Another term of growth for Stagecoach Performing Arts

Savvy entrepreneurs from the south coast of England to the north coast of Scotland are investing in additional franchise territories

With almost 100 per cent of the UK network of 300 franchisees now back in-venue, savvy entrepreneurs from the south coast of England to the north coast of Scotland are investing in additional territories – bringing the exemplary standard of singing, dancing and acting sessions synonymous with Stagecoach to more British children.

Carrie Harrison-Iddon first joined the Stagecoach Performing Arts franchise network back in 2010, after investing in her first franchise in Tunbridge Wells. A decade later – and during the lockdown 2.0 – the mum of three invested in her second territory, in nearby Otford.

“I first started discussions with the franchise support team back in October as the previous franchisee at Otford wanted to move on. Investing in a neighbouring territory felt like a natural progression for me,” said Carrie. “Although I went on to take over as principal just as the second lockdown was coming to an end, and before the third lockdown came into effect, that hasn’t had a negative impact on the initial few months of operations. Despite not being able to welcome students back to either territory until April this year, numbers are still as high as they were before, with 220 students across the two schools. In fact, I really revelled in spending those four months preparing for the start of term and getting ready to greet my new students.

“My Otford territory is going from strength to strength, with over half of our students coming from new enrolments. We’re so inundated with enquiries that I’ve planned summer workshops for both the Tunbridge Wells and Otford territories and I’ve already added another Main Stages school to the new territory. Something tells me the second six months of the year are going to be very busy for me!”

Carrie is just one of hundreds of Stagecoach franchisees making a significant investment in their future in franchising. Since the start of the year, 11 new and existing franchisees have invested in new territories, to keep up with the demand for children’s performing arts opportunities.

Andy Knights, COO, and his team have worked closely with franchisees to maintain brand presence and business success over the course of the last year. “We’re extremely proud of what we have achieved as a network,” says Andy. “In times of economic uncertainty, it’s incredible to see us go from strength to strength and grow at the rate we have.

“Interest in our programme has never been as high, with parents looking for alternative ways for their children to socialise after over a year of isolation. This demand is apparent to franchisees, both prospective and existing, looking to capitalise on this growing need. This is a pivotal time for our brand and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what our franchisees will go on to achieve during the second six months of the year and beyond.”