YogaBugs has reported that its first three franchisees have started trading in London Central West, North East Surrey and Falkirk in Scotland. The franchise, in which franchisees recruit and train people from a strong yoga background to bring yoga classes into schools, nurseries and health clubs for children aged two and a half to seven and eight to 12 began its national franchisee recruitment programme in the previous edition of The Franchise Magazine. They also took a stand at the recent National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, where Managing Director Lara Goodbody reported 'a lot of excitement about our concept.'

YogaBugs gained fame through the BBC's Dragons Den in 2006, when Lara and her business partner Fenella Lindsell turned down an investment offer from Richard Farleigh. The company subsequently obtained its investment on more favourable terms, and is now offering opportunities nationwide. 'The franchisee's role is primarily business development,' reveals Lara. 'We have trained 1,200 people around the country prior to franchising the business, and when someone takes on a territory with us they can recruit these people to teach classes while they focus on building a larger network of children's yoga teachers to meet the demand for classes. Issues of rising childhood obesity and stress levels are making yoga a popular choice before, during and after the school day.

'Ideally we need strong people managers who have business development skills. The three franchisees we have on board already have yoga experience and will be delivering classes, but this in by no means necessary for building a successful YogaBugs business. We're looking to bring on board 25 franchisees in our first 12 months, and in total we have 150 regions available across the UK.'

Published: 19 November 2007

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