The Creation Station is asking for public votes to help it win a OneFamily Community Award of £25,000 for its ‘Impact 100’ campaign. The idea is to develop and deliver one hundred free arts and crafts creative workshops across the UK, for those who are affected by dementia.
There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and it is estimated that 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. This means that as we live longer we will all know someone who has dementia. The Creation Station is asking for public votes to help it win a OneFamily Community Award of £25,000 for its Impact 100 campaign. The campaign is designed to develop and deliver one hundred free arts and crafts workshops and to provide free tips and ideas for those affected by dementia across the UK.
OneFamily customers can nominate good causes to benefit from an award of up to £25,000. All entries are then open to a public vote and the most popular projects win the funding. This year over 400 customers nominated projects to receive funding across the UK with the voting now open to members of the public until 6 September 2017.
Sarah Cressall, a customer of OneFamily and founder of The Creation Station said, “We are passionate about the positive impact creative activities can have. We are delighted to have this chance to develop specific programmes for those affected by dementia and are really grateful to all those who have shown their support by voting and sharing.”
Guy French, Corporate and Customer Strategy Director at OneFamily, said: “The OneFamily Community Awards go right to the heart of what being part of a customer-owned business is all about, directly benefitting our customers and the causes closest to their hearts. Each year we give hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund projects, making a real difference to the good causes and those that benefit from them. A fantastic range of entries have been nominated this year and all of them are projects that our customers care passionately about. Anyone can vote and those that get the most will win, so I’d encourage everyone to get involved.”
Click here to vote!
Based in Aberdeen, The Creation Station franchise owner, Ruth Morris, has been named Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year at the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017. Ruth won due to her enterprising nature and determination to succeed - making her stand out from the crowd amongst other small business owners. Ruth set up her Aberdeen North and Shire Creation Station franchise in 2013. She wanted to find a career she could feel really passionate about, and that allowed her to make a difference, while also having the flexibility to spend more time with her two children, Connor and Lexie. The Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year category highlights the benefits of becoming a franchisee to achieve a better work-life balance. Ruth beat two finalists in this category, including Kent-based Neil Collis from Ed’s Garden Maintenance and John Baldacchino from the Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise in West Cheshire. The award builds on previous recognition for Ruth’s hard work and dedication; earlier in the year she won Creation Station’s Franchisee of the Year 2017 award and the Gold Creation Station Pin for exceptional work from the franchisor. Outside of the business, Ruth was shortlisted in the Working Mums Top Franchise awards in the Franchisee of the Year 2017 category. Ruth commented on her award win: “It’s such a huge honour to win this award and I deeply appreciate the support I’ve received from everyone at Creation Station to get to where I am today. I've grown in so many ways by running my own franchise and I've had such wonderful support, it has allowed me to really enjoy my business. It’s great to go to work every day and make a difference to the families I work so closely with and it all comes down to the fact that I really enjoy what I do.” Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa said: “Ruth’s achievement is truly inspiring and as judges, we couldn’t help but notice her passion and enthusiasm for not only her business but working with children and their families. We are excited to see how she grows and shapes her business in the near future.” Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising at HSBC, added: “All finalists in this category were exceptional and therefore selecting the winner was a difficult decision. I was genuinely impressed by Ruth and wish her further success as she grows her business.”
Based in Aberdeen, The Creation Station franchise owner, Ruth Morris, has been named Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year at the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017. Ruth won due to her enterprising nature and determination to succeed - making her stand out from the crowd amongst other small business owners.
Ruth set up her Aberdeen North and Shire Creation Station franchise in 2013. She wanted to find a career she could feel really passionate about, and that allowed her to make a difference, while also having the flexibility to spend more time with her two children, Connor and Lexie.
The Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year category highlights the benefits of becoming a franchisee to achieve a better work-life balance.
Ruth beat two finalists in this category, including Kent-based Neil Collis from Ed’s Garden Maintenance and John Baldacchino from the Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise in West Cheshire.
The award builds on previous recognition for Ruth’s hard work and dedication; earlier in the year she won Creation Station’s Franchisee of the Year 2017 award and the Gold Creation Station Pin for exceptional work from the franchisor. Outside of the business, Ruth was shortlisted in the Working Mums Top Franchise awards in the Franchisee of the Year 2017 category.
Ruth commented on her award win: “It’s such a huge honour to win this award and I deeply appreciate the support I’ve received from everyone at Creation Station to get to where I am today. I've grown in so many ways by running my own franchise and I've had such wonderful support, it has allowed me to really enjoy my business. It’s great to go to work every day and make a difference to the families I work so closely with and it all comes down to the fact that I really enjoy what I do.”
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa said: “Ruth’s achievement is truly inspiring and as judges, we couldn’t help but notice her passion and enthusiasm for not only her business but working with children and their families. We are excited to see how she grows and shapes her business in the near future.”
Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising at HSBC, added: “All finalists in this category were exceptional and therefore selecting the winner was a difficult decision. I was genuinely impressed by Ruth and wish her further success as she grows her business.”
Mum to two and businesswoman, Ruth Morris, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year category at the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017. Ruth set up her Aberdeen North and Shire Creation Station franchise is 2013. She wanted to find a career she could feel really passionate about, and that allowed her to make a difference, while also having the flexibility to spend more time with her two children, Connor and Lexie. Since its launch, Ruth’s Creation Station franchise has delivered creative art and crafts classes, parties and events to over 18,000 children in the local area. Ruth’s hard work has been recognised previously, when she won Creation Station’s Franchisee of the Year 2017 award and the Gold Creation Station Pin for exceptional work from the franchisor. Outside of the business, Ruth was shortlisted in the Working Mums Top Franchise awards in the Franchisee of the Year 2017 category. Running for nearly 30 years, the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017 celebrate franchisees across the nation who show dedication, commitment and a passion for both their brand and the franchising industry. The category highlights the benefits of becoming a franchisee to achieve a better work-life balance. Ruth was shortlisted due to her enterprising nature and determination to succeed - making her stand out from the crowd amongst other small business owners. Commenting on the award nomination, Ruth said: “I’m passionate about making a difference to my community through the arts and crafts experience because it’s so beneficial and great fun. I never dreamt that my Creation Station franchise would be recognised by being named a finalist in such a prestigious award. I’ve been so fortunate to find a flexible franchise, doing something I love that allows me to be there for own children. I’m just so thrilled and this means so much to me and my family!” Pip Wilkins, CEO at the bfa said, “With so many inspirational stories from our members’ franchisees, it’s always a tough task to narrow it down to our 15 finalists. These outstanding business owners have so many different reasons for taking control of their business lives, and to hear the diversity in these stories is always so empowering. All of our finalists this year are excellent examples of how the franchisor’s collaborative approach, combined with the go-getting attitude of the franchisee, generates success at both individual and network levels.” Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchise at HSBC, added, “Judging is a hard task at the best of times, which only becomes harder every year when the difference in best in class is paper thin. Each franchisee highlights how focus and drive, when supplemented by the support of a franchisor, results in the growth of a sustainable and profitable business. HSBC is delighted to play a pivotal role in meeting the financial challenges of this dynamic and important market sector.”
Mum to two and businesswoman, Ruth Morris, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year category at the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017.
Ruth set up her Aberdeen North and Shire Creation Station franchise is 2013. She wanted to find a career she could feel really passionate about, and that allowed her to make a difference, while also having the flexibility to spend more time with her two children, Connor and Lexie.
Since its launch, Ruth’s Creation Station franchise has delivered creative art and crafts classes, parties and events to over 18,000 children in the local area.
Ruth’s hard work has been recognised previously, when she won Creation Station’s Franchisee of the Year 2017 award and the Gold Creation Station Pin for exceptional work from the franchisor. Outside of the business, Ruth was shortlisted in the Working Mums Top Franchise awards in the Franchisee of the Year 2017 category.
Running for nearly 30 years, the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017 celebrate franchisees across the nation who show dedication, commitment and a passion for both their brand and the franchising industry.
The category highlights the benefits of becoming a franchisee to achieve a better work-life balance. Ruth was shortlisted due to her enterprising nature and determination to succeed - making her stand out from the crowd amongst other small business owners.
Commenting on the award nomination, Ruth said: “I’m passionate about making a difference to my community through the arts and crafts experience because it’s so beneficial and great fun. I never dreamt that my Creation Station franchise would be recognised by being named a finalist in such a prestigious award. I’ve been so fortunate to find a flexible franchise, doing something I love that allows me to be there for own children. I’m just so thrilled and this means so much to me and my family!”
Pip Wilkins, CEO at the bfa said, “With so many inspirational stories from our members’ franchisees, it’s always a tough task to narrow it down to our 15 finalists. These outstanding business owners have so many different reasons for taking control of their business lives, and to hear the diversity in these stories is always so empowering. All of our finalists this year are excellent examples of how the franchisor’s collaborative approach, combined with the go-getting attitude of the franchisee, generates success at both individual and network levels.”
Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchise at HSBC, added, “Judging is a hard task at the best of times, which only becomes harder every year when the difference in best in class is paper thin. Each franchisee highlights how focus and drive, when supplemented by the support of a franchisor, results in the growth of a sustainable and profitable business. HSBC is delighted to play a pivotal role in meeting the financial challenges of this dynamic and important market sector.”
Winners of The Best Creation Station Franchise Awards Announced at the 15th Annual Inspiring Imaginations Conference along with Debra Searle MBE Key note speaker and #GlitterChallenge launched The Creation Station team and franchise owners from across the UK gathered at Cadbury House Hotel in Bristol on 21st and 22nd April, to celebrate 15th years of inspiring imagination at the annual Creation Station national franchise conference. The day, gala evening and new booking system and website seminar, provided all franchise owners with the opportunity to celebrate successes, to learn about new developments and to share ideas together. “When I started The Creation Station back in 2002, I never imagined the calibre of the team I would be working with,” said Sarah Cressall, founder and Managing Director of The Creation Station. “Our Creation Station family has helped to inspire over 325,000 children and families, and with our new online booking system, it’s even easier for people to get involved and enjoy fun arts and crafts classes, parties and events delivered by our exceptional team across the UK.” The celebrations had an extra sparkle this year with The Creation Station’s #GlitterChallenge. The challenge was created to encourage people to wear something sparkly to brighten children’s lives and to nominate two friends with a £2 donation to raise funds for UNICEF. The key note speaker was the brilliant Debra Searle MBE MVO. Debra resonated with everyone as she spoke about building resilience, managing a successful business and creating a fulfilling life. There were also workshops where franchise owners got creative with the new Creation Station services now on offer. These include ‘Tiny Treasures’ – parent and newborn craft keepsakes, adult and elderly ‘Creative Crafters’ events and the new monthly ‘Family Fun’ events. The evening gala included an award’s evening recognising franchise owners who have contributed to their community or made significant developments in their business. “Our franchise owners make such positive contributions to their local community,” says Fran Long, the franchise dedicated support manager. “We are really proud of the differences all of our Creation Station family makes, so judging the awards is really tough. Our one hundred and twenty-four franchise owners are becoming more and more successful and the calibre is really high.” The prestigious title of the “Best Franchisee of the Year 2016” was awarded to Ruth Morris from Aberdeen for delivering the core values with such passion to her local community. The prestigious title of “Best New Franchisee of the Year 2016” was awarded to Helen Naraine from Solihull for a phenomenal first year. The prestigious title of “The People’s Choice Award” (chosen by the network) was awarded to Nicole Norman from Stevenage for her incredible support to the team. A new ‘Innovation Award’ was given to Emma Theunissen for developing the Tiny Treasures newborn keepsakes, after the birth of her third child, Mae. Additional awards were given out for outstanding actions, these included: “Best Member of Staff”, which was awarded to Donna O’Donoghue who works in Kirsty Hickson’s team in Driffield. The “Best Retailer” was awarded to Claire Darnley from Halesowen. The “Best Can Do Attitude” was awarded to Suzie Smith from Grantham. The prestigious silver award for inspiring over 3,000 children in a year was awarded to: Lisa Hagg, Suzie Smith and Jann Thorpe. The bronze award for inspiring 1,000 children in a year was awarded to: Alex Chaundy, Debbie Kersley, Emma Hinkins, Rebecca Wootton, Jo Rivett, Lisa Tye, Nicola Cliffe, Emma Winterbourne, Stephanie Swann, Tracey Pennell, Hayley Cronin and Alex Parker.
Winners of The Best Creation Station Franchise Awards Announced at the 15th Annual Inspiring Imaginations Conference along with Debra Searle MBE Key note speaker and #GlitterChallenge launched The Creation Station team and franchise owners from across the UK gathered at Cadbury House Hotel in Bristol on 21st and 22nd April, to celebrate 15th years of inspiring imagination at the annual Creation Station national franchise conference.
The day, gala evening and new booking system and website seminar, provided all franchise owners with the opportunity to celebrate successes, to learn about new developments and to share ideas together.
“When I started The Creation Station back in 2002, I never imagined the calibre of the team I would be working with,” said Sarah Cressall, founder and Managing Director of The Creation Station. “Our Creation Station family has helped to inspire over 325,000 children and families, and with our new online booking system, it’s even easier for people to get involved and enjoy fun arts and crafts classes, parties and events delivered by our exceptional team across the UK.”
The celebrations had an extra sparkle this year with The Creation Station’s #GlitterChallenge. The challenge was created to encourage people to wear something sparkly to brighten children’s lives and to nominate two friends with a £2 donation to raise funds for UNICEF.
The key note speaker was the brilliant Debra Searle MBE MVO. Debra resonated with everyone as she spoke about building resilience, managing a successful business and creating a fulfilling life. There were also workshops where franchise owners got creative with the new Creation Station services now on offer. These include ‘Tiny Treasures’ – parent and newborn craft keepsakes, adult and elderly ‘Creative Crafters’ events and the new monthly ‘Family Fun’ events.
The evening gala included an award’s evening recognising franchise owners who have contributed to their community or made significant developments in their business.
“Our franchise owners make such positive contributions to their local community,” says Fran Long, the franchise dedicated support manager. “We are really proud of the differences all of our Creation Station family makes, so judging the awards is really tough. Our one hundred and twenty-four franchise owners are becoming more and more successful and the calibre is really high.”
