A FORMER primary school teacher who took the brave decision to change career has scooped a national award.

Mairi Curle took on franchise business Boogie Beat Music and Movement Edinburgh, Mid and East Lothian at the beginning of 2022.

Since then, she has taken music, movement and learning to local nurseries, community classes and care homes.

Her efforts were recognised at the annual NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) Awards, where the 35-year-old took home the New Woman Franchisee of the Year 2024 Award.

The mum of two, who lives in Humbie and taught in nearby Dalkeith, was “absolutely honoured and thrilled” to win the prize.

She said: “After stepping away from teaching due to ill health and long Covid, franchising provided the vital support I needed to get back on my feet.

“Boogie Beat Music and Movement gave me the opportunity to do what I love most – working with children, families, and communities – while focusing on my recovery.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my franchise head office and the incredible team I’ve built.

“Together, we deliver high-quality music and movement workshops linked to the Curriculum for Excellence, and I’m immensely proud of the relationships we’ve nurtured with community venues, nurseries, schools and care homes.

“I am also deeply grateful to the families who trust us daily to inspire and educate their little ones.

“At Boogie Beat, our commitment to giving back is at the heart of what we do, and I’m especially proud of our 2024 partnership with 'Love from Jamie', a cause so close to our values.

“It’s all about creating a positive impact in the community, and this award is a testament to the power of that mission."

READ MORE: Humbie mum beats illness to win national business prize

The latest success follows on the heels of being the Scottish and national winner of Franchise Business of the Year earlier in the year at the Federation of Small Business Awards (FSB).

Every year, the EWiF annual awards celebrates the achievements of women in franchising.

More than 100 franchising professionals travelled from across the UK to the awards to applaud the successes of women in business.

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Helen Mansfield, managing director of EWiF, congratulated the winners.

She said: “One of the highlights of my year is reading about and celebrating the success of women, as they flourish in their own businesses, or leading a network of business owner.

“We’ve been encouraging women to see franchising as a viable route for business success since 2008.

“This year, we’re thrilled to have awarded Mairi Curle of Boogie Beat for her contribution to franchising.

“Throughout her story, it was clear to see how she embraced the challenges of last year head-on, and the results spoke for themselves.

“She’s a very worthy winner!”