Seven recruits inject new life into the Stagecoach network
Stagecoach Performing Arts are welcoming an influx of franchisees as seven budding entrepreneurs complete their franchisee training, with plans to take over existing businesses in the UK and overseas. New recruits join the franchise network with a variety of experience including Stagecoach alumni, former mainstream education teachers and business executives, all investing in their own performing arts business.
The team at Stagecoach Performing Arts’ support centre, in the heart of Woking, met with the new franchisees and delivered training in marketing, customer service, IT and business development. With the new franchisees taking over Stagecoach schools as far north as Garforth, south as Farnborough and all the way over in Ontario in Canada, the training week was a melting pot of cultures and ideas plus a large dose of enthusiasm.
The group spent time meeting with industry experts and an established franchisee, who offered insight on what to expect during their first few months as a business owner. Amanda Short, performer and former Stagecoach teacher, will take over operations at Stagecoach Coulsdon – she found speaking to experienced professionals invaluable.
“It reaffirmed that Stagecoach is the perfect business for me. I’m taking over the franchise my mum used to run – the same school where I was once a teacher – so it almost feels like I’m coming home. I’m so proud to be a part of Stagecoach. I really enjoyed meeting with the support staff and put faces to names. If anything, it’s made me even more excited to take over the franchise.”
Following initial training, franchisees will receive ongoing, unlimited support for the duration of their time as a franchisee. This tried-and-tested structure enables franchisees to play to their strengths and provides the best possible environment in which to succeed. With 18 years’ experience in the production of Europe’s most prestigious Elvis Presley tribute show – not to mention a background in recruitment and sales – Roy Evans is looking forward to putting this training and his expertise into practise.
“I hope to achieve great things as I take over operations at Stagecoach Didsbury, later on this year. My partner already owns a Stagecoach franchise and I’ve always been impressed with the level of support she’s received from the head office team. The training week certainly didn’t disappoint! Although I have some previous knowledge of the brand, and experience in producing and directing theatre shows, the franchisee training programme filled the gaps. Knowing I have this level of support to fall back on is incredibly reassuring.”
Sarah Kelly, CEO at Stagecoach, who met with the franchisees during their training week, said “It’s wonderful to see such a wealth of experience joining our global brand and injecting new life into some of our existing schools. Although they come from such varied backgrounds, they’re all equally committed to operating the best performing arts schools for children in their respective communities. We’re eager to see where they will take their franchises and, with such opportunity for growth, this is a very exciting time to be joining our network.”