Stagecoach Performing Arts hosts first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic

The franchise has seen a 39 per cent increase in student enrolments – the highest student uptake in its history

International children’s services franchise, Stagecoach Performing Arts, hosted its first in-person franchisee event since before the COVID-19 pandemic on 3 October. The celebratory meeting, which took place at Park Plaza London Riverbank, was a long-awaited opportunity for 100 Stagecoach franchisees to come together after a difficult period and to celebrate the incredible achievements and displays of resilience throughout the pandemic.

The franchisee event follows a successful virtual conference that took place in July this year. With the focus now being placed on Stagecoach regrouping and rebuilding as it moves forward, the beginning of the academic year has marked an industrious period for the international network. Since the beginning of the school term, Stagecoach has seen a 39 per cent increase in student enrolments – the highest student uptake in the history of the franchise.

“We believe that this event has helped everyone involved with Stagecoach Performing Arts finally look forward to the future. Being able to bring 100 of our franchisees together was not only long-awaited but has made everyone excited to be a part of our wonderful community again. As we celebrate milestones in the company, a huge uptake in students and being able to open our doors again has marked a significant moment for us, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us,” said Andy Knights, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts.

The network was also afforded the opportunity to finally celebrate significant milestones that had been achieved throughout the pandemic. Multiple long-service awards were presented to franchisees, in which 27 were celebrating their 10-year anniversary with Stagecoach, six were recognised for 20 years with the performing arts franchise, and one franchisee was even presented with their 30 years long-service award!

“This was my first event! Whilst it has been two years since I took over, I’d never been to an event,” explained Claire Gissing, owner of Stagecoach Havant. “It was so nice to meet with other franchisees and see other people from head office.

“It was also great to be a part of the Stagecoach community – when you’re running your own business in your own territory, you do end up going week by week, day by day, and not really mixing with anyone. I felt part of something bigger. I do use the head office when I need to but am guilty of just keeping my head down and getting on with things. At the end of the day, it was just so nice to be able to celebrate with my peers. Our industry has been so heavily impacted during the pandemic – but we came together, we were inspired. We’ve all stuck together.

“I want to grow my business – I’m quite a determined person, but the event makes me want to do that even more. That’s kind of why I do what I do. It was nice of head office to make a fuss of us and thank us for a job well done!”

Beginning with an address from the executive team at Stagecoach, the network wasted no time in using the evening as an opportunity to reconvene, enjoy drinks and celebrate the achievements of the last 18 months together. As the year begins to draw to a close, Stagecoach looks forward to building on the successes celebrated at the franchisee event.