We’re incredibly proud to share that our Founder and CEO, Claire O’Connor, has won an Inspirational Woman of the Year at the Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) Awards 2026.

The EWiF Awards celebrate the achievements of women from franchising businesses of every size across the UK, recognising individuals who are making a significant impact within the industry through leadership, innovation and inspiration.

This year’s nomination is particularly special as babyballet celebrates 20 years in business.

Over the past two decades, Claire has grown babyballet into an internationally recognised children’s dance franchise, supporting hundreds of franchisees while helping thousands of children discover confidence through dance.

Most recently, Claire has led the exciting expansion of babyballet into Dubai, successfully navigating an entirely new business landscape, from legal requirements and governance to technology, compliance and market regulations. Throughout this journey, she has continued to support and inspire franchisees across the UK, Australia and New Zealand while leading the business into its next chapter.

For Claire, however, franchising has always been about people.

From supporting franchisees as they launch their own businesses to encouraging professional development across the network, she believes that creating successful businesses starts with investing in people, building relationships and leading with purpose.

This nomination is not only a celebration of Claire’s achievements but also of the incredible babyballet community that continues to grow, innovate and inspire families around the world.

Congratulations, Claire, on this well-deserved recognition. Everyone across the babyballet family is incredibly proud of you.