UK firm buoyed by its success in China

UK-headquartered infant swimming school Water Babies plans to open its first swim centers in China this year, and intends to go on to build 80 facilities across the country in the next 10 years.

The Devon-based franchise business had more than 50,000 clients per week last year and had a business model that depended on hiring out swimming pools.

It is looking to build and operate its own "premium facilities" to house Water Babies lessons, as well as aqua natal classes run by sister company WaterBumps.