A MUSIC teacher who gave free online classes to 500 families during lockdown has won a major industry award.

Laura Justice, owner of Rhythm Time, in Skipton, a franchise within the Yorkshire North West area, gave up her own family time to deliver the classes over Zoom to other families whose children were missing out during lockdown.

That impressed the judges at the whichfranchise.com-backed awards who have presented her with a Great British Franchisee Award, the most prestigious in the industry.

David Pearce, owner of the Rhythm Time network, regards Laura as the most outstanding of all his franchisees and gave her the Above And Beyond award at the national conference in May.

He said: “As a musician, she clearly understands the value of each activity for the children’s development and conveys that to parents.

“Early development through music is our key proposition and Laura is a huge advocate of that, but she makes it fun.

“The parents and children absolutely love her and she receives five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Facebook and Google.”

Laura is an accomplished photographer, too, and the images she takes in class are used nationwide by Rhythm Time in its social media and marketing.

She’s also a prolific mentor, offers peer support to her fellow franchisees, and is regarded by David Pearce as one of Rhythm Time’s biggest assets.

He added: “From having no business experience prior to Rhythm Time, she’s achieved impressive success in only five years through sheer hard work, attention to high quality standards, and a personality that spreads joy and happiness to all those around her.”

Laura, who lives in Skipton, said Rhythm Time runs music classes for babies from birth, toddlers and pre-school children on Fridays at Skipton Baptist Church.

She said: “We also run classes at the Clarke Foley Centre, in Ilkley, and all over the Craven, Wharfedale, Bradford and Harrogate areas - from Wetherby to Settle.”

The Great British Franchisee Awards are run by whichfranchise, supported by Lloyds Bank, BDO, AMO Consulting and Chantry Group.

For more information go to: https://www.whichfranchise.com/awards/