Play time: jabberjacks, the children's activity franchise, provides pre-school classes and party entertainment for children up to seven years old.(Franchise Focus)

INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 8,000

The new directors and franchise owners for Jabberjacks have had a busy year. They have recruited three new franchise owners in the north-west and invested heavily in the company's branding. This includes the recent launch of a new website, which helps identify potential new territories across the UK, and a secure login site allowing access to a support toolkit for operating a successful business.

Wendy Rowland, the company's latest franchise owner for Chester, Northwich and Winsford previously worked in sales and marketing before going on maternity leave. As she looked to return to work she found the hours of her previous job …