Meet the Head Office Team
A team of experts, dedicated to driving the brand forward.
Starting a business can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve spent years developing the support, systems and expertise needed to help franchise owners succeed. From your first conversation through to launching and growing your business, Duck HQ are there to support you.
Initial Training
Comprehensive induction covering business operations, customer experience, marketing, sales, systems and processes, and team management.
Launch Marketing Support
Brand and marketing expertise, national campaigns, recruitment marketing, social media campaigns and access to fully branded marketing resources.
Ongoing Support
Dedicated head office support, regular business reviews, marketing guidance, commercial advice, a peer support network, and national conferences and events.
In Business for Yourself. Never by Yourself.
Jo Stone - CEO & Managing Director
As co-founder of Puddle Ducks, Jo has been with the business since it's inception in 2002 and is at the helm today, leading the team and network into the future.
Follow Jo on Linkedin
Ali Beckman - Head of Aquatics
Ali heads up the Aquatics Team who are responsible for developing our product, training our teachers and maintaining the highest standards. Ali is also the President of our governing body, Swimming Teachers Association (STA) and on the Puddle Ducks Board of Directors.
Steve Adams - Head of Finance
Steve has been with Puddle Ducks since 2019. As a previous owner of a Subway franchise and a qualified accountant, Steve is uniquely placed to understand the business of running a profitable franchise. He and the Finance Team work closely with our franchise owners to ensure sustainable profits and the highest accounting standards.
Claire Mills - Head of Franchising
Claire and her team support franchisees throughout their entire Puddle Ducks journey from onboarding to exit.
They provide expert business guidance, alongside ongoing training, development workshops, and franchise events, helping franchisees grow, stay connected, and succeed long term.
Ruth Nelson - Head of Marketing & Customer Experience
With 20+ years marketing experience, Ruth works with her team to deliver an excellent national brand reputation and an excellent customer experience through well executed national campaigns and delivering training and support at a franchise level.
Gary Evans - Systems Support Lead
Gary is a member of the Franchise Support team but also runs the systems critical to our business success, such as our bespoke customer management software. His insight into both areas means he and his team deliver meaningful technology-led solutions and evolutions to make running your business as smooth as it can be.