When Vanessa Ayres found out about the growth of Mini First Aid across the UK, she knew it was the perfect way to combine business success with family life. 

We spoke to Vanessa, who runs Mini First Aid Southampton, about how she has found the perfect work/life balance.

Why did you decide to join Mini First Aid?

With both my sons at school, I had more time on my hands and was looking for a fresh challenge, but I didn’t want to go back to a 9-5 job as I needed to stay flexible for the boys.

What do you enjoy most about having a career with Mini First Aid?

I really enjoy teaching first aid to everyone, especially the kids. After every class, I feel a real sense of achievement – it’s great to feel that you are making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Are there any challenges to running your own business?

I am still getting my head around social media, and how to use this to grow my business, but I am getting more confident all the time. I try different approaches and keep a note of what works and what doesn’t. Plus there is amazing support from my fellow franchisees.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I am passionate about teaching first aid to as many people as possible. It is such a vital life skill.

What is your current working pattern?

I work part-time, probably an average of 10 hours per week, but it’s getting busier as my business grows. What I love about it is that I can choose how busy I want to be and still be there for my boys.

What would you say are the benefits of running a Mini First Aid franchise?

The flexibility of the work – I can choose my own hours and decide when to have time off with my family without asking permission. I can have a rewarding career yet I still get to do all the pick ups and drop offs at school and help out on school trips, which is really important to me.

Would you recommend it to others who are looking for flexible work?

If you’re looking for a flexible career, that offers great support from Head Office and fellow franchisees, then this is the franchise to get. I love being my own boss and wouldn’t go back to an office job.

How has Covid-19 affected your business?

We were unable to run live classes during lockdown, however Mini First Aid quickly responded by launching online classes so we could still teach parents essential first aid skills. 

We are now running in-person classes again, and are already seeing a lot of interest from parents who are keen to get out and about with their babies.

We follow very strict protocols to ensure that our classes are Covid-secure and in fact we have just launched our own Infection Control course for workplaces and children's settings to help all providers to open safely.

Mini First Aid offers 2 hour baby & toddler first aid classes for small groups of parents and carers. Classes are informal but informative and cover choking, basic life support, dealing with burns, breaks and bumps, febrile seizures & meningitis awareness. A class costs from £20 per person.

To enquire about flexible jobs with Mini First Aid, click here https://www.minifirstaid.co.uk/join-us

To book classes, click here https://www.minifirstaid.co.uk/classes