HONITON-based franchise business, Water Babies, is celebrating having been chosen as one of 12 finalists in the UK for a national competition: the HSBC Global Connections initiative.

The East Devon franchise has been chosen as one of three winners from the South West and Wales and will now go on to compete in the national final!

Water Babies is currently the leading UK baby swim school providing unique baby and toddler swimming classes, specialising in babies. Its youngest client is just two days old.

The HSBC Global Connections initiative aims to encourage UK businesses to venture beyond their home territories and take their products and services into the growth markets of the future.

For Water Babies this is a great chance to promote the swimming classes available, but also to look towards the company’s larger ambitions to take Water Babies to Canada, Germany, Netherlands and New Zealand!

Paul Thompson, executive chairman and co-founder of Water Babies, said: “We’re made up – this is absolutely fantastic. The financial reward will propel our international development.

"The process of the Global Connections competition has made us realise we can grow faster and bigger than we ever thought was possible. We’re proud to represent the South West in such prestigious awards.”

Water Babies classes are available across Devon and throughout the UK. To find your nearest class, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk