Partner Article

Saving children’s lives inspires new franchise

“I was in a coffee shop with a friend when her daughter started to choke. Mum panicked and didn’t know what to do, so I stepped in. This was the light bulb moment for me: the realisation that many parents do not have the first aid knowledge to potentially save their child’s life.”

With a 15 year career in the police, Jenni Dunman, CEO of Daisy First Aid, already had a range of first aid experience. The Surrey-based businesswoman launched her business 14 months ago and has already attracted 21 franchisees. The franchisees host bite-size first aid classes designed specifically for parents with classes held in homes or venues. These classes are available for individuals as well as those who work with children such as scout leaders, dance teachers and soft play staff. Daisy First Aid franchisees are mostly parents who are able to work their business around family life.

Kerry Kirkby, a franchisee from Christchurch, explains:

“I have been running Daisy First Aid Christchurch for just over a year, teaching classes throughout my pregnancy, returning when my baby was eight weeks old. The support and flexibility that comes with this franchise really appealed to me. I absolutely love my job and have met some great people, many of who I now call my friends.

“While training to be a primary school teacher I became passionate about first aid as a skill that everyone should be taught, especially parents and teachers. I feel that I am passing on a vital skill that gives parents peace of mind. I have always thought that first aid is incredibly important but more so now that I am a parent myself. You can only do so much to prevent accidents happening but sometimes accidents do happen and it is those times that every parent should know what to do to help their child.”

The current base of franchisees is in the south east, where Jenni is based, although she plans to expand this nationwide. Jenni continues:

“We’re recruiting for franchisees nationally – we attract mothers looking for a flexible business that can work around busy family life. We do, of course have franchisees, that don’t have children and we are happy to bring men on board too!

“Previous first aid or teaching experience is preferable however it is more important that we find people who will bring fun and vibrancy to our classes and who will work hard within the Daisy First Aid team to build the brand and maintain our fantastic reputation.

“I know that even basic, easy to learn first aid can absolutely save lives and I want every parent to have this knowledge. The aim of the business is to provide parents with essential knowledge and confidence without the fear factor. I’d love for Daisy First Aid to become a must-do class for parents and a household name.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Ward .