Heidi and Laurence Franklin are behind new activity company Suffolk Outdoors – and it’s not the first time Heidi has launched a business with a distinctly outdoor theme. Here she argues the case for all ages to get outside and have some fun
We are always a busy family. We both work extremely hard but equally spend time to support our children with their competitive sports alongside supporting our extended family. We have a positive outlook and always remain optimistic!
The pandemic has been a challenge for everyone. Our immediate concern at the start was for our family and ensuring that we did everything we could to keep us all safe. Laurence continued to work throughout the lockdowns with his ‘day job’ whilst my business partner and I had to pivot Wild Play Ltd as quickly as possible…oh, and then there was home-schooling to juggle! Wild Play wasn’t eligible for any initial Government support due to the nature of working outdoors and not having business premises. It was really tough, but we’ve bounced back and are running at full speed again. We’re a resilient family!
We’ve all adapted as necessary – working when we can. Wild Play is thriving again and Suffolk Outdoors Ltd has just launched. It’s an exciting journey to be on and the support we’ve received has been amazing. We are so grateful.
Suffolk Outdoors hasn’t evolved from Wild Play. Laurence had wanted to work outdoors for a number of years – but put his aspirations on hold whilst Wild Play was being established. But now it’s his turn and together we are taking the opportunity using our skillset to complement the business. They are two completely separate businesses but with a common outdoor theme. Being outdoors has always been good for people but now, more than ever, it’s the place to be! The pandemic has taught us all that life can be short, time is precious – and it is important to do what you love.
People of all ages need time to get out and have fun. Suffolk Outdoors provides that time to escape, run about playing laser tag, be part of a team and enjoy the Suffolk countryside! What’s not to love!? Being outdoors reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, increases serotonin levels and helps you to feel better all round.
At Suffolk Outdoors we’re all about helping people to have fun and providing a high-quality service. We currently provide Laser Tag but will be expanding our offer to include other outdoor activities. We can cater for anyone aged six-plus and are particularly suited for families, friendship groups and corporates. We are currently based at Kingfishers at Cretingham Country Park which is a beautiful setting. Our Laser Tag gamezone is in its own area of the grounds. We’re really pleased with the layout and the feedback so far has been excellent. Games are for 1.5 hours and we play a variety of scenarios which are brilliant fun and really get people moving!
Our aspirations are all about quality and enjoyment. It’s important that our clients feel that they have a good service from the moment they make an inquiry to the moment they leave us at the end of a session. We’re looking forward to building the business and reaching out to as many people as possible.
Suffolk Outdoors is based at Kingfishers, Cretingham Country Park, Suffolk. Visit Suffolk Outdoors on Instagram and Facebook
Featured image picture credit: Beckie Egan Photography
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