Heather & Kieran Ratcliffe-Brown

Heather's journey with Swimtime began as a swimming teacher at a young age. After gaining experience both in the pool and in an administrative role within the business, she took the exciting step of becoming a Swimtime franchise owner in 2011 at just 22 years old. Through hard work, dedication and a passion for teaching, she has built a thriving business with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional swimming lessons and creating opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Kieran joined Swimtime in September 2016 as a swimming instructor, having already worked within the leisure industry as an instructor and lifeguard since the age of 16. Over the years, he has taught thousands of swimmers and developed a wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry. During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kieran became increasingly involved in the day-to-day running of the business, supporting the office team with bookings, customer enquiries and operational planning.

In 2023, Kieran became a franchise partner alongside Heather, marking an exciting new chapter for the business. Today, his role focuses on supporting and developing Swimtime's team of instructors, helping teachers build confidence and skills, identifying and establishing new venues, and increasing Swimtime's presence within local communities through marketing and social media.

Together, Heather and Kieran lead a dedicated team that shares their commitment to delivering the highest standards of swimming education. They are passionate about helping people gain a skill for life, whether that means introducing a child to the water for the first time or helping an adult achieve a lifelong goal.

As a husband-and-wife team, they understand the rewards and challenges that come with balancing family life and running a growing business together. They both enjoy the variety that each day brings and continue to learn and develop alongside their team, always striving to improve the experience for swimmers, parents and staff alike.

Their vision for the future is to continue growing Swimtime West Midlands, supporting the development of outstanding instructors, expanding opportunities for swimmers across the region, and ensuring every swimmer receives the confidence, skills and support they need to enjoy the water safely for life.