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. 

James McDonald is Morton Michel Insurance’s Partnerships Manager.  Morton Michel is the UK’s premier Childcare & Education Insurance provider, delivering insurance solutions specifically designed for professionals in the industry for over 60 years.

James works closely with franchisors, franchisees, independent providers, associations, and suppliers across the children’s activity community, and has been supporting the sector for over 10 years now. In his role James spends time identifying the unique needs and requirements of his clients to provide them with an insurance solution designed around their business.

James is also a regular provider of workshops, seminars and speaking sessions at industry events sharing his insights and experience.

Helen Muller has spent her career helping teams do brilliant things!  Whether that’s running kids' activities and camps as part of a wider operation, launching businesses, or figuring out how to get grown-ups and kids equally excited about being active. As co-founder of The Engagement Engine, she now works with organisations of all shapes and sizes to bring energy, purpose, and a dash of common sense to how they grow. A mum of two (now grown-up boys) and a lifelong champion of active, creative childhoods, Helen is delighted to be part of this year’s What’s On 4 Kids awards.

Amanda is a research psychologist, passionate about children’s play.

She is the CEO of the research consultancy Fundamentally Children, home of Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide. Amanda is also the independent chair of the Association of Play Industries. In addition, she is an NED for Families in Focus CIC, and is on the advisory board of a small number of mission-led businesses.

Amanda has a PhD in neuropsychology, the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years experience working with children and families. Widely considered as the UK’s go to expert on play, parenting and child development, her book ‘Play’ was published in May 2105 and has been translated into different languages with extracts being published in the USA’s Toy Industry Association’s Genius of Play initiative for which she is an expert ambassador.

Amanda has an increasing international profile and was commissioned by the Toy Association to create the STEAM toy accreditation framework, and more recently has created the MESH Toy accreditation program for toys promoting Mental, Emotional and Social Health. She is also the UK Chapter chair for Women in Toys - an international group supporting women within the toy, entertainment and licensing industries.

Amanda is regularly in the media and continues to take an active role in research, presenting papers at various international conferences. She is often involved in government policy around children’s issues, presenting her Balanced Play Model at the European Parliament in September 2019.