WHEN the Coronavirus pandemic hit, all 102 school groups that were booked to visit Wiltshire and stay with Wiltshire Host Families’ local host families in Trowbridge, Westbury, Melksham, Warminster and Chippenham, were forced to cancel.
It was very nearly the end of WHF, but Val Rideout (managing director and founder) along with her team were determined to resurrect the business and with a lot of hard work and determination, not only have they now re-opened three of their centres, but they have also just been pronounced the winner of the Prestige Awards “Hosting Company of the Year 2022/23 for the South West”.
“I am over the moon, and so proud of my team and all our wonderful host families,” said Val.
“Short-stay school trips (typically 3-5 days) to the UK are incredibly popular and staying with local host families is one of the main reasons why.
“Schools and students love the ‘English Experience’ that staying with a local host-family gives them, and WHF has always worked hard to ensure everyone involved has a good experience and plenty of happy memories to take home with them. As a result, we have always been highly regarded by the booking agents, schools and hosts alike – and last year we were delighted that we maintained our 100% “Excellent” rating from the schoolteachers in charge of the groups who stayed with us.
“But the good news hasn’t ended there. Despite the concerns surrounding travel, 2023 has already seen a huge surge in bookings, and as a result WHF have recently launched a Franchising arm to our business.
“Ours is a lifestyle friendly business that enables international student groups to experience life in the UK. The business can be run alongside a current income source or built to replace it”, explained Val.
“I started out that way, and have successfully built my business, twice over. Now I’d love to share my knowledge and experience with other like-minded entrepreneurs in order that they too can have a great work/life balance and run a business that is both fun and exhilarating”.
For more information about joining the winning WHF team as a host, franchisee or staff member, please visit www.whfhostfamilies.com or find Wiltshire Host Families on Facebook.
