After a record year of growth, Swimtime – the UK’s largest swimming lesson franchise business – has expanded its team with the appointment of Heather Horrocks as swimming technical manager.

Horrocks, who is a Swimming Teachers Association (STA)-qualified swimming tutor, will oversee compliance within the business from the North West-based headquarters. She will ensure that individual franchisees are working to the business format franchise model by following industry regulations.

Alongside her role at Swimtime, Heather is also a swimming tutor and fitness instructor at Trafford Community Leisure Trust, where she has taught children and adults for over 10 years.

Speaking of her new role, Heather commented: “Managing compliance is particularly important for franchise businesses to ensure a streamlined operation across the board. After working as a swimming tutor for many years, I’m delighted to take my career to the next level with Swimtime and help boost the current support team and its core values.”

With 19 franchisees trading across 26 regions, Swimtime currently works with over 300 independent swimming instructors and is a full member of the British Franchise Association (BFA).

Linda Price, Swimtime brand director and Chair of Northern Forums for the BFA, said: “As a franchise, ensuring consistency and maintaining our high standards can be a challenge. Last year, we implemented new company literature to ensure brand guidelines are met across the board and Heather’s appointment will help us achieve a constant message.

“With Heather’s wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry, we’re confident she will become an invaluable part of the business as we continue to expand.”