’s Action Club, will host the meeting.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings; you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles. If you are a CAA Member or Supporter, you can attend for FREE - just log in to your Member Portal and your discount will be applied.

We are thrilled to announce that our Independent Representative Board Director, Sarah Gittins, will host the meeting alongside CAA Partner, Cerys Keneally.

The Howden team will also be available to answer any questions you may have about their Introducer Scheme, which is open to all CAA Members.

After the fantastic response to last year’s event, we’re delighted to bring back the AIP Conference, Trade Show, and Industry Gala Dinner with Awards. Mark your calendar for 4 June 2026, when we’ll be returning to the prestigious Royal Armouries in Leeds - a venue that continues to provide the perfect backdrop for the sector to connect, celebrate, and look ahead together.

THE CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

The Conference and Trade Show will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm, offering a full day of insight, connection, and inspiration. This year’s programme brings a mix of compelling keynote speakers and lively plenary sessions designed to spark ideas and challenge thinking. Alongside the talks, a vibrant trade show featuring up to 50 exhibitors will give you unrivalled chances to network, collaborate, and explore the latest innovations shaping our sector.

It’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from fellow Operators, gain practical best-practice insights, and stay on top of the industry's most important developments. You’ll also have dedicated time to meet AIP’s trusted trade suppliers, discuss your needs, and discover how their expertise can support your business.
It is an ideal opportunity to listen to first hand experiences from other Operators, learn about best practice and get industry updates. It is also the perfect space in which to meet AIP’s carefully selected trade suppliers and have time to discuss your needs and their services.

INDUSTRY DINNER AND AWARDS

As day turns to evening, the venue will be completely reimagined to host our Industry Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, running from 7pm until midnight. This is our moment to honour the exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication shown by businesses and individuals across the indoor play sector.

It’s set to be one of the standout nights of the year for operators, with AIP Operator Members, Trade Members, non-members, and industry specialists all warmly welcomed. Over the course of the evening, we’ll unveil the winners across 11 award categories while enjoying a three-course dinner, entertainment, and the kind of celebratory atmosphere this industry deserves.

One Unmissable Day Celebrating Women in Franchising

For the first time ever, the British Franchise Association’s flagship Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) event will unite with the prestigious Encouraging Women in Franchising (EWiF) Awards to create one powerful, inspiring day in 2026.

Taking place on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at Leicester Tigers Stadium, this landmark collaboration brings together learning, networking, celebration and glamour — all under one roof. Both EWIB and the EWiF Awards share a core objective: recognising, supporting and celebrating the vital role women play in UK franchising. By bringing these events together, the BFA and EWiF are creating a more accessible, impactful experience for the entire franchising community.

With combined and single ticket options available, the joint event has been designed to reduce both costs and time out of the office, making it easier than ever for women and their teams to attend two of the sector’s most influential events.

🌟 National Children’s Activities Week returns 11–17th May and now in its 8th year🌟

If you run children’s activities and classes, this is the national week dedicated to promoting what you do.

For eight years, National Children’s Activities Week has brought the sector together to raise the profile of children’s activities and classes across the UK helping families discover them, value them and take part.

This week is about:
🎉 celebrating children’s activities
📣 increasing visibility for your classes
🤝 strengthening the whole sector by showing up together

Alongside the celebration, the week also delivers real impact.

To date, National Children’s Activities Week has raised £260,000 for Caudwell Children, and this year we’ll be funding sensory packs for disabled and neurodivergent children, helping make activities more inclusive.

Why this matters:
Consistent charitable work builds trust. For families choosing activities especially for their children values, credibility and long-term commitment matter. National Children’s Activities Week isn’t a one-off fundraiser; it’s an established, annual campaign that has delivered impact year after year, and will continue to do so.

Join sector leaders at Children and Young People Unite 2026 to connect, collaborate and learn from expert speakers shaping outcomes for children and young people.

In partnership with the School Aged Childcare Association (SACA), this event has been created for individuals, organisations and owners working with children and young people across education, health, fitness, leisure, play and childcare.

By connecting professionals across different areas of the sector, CYP Unite aims to strengthen collaboration, encourage shared learning, and build a more joined-up, impactful approach to supporting children and families.

Taking place at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, CYP Unite will welcome up to 200 attendees, including providers, CEOs, directors, local authority representatives, sector partners, and professionals working across the children and young people landscape.

Global events are creating a ripple effect — from rising costs to more cautious spending.

Right now, children’s activity providers across the UK are navigating a challenging and uncertain environment.

Costs are rising
Families are becoming more cautious with spending
Demand is starting to shift

For many providers, this is creating pressure around bookings, retention, and profitability.

This session is designed to cut through the noise and give you clarity, perspective, and practical guidance on how to navigate the current landscape and stay confident in the months ahead

We'll cover:

What’s happening in the market right now - and what it means for you
Where the biggest risks and opportunities are likely to be
How customer behaviour is changing (and how to respond)
Key areas to focus on to keep your business stable and sustainable
Simple ways to stay proactive rather than reactive

Welcome to the International Franchise Show, host to the UK's biggest selection of the most exciting franchise opportunities from around the world! Running on the 17th & 18th April 2026 at Excel London, thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners will get FREE access to over 250 exhibitors, 60 seminars, 1-2-1 personal advice, interactive features, expert guidance and more. Find out how to become your own boss and start your franchise journey now!

We hold regular Regional EWiF meetings around the UK to make sure that each and every one of our members has the opportunity to network.

Join us for the next meeting is Tuesday 24th feb 10-12.

Guest speaker Siobhan Molloy. Siobhan is the Scottish franchisor of Soccer Stars Academy, a fast-growing children’s football franchise helping little ones build confidence through sport.

Siobhan will be sharing her insights on building and scaling a successful franchise, as well as her experience supporting franchisees to thrive.

Open to members and first-time guests alike!

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings; you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles. If you are a CAA Member or Supporter, you can attend for FREE - just log in to your Member Portal and your discount will be applied.

We are thrilled to announce that our Independent Representative Board Director, Sarah Gittins, will host the meeting alongside CAA Partner, Cerys Keneally.

The Howden team will also be available to answer any questions you may have about their Introducer Scheme, which is open to all CAA Members.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers…

We’ve brought together a panel of experts to talk about which AI tools they use every day, and that they believe will have the biggest impact on children’s activity businesses.

They’ll be sharing:

Their no.1 AI tool, which they couldn’t live without

How they use it

The benefits and results they’ve seen since using it

How it can be applied within a children’s activity business

Other AI tools which they think activity providers would benefit from

Franchise Exhibitions are an excellent opportunity to research the many franchising opportunities on offer and meet with franchisors face to face.

To give you the right tools to explore your future in franchising, we run free seminars during the exhibition. ‘Start Your Business in Franchising’ is aimed at prospective franchisees, while existing businesses looking to franchise their operations will benefit from ‘Franchise Your Business’ seminars.

We also have our own stand and myself and the BFA team are always happy to talk to you and help you explore your entrepreneurial side to the full! – Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO, British Franchise Association

Kick off 2026 with another practical, insight-led webinar series with the amazing Cerys Keneally. If your class numbers or growth have felt uncertain, you’re not alone the early years landscape is shifting, and this session will help you understand what’s changing and how to respond with confidence.

In this webinar, we’ll look at why delivering in nurseries is becoming a steadier way to grow in 2026 - not instead of community classes, but alongside them.

We’ll cover:

• How nursery funding pressures are shaping decisions behind the scenes

• Why many providers are still being booked term after term

• How nursery delivery gives you consistent groups without chasing parents

• What makes an offer workable when budgets are tight

• Why this model supports long-term growth, not just short bursts of income

This session is about understanding what’s really happening in early years and using that insight to build a business that feels more stable, confident and sustainable going forward.

Meet people in the franchise industry, find out more about franchising, gain knowledge, share ideas and forge relationships.

Welcome to the South West Regional Meeting 17th December 2025!

Join us for networking, learning, and collaboration with franchise professionals from the South West region. Speaker for this event is Louise Harris - The Ops Portal

The event will take place at NatWest, Room M4, First Floor on starting at 10:00 AM. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts and gain valuable insights.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Regional Meeting with Midlands Regional Chair, Fiona Boswell. Knights Nottingham office: Embankment House, Electric Av Nottingham NG2 1AS

We are thrilled to announce that we are back with our face-to-face meeting for EWiF Midlands.

Chaired by Fiona Boswell, Partner at the Nottingham branch of Knights plc, advising businesses in the franchising sector for over 20 years both in private practice and in businesses that franchise on all aspects of owning, running, growing and exiting franchises.

Fiona started the Midlands EWIF region to help business in the region have a local forum to discuss all things franchising. As a women in franchising, with female clients and clients with franchises that encourage female franchisees it is great to be part of an organisation that can support and help their businesses grow.

We have limited availability so book your place today!

Drop into Chris Hopwood's free Accountancy Clinic with any questions you may have related to your accounts, finances and tax. Chris is the owner of CAA Partner Tidal Accounting. An accountancy practice covering all things accounting and tax for small businesses and sole traders, they are passionate about ensuring businesses of all sizes are getting support and advice.

Join us for a fast-paced, practical session presented by LoveAdmin on how to turn more enquiries into bookings and more first sessions into long-term members.

You’ll learn how to respond with confidence, guide families through decisions without pressure, and create consistent, fair experiences that build trust and retention.
Whether you offer free trials, paid tasters or direct bookings, you’ll leave with simple templates and conversation tools you can use straight away, plus free access to the Family Conversion Toolkit from inside ThriveHub, the new member-only hub of practical learning.

Get ready for the biggest night of celebration in the children's activities sector!

We're thrilled to announce that our 2025 What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 27th November 2025, at the stunning Athena in Leicester - an art deco masterpiece, originally designed in 1936 by Robert Arthur Bullivant as an Odeon Cinema, the venue represented one of the largest, most extravagant buildings within the region.

Our finalists, sponsors, and esteemed guests deserve nothing but the finest, and this year, we have something extraordinary in store for you!

Join the brightest stars in the children's activities sector and step onto the red carpet, revel in the limelight, and indulge in a night of celebration complete with a sumptuous dinner and captivating entertainment hosted by Jonathan Bremner.

In this session with Nick Empson, from CAA Partner Level Up Business Coaching & Consulting, he’ll be sharing real-world strategies for building a scalable franchise business.

By the end of this session, you'll:

Understand what true scalability looks like in a franchise context

Learn the systems, tools, and thinking frameworks that support long-term growth

Gain practical ideas to improve their planning, operations, and franchisee engagement

Leave with actionable insights and book/tool recommendations they can implement immediately

CAA Members get a free discovery session for new clients and preferential rates off Nick's services.

Data is a MUST to make more agile decisions and maximise profitability - franchisees can’t GROW what they don’t know.

If you’re in the franchise game (or aspire to be), this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Why? Because data is transforming franchising at every level. In fact, data now drives every aspect of franchise success, from site selection and sales strategies to operational efficiency and franchisee support. This webinar is all about harnessing that power for your brand’s growth.

What to expect from the event:

Expert Speakers & Real Insights: We’ve lined up multiple speakers, including franchise growth experts and marketing technologists, to share real-world lessons. They’ll cover how top franchises are using data analytics to drive marketing, expansion, and performance management. Expect case studies, demos of cool tech, and candid discussions of what actually works.

Actionable Strategies: This isn’t high-level theory, it’s a teach-and-show-how event. You’ll learn practical tactics for building a data-driven culture in your franchise network. From leveraging local customer data, to optimising ad spend per location to benchmarking franchisee performance, we’ll arm you with ideas you can implement the very next day.

Interactive Q&A and Networking: Have burning questions about your franchise’s data challenges? There will be live Q&A sessions with our panel of experts. Plus, you can virtually network with franchisors, franchisees, and consultants from across the industry. It’s a chance to build connections while you learn.

Whether you’re a franchisor aiming to boost system-wide sales, a franchisee looking to localise marketing through data, or simply a data enthusiast in the retail space, this webinar will deliver value. Best of all, it’s completely free, our way of giving back to the franchise community.

Ignite! is the Children's Activities Association's flagship conference, bringing children’s activities businesses of all shapes and sizes from across the UK together, along with their suppliers.
It is the only event truly dedicated to equipping activity providers with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to run a successful business while raising standards across the sector.
Join us for an inspiring, educational, and informative day of professional guest speakers, practical breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and more, designed to help skyrocket your children’s activities business to the next level.
Ignite! is open to both CAA members and non-members. CAA Members and Supporters get discounted rates (these will be applied automatically when you're logged in to the Member Portal).
Conference tickets include refreshments during the day and admittance to the Ignite! conference. This year, your ticket doesn't include lunch because there are lots of great options on site to take advantage of.

The National Franchise Exhibition returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 3 & 4 October 2025 – exclusively supported by the British Franchise Association (BFA).

The UK’s flagship franchise event will showcase industry-leading brands over 2 action-packed days with 50+ free talks offering something for everyone. Learn all about the franchise model and discover how you can run your own business with the support of an established brand.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings; you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles. If you are a CAA Member or Supporter, you can attend for FREE - just log in to your Member Portal and your discount will be applied.

We are thrilled to announce that our Independent Representative Board Director, Sarah Gittins, will host the meeting. She will be joined by CAA Partner and Member of the CAA's Schools, Nurseries & Venues Committee, Cerys Keneally, who will deliver a guest presentation on:

Partnering for Purpose - How to Grow Your Children’s Activities Business Through Schools & Nurseries This Autumn

How to confidently approach schools and nurseries (even if you’ve felt invisible or unqualified).

Learn how to position your offer so schools take you seriously (even if you’re just starting out or doubt your credibility)

What decision-makers in education are really looking for this term - and how to meet those needs authentically.

We'll demystify what headteachers, SENCOs, and nursery managers actually want from external providers.

How to turn one-off sessions into long-term contracts (without over-giving or burning out).

Discover how to shift from being a “nice extra” to a trusted education or wellbeing partner.

A step-by-step game plan for Autumn term growth (without sacrificing family life or sanity)

You’ll leave with a clear, doable strategy to grow your business during the busiest school season.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

A Panel on International Franchising for Children’s Activity Providers

Thinking about taking your children’s activity brand overseas? International franchising can offer exciting opportunities, but it also comes with real challenges, costs, and risks. This honest and practical panel discussion, hosted by the Children’s Activities Association, brings together experienced franchisors and industry experts to explore whether global expansion is the right next step for your business.

You’ll hear candid insights into what’s worked (and what hasn’t), the investments and infrastructure required, and the realities of adapting your model for new markets.

This event is FREE for all CAA Members. Once logged in to the Member Portal, a 100% discount will automatically be applied.

The UK’s Largest Event For Early Years Education

Childcare & Education Expo is the only early years and education event you need in your calendar. Combining an innovative exhibition floor with a world-class content programme, you will discover a truly valuable experience. As an award-winning and longest-running event for the industry, we invite you to connect, learn and discover everything to help you excel in education.

The show features inspiration zones, special guests and unique support designed to spark fresh ideas, meaningful connections and practical insights. With CPD seminars, workshops and products from leading early years suppliers, it offers a rich learning environment for everyone from Nursery Owners to Directors and Senior Management. Since 2009, We’ve supported over 50,000 day nursery and childcare businesses across all aspects of early years education.

Proactivity rules the roost in almost all aspects of business growth and success. As business leaders you analyse, you strategise, you prepare. Yet many businesses take a different approach to the mental health and wellbeing of their head office teams and franchise networks, deeming it as something nice to do when budget becomes available.
Resolving challenges and working towards sales will likely always feel a business priority vs supporting mental health, and it’s easy to understand this way of thinking, but the reality is that getting ahead of the game in this area is not only morally the right step, it’s an essential step for the health of your business too.

In partnership with BFA Supplier Member Cinder, we have developed a foundation course that will provide an understanding of the impact of mental health in business. Providing tools and mechanisms to build confidence and a structure that can be easily implemented with an action plan to make an instant difference to your network.

If you are a successful business owner keen to develop nationwide, servicing many more people than you do today franchise could be a great option. There are many routes to franchising your business and it is essential it is done in the right way with the right credible advice.
Our Franchise your Business seminar will provide you with the key considerations, delivered by expert advisors to help you decide if franchising is a viable growth option for your business.
The sessions are delivered by BFA accredited members with a broad knowledge and practical experience in franchising including specialists from the BFA together with legal and banking experts. A panel session will also feature guest franchisors and franchisees to really showcase both sides of the relationship.

The Adapt and Include SEND Conference is a one-day conference where we're dedicated to helping activity providers meet the needs of children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) hosted at The Collingwood Hotel, Bournemouth.

Organised by Nicole Bateman aka The Friendly SEND Advisor, a former teacher, podcaster, and passionate advocate, The Super Sensory Squad co-founder is on a mission to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.

In a crowded and ever-changing marketplace, standing out is more challenging, and more important, than ever. The Mastering Marketing Seminar 2025 is designed specifically for franchisors who want to sharpen their marketing strategies, drive brand growth, and support their networks with impactful, consistent campaigns.

This dynamic, full-day seminar will dive into the latest marketing trends, digital tools, and brand-building techniques that work across franchise networks. Whether you're looking to supercharge your lead generation, refresh your brand messaging, or improve marketing support for your franchisees, this seminar will give you practical takeaways you can implement straight away.

Perfect for franchisors at all stages of growth, this seminar is your opportunity to take your brand to the next level and make your marketing work harder for your entire network.

Not Your Average Business Event

Ideas Fest isn’t a conference.

It’s a two-day business festival for founders, investors, operators, and creatives who want straight talk and real connections.

Set in Pendley Manor Meadows, it blends festival energy with no-fluff conversations.
£4 million in deals were done here last year — over coffee and after-hours.

Download the Ideas Fest app to:
Build your schedule
Access app-only perks
Stay updated in real time

From April 2026, HMRC is Making Tax Digital (MTD). It's not optional; it will become a requirement for many. But what does this mean for you?

Find out in our webinar with Chris Hopwood, Founder of CAA Partner Tidal Accounting, and the CAA's very own Finance Director.

Chris will be demystifying the who, what, and when of the upcoming changes by explaining:

What changes are coming into force from April 2026

Who is affected by the changes

How to effectively plan for it

What future changes are coming in

This event is FREE for all CAA Members. Once logged in to the Member Portal, a 100% discount will automatically be applied.

Would you love to set your Instagram to autopilot for the summer holidays?

Join Tamara Holland from Dot & Stripe and Tim Freed from Book That In for a 4-evening accelerator designed to help you put Instagram on autopilot—so you can market your business effectively without social media taking over your life (and your summer holidays)

This practical programme will walk you through everything you need to set up your Instagram strategy, from planning and automation to scheduling and fine-tuning for success.

Following the success of this year’s Active Kids Theatre at Elevate, we are excited to announce an expanded partnership with Elevate for 2025. As the UK’s premier event for the fitness and physical activity industry, Elevate has been a dynamic platform for connecting industry leaders, innovators, and passionate professionals for almost 10-years. The Active Kids Theatre, a hub of innovation and insight, will return for a second year with even more opportunities to inspire and engage.

In 2025, the Active Kids Theatre will double its capacity to 80 seats and extend its duration to a two-day event, aligning with Elevate’s full schedule on June 18th and 19th at the ExCeL in London.

Reflecting on the success of the previous event, Chris Sharman, Founder of Kidztivity, shares, “The Active Kids Theatre at Elevate 2024 was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in our sector. We are thrilled to build on this foundation and create an even more impactful experience in 2025.”

Empowering Women in Business 2025 is more than just a conference, it’s a celebration of ambition, authenticity, and the incredible potential of women in the world of business. Proudly sponsored by HSBC UK, Morton Michel and Platinum Wave Franchising and taking place on 18th June 2025, this much-loved flagship event in the BFA calendar returns with even more energy, insight, and inspiration. Over the past decade, EWIB has built a reputation for delivering meaningful experiences that leave lasting impressions. Attendees consistently rank it as one of their favourite events, and it’s easy to see why: each year, it brings together a vibrant and ever-growing community of women who are committed to lifting each other up and growing their businesses with confidence.

Created, developed, and delivered by women, EWIB is designed with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities women face in business. From dynamic keynote speakers and interactive workshops to rich networking moments, every part of the day is crafted to spark new ideas and connections.

This year’s theme, The Power of Balance: Leading your life and the business you love, is a timely reminder that success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about sustainability. It’s about finding harmony between drive and wellbeing, purpose and profitability, leadership and life. Come and be inspired to thrive with both passion and pride.

Drop into our Recruitment & Training Clinic with Tom Trout, from Love Childcare Recruitment, Hayley Kelly from Personnel Checks, and Lisa Parkinson from Storyy.

Tom will be available to answer questions about your recruitment strategy, including what to include in your ads and where to post them to attract the best candidates.

Hayley can answer your questions about DBS checks - who needs them, eligibility, how to read them etc.

Lisa will cover questions on training and apprenticeships. Because let's face it, when you find good staff you want to keep them! And training and upskilling them to fill future gaps is a good recruitment strategy in itself.

THE CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

The day will feature an engaging conference programme, including thought-provoking keynote presentations and plenary sessions. Alongside this, a bustling trade show with up to 50 stands will provide unparalleled opportunities to network, collaborate, and discover the latest innovations in the sector.

It is an ideal opportunity to listen to first hand experiences from other Operators, learn about best practice and get industry updates. It is also the perfect space in which to meet AIP’s carefully selected trade suppliers and have time to discuss your needs and their services.

INDUSTRY DINNER AND AWARDS

As the day transitions, the space will be transformed into an elegant backdrop for our Industry Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony. This evening will celebrate the outstanding achievements and excellence of businesses and individuals in the indoor play industry.

This exceptional event promises to be the ultimate highlight of the year for indoor play operators. AIP Operator Members, Trade Members, non-AIP Members and industry specialists and their teams are welcome.

We will be revealing the winners of this year’s Awards across 11 categories whilst enjoying a gala event with a three-course meal and entertainment.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

We are thrilled to announce that Julie Bevan from Dot Kids will host the meeting, with Howden providing the venue and sponsoring the drinks and nibbles.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

We are thrilled to announce that Julie Bevan from Dot Kids will host the meeting, with Howden providing the venue and sponsoring the drinks and nibbles.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles. And they are FREE for CAA Members and Supporters.

We are thrilled to announce that our Partner, and Member of the CAA's Schools, Nurseries & Venues Committee, Cerys Keneally, will host the meeting. She will be joined by our Independent Representative Board Director, and Founder of The Den, Sarah Gittins, who champions the empowering motto, "YOU come first," at the heart of her thriving consultancy.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

We are thrilled to announce that Love Science's Abigail White will host the meeting, with Merewyn Sayers from Sayers Solutions coming along to talk about marketing beyond social media. She'll share her 4-step plan to make your marketing effective and worth the blood, sweat, and tears you put into it.
All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

If you are a CAA Member or Supporter, you can attend for FREE - just log in to your Member Portal and your discount will be applied.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

If you are a CAA Member or Supporter, you can attend for FREE - just log in to your Member Portal and your discount will be applied.

We are thrilled to announce that Julie Barber, Director of TechyTots, and Helen Simmons, CEO of Caterpillar Music, will host the meeting. They will be joined by James McDonald, Business Development Manager at Morton Michel, who will deliver an interactive session on risk assessments.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

The NatWest EWiF Awards recognise the achievements of women from all kinds of businesses, large and small, across the whole of the UK. Our award categories are designed to celebrate women right across the UK, from every sector and from businesses of all ages and all sizes. The awards are free to enter and open to all UK businesses involved in franchising, businesses do not need to be an EWiF member to enter.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable women who are shaping the future of franchising. Whether you are a franchisor, franchisee, service provider, or simply passionate about promoting gender equality in business, there is a place for you at the EWiF Awards. Together, we can continue to inspire and empower the next generation of women in franchising.

Get ready to soar to new heights! National Children’s Activities Week with headline sponsor Kidztivity, the UK’s largest annual celebration of children’s activities and fundraising event, returns for 2025. The event champions the incredible work of Caudwell Children whilst shining a light on the endless benefits of activities, clubs, and classes for families and children.

Mark your calendars for 12th – 18th May!

Join former teacher Cerys Keneally for a practical and engaging session that will equip you to confidently approach local schools and nurseries with timely, relevant offers tailored to their top priorities. Discover actionable strategies to make a meaningful impact and build strong connections. Cerys will be sharing how you can:

Discover valuable insights into which schools and nurseries receive their new budgets in April - perfect timing to align your offerings with their fresh funding opportunities. Stay ahead of your competitors by connecting with decision-makers when they're ready to invest.

Master the art of timely and relevant communication - because the right message at the right time means more conversions, stronger relationships, and a reputation as a trusted partner. Learn strategies to cut through the noise and deliver what your local schools and nurseries actually need, exactly when they want it

Pinpoint the optimal moments for demos and sales to maximise engagement and close rates during this critical time of year. Understand the senior leadership’s decision-making timeline to ensure your pitch lands when they're most ready to take action

Open to CAA Members

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop with Tamara Holland of Dot & Stripe, an award-winning marketing consultancy for children’s activities providers. Tamara will show you how to transform your Instagram profile into a powerful marketing tool for your children’s activity business. From crafting the perfect bio to making your grid work for you, we’ll cover everything you need to create a profile that attracts, engages, and converts parents into bookings.

Every year, I host a live 90 minute fast paced extravaganza - providing ALL the tips, tricks and strategies that I've learnt over the past 10 years on how to create success on LinkedIn!

It's fast paced and live, with a focus on LinkedIn, AND other platforms that ANYONE can use to enhance your LinkedIn success - including video messaging tools, video editing platforms, capturing voice messages, turning them in to video reviews and so much more.

If you're interested in joining (with the option of being sent the video replay and the 120 page e-book), then you can get your ticket using the button below.

Experience the difference at the Leadership in Action 2025! Designed exclusively for leaders seeking to enhance their skills and discover new strategies.

Why attend?

At Leadership in Action, immerse yourself in highly interactive and motivational workshops led by Team Academy, renowned as the UK’s premier experiential training provider. With a proven track record of training over 180k leaders worldwide, Team Academy brings unmatched expertise to the table. Throughout the day, reflect on your leadership journey, grow personally and professionally, and empower both yourself and your team with a wealth of tools and techniques for effective leadership. As you depart, you’ll feel inspired, empowered, and equipped to drive rapid and meaningful change within your organisation.

The Leadership in Action stands out from the rest on the BFA Academy events calendar, offering a full day divided into workshops facilitated by Team Academy. By attending, you’ll depart with a kit bag brimming with techniques and insights to immediately enhance your leadership skills.

This years workshops will be further developing your skills in Mindset, Coaching and Change!

‘Flourish’ is the 2025 ICAP Conference, bringing you even more great quality speakers, panels and suppliers. We’re taking you and your business further than ever before:

A world-beating line-up of Experts who will share their experience and passion with you on the day

A Supplier Showcase featuring handpicked brands.

Breakout workshops packed with actionable content that you can implement straight away to help your business grow.

Lots of Networking time throughout the day for you to spend time with friends old and new.

Complimentary Food and Drink during the event.

Drop into Chris Hopwood's free Accountancy Clinic with any questions you may have related to your accounts, finances and tax. Chris is the owner of CAA Partner Tidal Accounting. An accountancy practice covering all things accounting and tax for small businesses and sole traders, they are passionate about ensuring businesses of all sizes are getting support and advice.

The UK’s Largest Event For Early Years Education

Childcare & Education Expo is the only early years and education event you need in your calendar. Combining an innovative exhibition floor with a world-class content programme, you will discover a truly valuable experience. As an award-winning and longest-running event for the industry, we invite you to connect, learn and discover everything to help you excel in education.

The show features inspiration zones, special guests and unique support designed to spark fresh ideas, meaningful connections and practical insights. With CPD seminars, workshops and products from leading early years suppliers, it offers a rich learning environment for everyone from Nursery Owners to Directors and Senior Management. Since 2009, We’ve supported over 50,000 day nursery and childcare businesses across all aspects of early years education.

Vinny is back by popular demand after his session at Ignite!

Ensuring all children can experience a wide range of activities and discover their talents is at the core of the CAA. So for this workshop, we're opening it up to CAA Supporters as well as Members.

In this session Vinny will cover:

An overview of inclusion

Why is inclusion important?

What inclusion can mean for your business

Raising standards and keeping children safe is at the core of the Children's Activities Association. All children's activity providers have a duty of care to the children that attend their groups and classes to promote their welfare and keep them safe. The safeguarding legislation across the whole of the United Kingdom states you must have arrangements in place to safeguard children.

All organisations should have a minimum of one Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who takes lead responsibility for any safeguarding and child protection issues.

Ann Marie Christian, Safeguarding Expert and Trainer will be running whole day DSL training.

The training will cover:

Safeguarding in our setting

Legislation and guidance

Roles and responsibilities of the DSL

Thresholds of child protection

The referral process

Multi-agency work

Creating a culture of safeguarding

Franchise Exhibitions are an excellent opportunity to research the many franchising opportunities on offer and meet with franchisors face to face.

To give you the right tools to explore your future in franchising, we run free seminars during the exhibition. ‘Start Your Business in Franchising’ is aimed at prospective franchisees, while existing businesses looking to franchise their operations will benefit from ‘Franchise Your Business’ seminars.

We also have our own stand and myself and the BFA team are always happy to talk to you and help you explore your entrepreneurial side to the full! – Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO, British Franchise Association

Not sure whether to hire employed or self employed staff?

Has the increase in employer National Insurance contributions, which will take effect in April 2025, made you question your staffing structure?

Join our webinar with Kath Kidd, Principal Associate (Employment) at ARAG Law to find out what you need to take into consideration.

She’ll explain the legal framework behind employment status (self employed, workers and employees), so you can make an informed decision on how best to engage your paid workforce going forward.

This is an event for CAA Members & Supporters only

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

We are thrilled to announce that Julie Bevan from Dot Kids will host the meeting, with Howden providing the venue and sponsoring the drinks and nibbles.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

Want to escape the overwhelm and build a stable business for long-term impact in schools or nurseries this year?

We know too well how hard it is to juggle your passion for teaching with the challenges of running a business. You’re probably working around the clock, offering free tasters, trying to get schools to notice you, but somehow, the bookings still aren’t coming in as consistently as you’d like. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? We hear from so many business owners just like you who are stuck in that cycle of inconsistent bookings. You're putting in the work, but it feels like something is missing.
What if we told you there’s a way to create consistent bookings and long-term contracts with schools, all while freeing up time for your family? It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. That’s exactly what the Approaching Schools Academy is designed to help you do. With Cerys Keneally's step-by-step system, you’ll learn how to reach the right decision-makers, master your marketing, and get more schools signing up for your services. Before enrolment opens, Cerys is inviting you to her next Approaching Schools Challenge so you can try out the first few steps for free! We start on 27th January - register now.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable. If you're not already a member of the Children's Activities Association, we'd love for you to come along and meet us all, as well as learn more about the Children's Activities Association's mission and goals for the children's activities sector.

We are thrilled to announce that Jane James, CEO and Founder of "Little Voices," and Sarah Cressall, Founder and MD of "Creation Station" will be hosting another online meeting on behalf of the Children's Activities Association.

This meeting will focus on 'Compliance' with a guest speaker delivering an informative presentation.

This event is free to attend for everyone. The more activity providers we can get together to share ideas the better. So please, help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible by sharing the event and invitation with your networks and across your social media accounts.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

We are thrilled to announce that Love Science's Abigail White will host the meeting, with a guest speaker from Personnel Checks.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles. It is free for CAA Members and Supporters.

We are thrilled to announce that Julie Barber, Director of TechyTots, and Helen Simmons, CEO of Caterpillar Music, will host the meeting. They will be joined by a guest speaker from Morton Michel, who will deliver a presentation in line with the meeting's theme of 'creating safer environments'.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

This is a foundation course to provide and understanding of the impact of mental health on business. It provides tools and mechanisms to build confidence and a structure that can be easily implemented with an action plan to make an instant difference to your network.

Course Content

Your obligations as a franchisor
Understanding the impact of mental health on business
Creating a wellbeing policy
The importance of setting and communicating boundaries
Managing stress

Learning Pathway

Franchisor Foundation to wellbeing (half-day live training course)
In-training quiz and assessment of engagement to determine pass
Downloadable wellbeing policy template
Optional e-learning: ‘Franchisor wellbeing Action Plan’ - on completion of this, learners achieve their certificate

Be Part of the Pioneer Launch: Exclusive FREE Webinars on Youth Sports Innovation

In the ever-evolving world of youth sports and activities, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That's why we're excited to be partnering with MoveAhead, the future of youth movement assessment, and invite you to be part of their exclusive Pioneer Launch for 2025. By joining the Pioneer Launch, you'll be part of a select group of industry leaders setting the standard for youth sports innovation. This is your chance to:

Gain exclusive access to cutting-edge technology.
Influence the future of youth sports by being an early adopter.
Set the standard for excellence in youth engagement and development.

Be Part of the Pioneer Launch: Exclusive FREE Webinars on Youth Sports Innovation

In the ever-evolving world of youth sports and activities, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That's why we're excited to be partnering with MoveAhead, the future of youth movement assessment, and invite you to be part of their exclusive Pioneer Launch for 2025. By joining the Pioneer Launch, you'll be part of a select group of industry leaders setting the standard for youth sports innovation. This is your chance to:

Gain exclusive access to cutting-edge technology.
Influence the future of youth sports by being an early adopter.
Set the standard for excellence in youth engagement and development.

Drop into Chris Hopwood's free Accountancy Clinic with any questions you may have related to your accounts, finances and tax. Chris is the owner of CAA Partner Tidal Accounting. An accountancy practice covering all things accounting and tax for small businesses and sole traders, they are passionate about ensuring businesses of all sizes are getting support and advice.

We're thrilled to announce that our dazzling 2024 What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 21st November 2024, at the Leonardo Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton! 👏

Our finalists, sponsors, and esteemed guests deserve nothing but the finest, and this year, we have something extraordinary in store for you!

Join the brightest stars in the children's activities sector and step onto the red carpet, revel in the limelight, and indulge in a night of celebration complete with a sumptuous dinner and captivating entertainment hosted by Jonathan Bremner. 🎉

How to film a professional promo video on a budget - with Mark Fountain of Fountains Media

This will be a practical session where you’ll learn the tips and tricks you need to be able to film your very own professional looking promo video using just your phone!

Mark will take you step by step through some of the settings on your phone, the functions and tools within your camera, and share some tips and tricks to help you master editing.

Fountains Media is a CAA Partner, who shoots our Ignite! conference and promo video every year. They provide professional photography and videography services, and in-person and online training. So if you enjoy this hour session and want to learn more, you can! And as a CAA Member you get preferential rates.

Exciting news! The British Franchise Awards are back for 2024, promising an unforgettable evening of celebration for the finest in UK franchising. Mark your calendar for 7th November 2024!

The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2023 was a fantastic night where the franchising community gathered to celebrate outstanding achievements. Hosted by Pip Wilkins, CEO of the BFA, and Gillian Morris, HSBC UK’s Head of Franchising, the ceremony highlighted the best in the UK franchising world.

The night showcased a range of Franchisee Awards, each highlighting excellence in the franchising world. Exciting new categories, such as HSBC UK Best in Class Multi-Unit Single-Brand and Multi-Brand Leader, were introduced. Following this, the spotlight shifted to the Franchisor Awards, closely followed by the Franchisee of the Year People’s Choice award, which involved live voting from the audience.

The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2023 celebrated excellence and showcased the innovation, dedication, and positive impact franchises continue to make. It was a night to remember, highlighting the resilience and dynamism of the franchising community. Congratulations to all our amazing finalists, and of course, to all our winners!

We’re thrilled to announce that the BFA Annual Conference is back for 2024, promising another day of inspiration, education, and celebration within the UK franchising community. Mark your calendars for 7th November 2024 or book your tickets below to ensure you don’t miss out on a day dedicated to elevating your franchising experience.

This years BFA Annual Conference is proudly sponsored by Citation, focusing on the theme “Innovation – Driving Business Success”. We are set to push the boundaries of what is possible in the franchising industry!

The Adapt and Include SEND Conference is a one-day conference where we're dedicated to helping activity providers meet the needs of children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) hosted at Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth.

Organised by Nicole Bateman, a former teacher, podcaster, and passionate SEND advocate, The Super Sensory Squad co-founder is on a mission to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.

Ignite! is the Children's Activities Association's flagship conference, bringing children’s activities businesses of all shapes and sizes from across the UK together, along with their suppliers (Download the sponsorship prospectus).

It is the only event truly dedicated to equipping activity providers with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to run a successful business while raising standards across the sector.

Join us for an inspiring, educational, and informative day of professional guest speakers, practical breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and more, designed to help skyrocket your children’s activities business to the next level.

Ignite! is open to both CAA members and non-members.

Tickets for Ignite! are limited and to enable as many businesses as possible to attend, are capped at 2 tickets per business/franchise for the day conference.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Drop into Chris Hopwood's free Accountancy Clinic with any questions you may have related to your accounts, finances and tax. Chris is the owner of CAA Partner Tidal Accounting. An accountancy practice covering all things accounting and tax for small businesses and sole traders, they are passionate about ensuring businesses of all sizes are getting support and advice.

Drop into the CAA's FREE Marketing Clinic and get your marketing and social media questions answered.

Our very own Marketing Board Director, TikTok legend, and Founder and Franchisor of diddi dance, Anne Marie Martin, will share her big marketing wins as an activity provider.

And our CAA Partners, Mark Fountain of Fountains Media, and Mike Roberts, of Making Digital Real, will be there to share some top tips, answer your more technical questions, and point you in the direction of some platforms that can help you create professional looking content on a budget.

In this taster session, Jen shares hints and tips for supporting you in making your language visual by using Makaton.

She will guide you through setting up inclusive classes, all while following your session plans and keeping hold of your props!

This session is suitable for children's activity providers working with all ages and can be implemented across a range of classes including sensory, music, movement, sports and more.

Jen Ellison is a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, Makaton Tutor and Training Manager. As well as a Communication Expert and fellow children's activity provider.

You can find more information on her Facebook and Instagram @jemakatontraining

Discover a wide variety of franchise opportunities and get to know the people behind the brands. With exhibitors representing sectors ranging from food & beverage to care, education to fitness, and investment levels starting from less than £10,000, there is a franchise to suit all budgets and ambitions.

Whether you are looking to invest in a franchise, or you are considering franchising your business, don't miss the opportunity to learn from the experts. Tap into a wealth of knowledge from a varied mix of industry professionals during a packed programme of presentations, workshops and Q&A sessions.

Considering franchising your business? Chat to industry experts, enjoy a free appointment with a franchise consultant and attend dedicated talks to help you understand the model.

A social event to connect with others from around the franchise industry and have some fun! No key note speakers, no hidden agendas, no sales messages, just drinks and a bit of food!

“The Franchised Social is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends from the world of franchising and to meet new ones. I’d thoroughly recommend attending!” Theo Millward - SwimTime, Doggy First Aid & Franscape

"I love attending the franchised social events. I find them relaxed and informal and have definitely made better connections this way. A few drinks, great chats and a TikTok, what more could you ask for!? 😜" Anne-Marie Martin - Diddidance

With the UK's poorest children being 3 times more likely to miss out on extra-curricular opportunities we have a responsibility as a sector to come together and reach them in their schools.

Introducing the "Approaching Schools Challenge" - an industry movement towards helping children feel excited to go to school and the positive ripple effect that can have. Over the last 5 years this free online experience has supported over 5,600 children's activity providers to feel more confident with getting their business into schools or nurseries without cold calling.

Growing a business by partnering with schools or nurseries can help you to:

Earn a more consistent and reliable income
Get more daytime work for you or your team
Work flexible hours around your family
Do more of what you love in your business
Make a real difference in children's lives

"The best thing about Cerys Keneally's free training is that she actually gives you useable, valuable stuff on her free challenges (unlike some others). She has done wonders for me. I have billed £2k to new schools in the first 10 weeks and can see more coming. Join the free challenge and see for yourself."
(Drama provider, Jackie, went on to make an extra £30k from schools within a year of taking the challenge)

The process we teach on the challenge has been endorsed by teachers and senior leaders.

The UK’s Largest Event For Early Years Education

Childcare & Education Expo is the social early years event of the year. Offering a wide range of features and opportunities for attendees to enhance their professional development, network with peers and explore innovative products and services.

The show features CPD seminars, workshops and products and services by leading early years suppliers, creating a rich learning environment for all participants to Nursery Owners, Directors and Senior Management. The event aims to provide fresh insights, innovative ideas and valuable knowledge that can be applied to nurseries and childcare businesses. The event has welcomed over 40,000 professionals since 2010, covering all areas of day nurseries and early years education.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable. If you're not already a member of the Children's Activities Association, we'd love for you to come along and meet us all, as well as learn more about the Children's Activities Association's mission and goals for the children's activities sector.

We are thrilled to announce that Jane James, CEO and Founder of "Little Voices," and Sarah Cressall, Founder and MD of "Creation Station" will be hosting another online meeting on behalf of the Children's Activities Association.

We are thrilled to announce that Jane James, CEO and Founder of "Little Voices," and Sarah Cressall, Founder and MD of "Creation Station" will be hosting another online meeting on behalf of the Children's Activities Association.

This meeting will focus on 'Mindset and Goal Setting' with guest speaker Kerry Lockyer from Oomph Learning & Development Ltd. She will be bringing some colour, quite literally to our session, with a presentation on "Why it’s easier to get along with some people and not others… and what to do about it!"

As someone who’s used many different “colourful” behavioural tools over her career, she’ll be sharing some secrets around the different personality types. So if you’ve ever wondered:

Why we’re naturally drawn to some people over others
Why some people just seem to frustrate the hell out of us
What this could mean for you, your team and anyone else you know
Then join us for some fun and answers to these questions!

This event is free to attend for everyone. The more activity providers we can get together to share ideas the better. So please, help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible by sharing the event and invitation with your networks and across your social media accounts.

Our Advisor & Supplier is the chance to collaborate with peers, network and influence industry best practice. We discuss the topics on your agenda and gain expert insight in this session.

Be part of the driving force that influences high standards across franchising. Discuss strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats ensuring we evolve together for the best interests of British Franchising.

This event takes place from 10am to 2.30pm and will be chaired by Louise Harris QFP of Franchise Projects.

We all know that running a business can be isolating at times, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles. It is free for CAA Members and Supporters.

We are thrilled to announce that Julie Barber, Director of TechyTots, and Helen Simmons, CEO of Caterpillar Music, will host the meeting. The theme for discussion will be Mindset and Goal Setting.

We'd appreciate it if you could help us get the word out to as many activity providers as possible, so please share the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

This is a foundation course to provide and understanding of the impact of mental health on business. It provides tools and mechanisms to build confidence and a structure that can be easily implemented with an action plan to make an instant difference to your network.

Course Content

Your obligations as a franchisor
Understanding the impact of mental health on business
Creating a wellbeing policy
The importance of setting and communicating boundaries
Managing stress

Learning Pathway

Franchisor Foundation to wellbeing (half-day live training course)
In-training quiz and assessment of engagement to determine pass
Downloadable wellbeing policy template
Optional e-learning: ‘Franchisor wellbeing Action Plan’ - on completion of this, learners achieve their certificate

Welcome to Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) 2024 hosted by the BFA and proudly sponsored by Platinum Wave Franchising and The Franchising Centre, where we’re setting the stage for your future success! Join us for an exceptional event dedicated to empowering women in business and charting a course for the future. This year, our theme, “Foundations for the Future”, captures our commitment to equipping you with the tools, insights, and connections you need to thrive in the business community.

EWIB has been a consistent success for over a decade, standing as a flagship event beloved by attendees within the extensive BFA events line-up. Year after year, we witness the remarkable impact of this gathering, which consistently ranks as a favourite among our community.

If you’re a woman in business, this event is tailored for you! Created, developed, and delivered by women, EWIB draws an expanding vibrant community of women each year. Why not be a part of it? Experience informative and inspirational speakers, alongside invaluable networking opportunities for like-minded businesswomen.

Join us and immerse yourself in this empowering journey!

We all know that running a business can sometimes be isolating, so getting together with other people in our industry is invaluable.

All children's activity providers are welcome to attend our regional meetings, you don't need to be a CAA member. They provide a great opportunity for networking and collaborating with other providers over some drinks and nibbles.

We are thrilled to announce that Wow World Franchisor, Gail MacDonald, will host the meeting with Suzie McCafferty (Franchise Consultant and CEO of Platinum Wave) presenting on the topic of Mindset and Goal Setting. Please spread the word to as many activity providers as possible by sharing the event and invitation with your networks and social media accounts.

Join the BFA for the fourth and final Seminar of 2024: Technology and Systems. An exclusive event designed to empower BFA members with updates in the world of technology and how this can help your business to grow and improve. Making sure you get the best from your systems, sharing advice on how to ensure your business is set for the future months.

This groundbreaking seminar will bring together industry experts to share their knowledge and review what the future of technology has to offer.

Join Morton Michel's Research and Insight Manager, Dan Weir, to find out what the new Labour government might mean for the sector.

What was in their manifesto?
What are likely to be their priorities?
Does he foresee any big opportunities or challenges for children's activity providers?

This is a CAA Member only event

Raising standards and keeping children safe is at the core of the Children's Activities Association. All children's activity providers have a duty of care to the children that attend their groups and classes to promote their welfare and keep them safe. The safeguarding legislation across the whole of the United Kingdom states you must have arrangements in place to safeguard children.

All organisations should have a minimum of one Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who takes lead responsibility for any safeguarding and child protection issues.

Ann Marie Christian, Safeguarding Expert and Trainer will be running whole day DSL training.

The training will cover:

Safeguarding in our setting
Legislation and guidance
Roles and responsibilities of the DSL
Thresholds of child protection
The referral process
Multi-agency work
Creating a culture of safeguarding

A free webinar and live Q&A on the new legislation requiring employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

New legislation coming into force in October this year, means employers will be legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

Under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, failing to take these steps could result in tribunals increasing any compensation awarded to an employee who has been sexually harassed by up to 25%.

While the specific actions required may differ across organisations, every employer has the responsibility to proactively assess risks and implement necessary and appropriate measures to prevent harassment in their workplace.

Join us for a free webinar and Q+A session on July 1 where we will explain the new legislation, its likely impact on your business and the action you need to take to comply with it.

We will cover:

An overview of the new Act and how it changes the existing legislation
Defining sexual harassment and its various forms
What types of activities will be considered as reasonable preventative measures
Immediate actions and steps to ensure compliance

Please feel free to send any questions to training@realityhr.co.uk and we will answer them during the webinar.

Recruitment always comes up as one of the biggest challenges activity providers face. So when you find good people, how do you keep them? Training and development is often key.

Find out in this session with Storyy Group’s Partnerships Manager, Lisa Parkinson, how, through upskilling your team and creating pathways for career progression, you can aid staff retention, improve productivity and tackle skills shortages.

This is a foundation course to provide and understanding of the impact of mental health on business. It provides tools and mechanisms to build confidence and a structure that can be easily implemented with an action plan to make an instant difference to your network.

Course Content

Your obligations as a franchisor
Understanding the impact of mental health on business
Creating a wellbeing policy
The importance of setting and communicating boundaries
Managing stress

Learning Pathway

Franchisor Foundation to wellbeing (half-day live training course)
In-training quiz and assessment of engagement to determine pass
Downloadable wellbeing policy template
Optional e-learning: ‘Franchisor wellbeing Action Plan’ - on completion of this, learners achieve their certificate

Experience the difference at the Leadership in Action Conference 2024! Designed exclusively for leaders seeking to enhance their skills and discover new strategies, this event is a must-attend.

Why attend?

At the Leadership in Action Conference, immerse yourself in highly interactive and motivational workshops led by Team Academy, renowned as the UK’s premier experiential training provider. With a proven track record of training over 180k leaders worldwide, Team Academy brings unmatched expertise to the table. Throughout the day, reflect on your leadership journey, grow personally and professionally, and empower both yourself and your team with a wealth of tools and techniques for effective leadership. As you depart, you’ll feel inspired, empowered, and equipped to drive rapid and meaningful change within your organisation.

The Leadership in Action Conference stands out from the rest on the BFA Academy events calendar, offering a full day divided into four sections of workshops facilitated by Team Academy. By attending, you’ll depart with a kit bag brimming with techniques and insights to immediately enhance your leadership skills.

We also extend a warm invitation to the leaders of tomorrow, encouraging them to connect with today’s leaders and forge lasting relationships that will shape future generations.

What are you waiting for?

Join us in this innovative experience and become part of a community dedicated to leadership excellence and growth. And don’t forget, BFA members receive an exclusive 50% off!

After a hiatus since 2018, the Association of Indoor Play (AIP) is set to revive the much-anticipated Industry Awards, marking a significant shift in recognising and celebrating excellence within the indoor play sector. The absence of dedicated award events over the past few years has left a void in acknowledging the crucial role of indoor play facilities and the pursuit of excellence within the industry.
With the relaunch of these coveted awards, AIP aims to reignite pride in recognition for outstanding achievement, fostering a culture of acknowledgement, achievement, improvement and innovation.

Join us on June 12th at Drayton Manor for a full day AIP Conference and Trade Show followed by an evening gala Industry Awards Gala Dinner! AIP Operators, Trade Members as well as non-AIP Members and their teams are welcome and tickets can be booked separately for those who wish to only attend part of the day, or as a bundle.

POWERING THE FUTURE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Every year Elevate brings direction, inspiration and new opportunities for success to every area of the physical activity & fitness sector, in a forward-thinking, collaborative environment

Thousands of decision-makers from gyms, studios, sports clubs, universities, schools and private practice meet over 250 leading suppliers to discover solutions and product innovations. Be inspired by the largest, most comprehensive and highly regarded FREE TO ATTEND Education Programme, curated by over 200 expert speakers.

Join us for an insightful webinar on the latest changes in employment law. Our expert presenters, Gillian McAteer from Citation and Nicola Broadhurst from Stevens & Bolton, will walk you through the recent updates, explain the basics, and help you understand how these changes might impact your business.

💡 Why Attend?

Stay compliant with the latest employment laws
Get practical advice from top industry experts
Learn what steps you need to take to adapt to these changes
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve. Mark your calendars now!

Join Koffee Klatch for the joint event talking about GDPR marketing and Children’s data.

Cerys’ consultancy helps children’s activity providers get their services into schools and nurseries.

Tamara is a marketing strategist who supports children’s activity providers to increase their visibility

Jo is a data protection specialist who helps small businesses to manage their GDPR obligations

Join us as we discuss the GDPR requirements when marketing your children’s activity business to parents, schools, or nurseries.

Key topics we will discuss:

How to collect data securely and compliantly from parents, schools, and nurseries
What are the rules for using the data for marketing?
How to safely share data with our team, schools, nurseries, our accountant, virtual assistant, or social media support
Rules for using children’s photos in our marketing

Grab a coffee, tea, or glass of wine and join us for an informal and interactive discussion.

Get ready to soar to new heights! National Children’s Activities Week, the UK’s largest annual celebration of children’s activities and fundraising event, returns for 2024. The event champions the incredible work of Caudwell Children whilst shining a light on the endless benefits of activities, clubs, and classes for families and children.

Mark your calendars for 13th – 19th May and prepare to dive into the fun with the return of the popular #WatchMeFly theme.

100% of all donations will be directed to Caudwell Children, a charity dedicated to increasing equal access and opportunities for disabled and autistic children nationwide.