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ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Unique idea proves inspirational
A DANCE instructor's entrepreneurial drive to create a completely new concept has known no bounds.
Claire O'Connor established her babyballet Song and Dance Academy Ltd based on a unique idea that removed the competetive edge from dance classes.
Each child is encouraged to dance to the best of his or her ability, rather than to compete against each other to be the best.
Claire has built up a nurturing environment which welcomes children of all abilities.
It started with dance classes and now the brand has its own uniforms, parties, babyballet characters, events and is being franchised across the country.
Claire's successes took her all the way to the finals of the national search for a Mumpreneur on ITV's This Morning.
And Thomson Holidays could soon take babyballet into its family club hotels across Europe.
The mum-of-four, who lives in Greetland, Halifax, began the business on her own, but now employs a team.
The concept was described as a wonderful idea by the judges.
Claire had proved that not only did it work but it could also be grown.
She has tirelessly pushed her brand - which was created from scratch - into various sectors and she still has more plans for the future.
Also short-listed was Pritpal Singh, of Hebden Bridge, who is one of only seven McDonalds's joint venture partners in the UK.
He began as a trainee manager 25 years ago and now runs 23 of the restaurants through his company Premium Restaurants.
Chris Hopkins, of Ploughcroft Building Services, was short-listed for having transformed his roofing and building company.
Calderdale Council sponsored the award.
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Weather for Halifax
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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