Stagecoach Performing Arts prides itself on the variety of talent within its franchise network – a diverse group of former performers, experienced entrepreneurs, established teaching talent and Stagecoach ‘lifers’. All come together with one common goal in mind; to equip children with Creative Courage for LifeÆ. Andy Knights, Chief Operating Officer, knows that the strength of their network comes from the range of experience of their franchisees. And for where any skills or experience gaps are identified, the brand enlists the guidance of a team of specialists to support franchisees in their business operations.
Stagecoach franchisees fall under four distinct categories. Firstly, we have those who we fondly refer to as Stagecoach lifers. Generally speaking, these franchisees have come through the full lifecycle of Stagecoach, from student, to assistant, to teacher and, lastly, franchisee. Then there are those who have come from a mainstream education background, whether that’s a former secondary school teacher or a pre-school classroom assistant. The majority of our network – I would estimate over half – is made up of former performers, looking for a way to maximise their background in the arts with a long-term goal of business ownership. But our franchise opportunity also appeals to prospects from a business background – especially those with a passion or interest in the performing arts. All have, unquestionably, beneficial attributes that will stand them in good stead as they take on their new venture as a franchisee.
But their skill sets are undeniably varied. Stagecoach lifers have grown up with the brand and are therefore comfortable with and are particularly passionate about our brand messaging, whilst mainstream educators can fully comprehend the importance of children’s education and the benefits of setting the younger generation up with the best start in life. Former performers are resilient and often particularly dynamic communicators. Plus, they have a shared interest with their students – a love of the stage! Corporate professionals are equipped with business acumen and are usually extremely goal orientated.
When we have a true understanding of our franchisees’ backgrounds, we have the ability to build a custom strategy of support that will complement their existing skills. As an established and quality franchisor, we know that prospects choose to invest in us because of the calibre of guidance we provide. So, we’ve assembled a specialist team of individuals, usually based at our head office in Woking – but currently working remotely – and another team of roving experts that visit franchisees in-territory to support.
These specialists offer guidance on all manner of subjects, from PR & marketing, to finance, child protection and even event planning. Essentially, we encourage our franchisees to put their existing skills to good use and seek the support of the right person within our team for everything else – that is until they become experienced themselves. Perhaps most importantly, these resources are available to franchisees on an unlimited basis – and all requests are responded to within 24 hours.
But maintaining the quality of a franchise brand is a two-way street. We also take full advantage of our franchisees’ specialist skills by drawing from their experiences in their previous careers. We do that by encouraging them to share best practice with their peers and communicate openly about their background before Stagecoach. Our franchisees work together to build their own hub of resources and create a sense of community. Sharing these experiences is about breaking down the barriers to business ownership. For the majority of our network, they’ve never owned a business before, but by collaborating with their fellow franchisees for the greater good of their own business, they are, in turn, guiding someone else through the process too. Our franchisees are so committed to supporting their fellow business owners that expensive show costumes have been known to travel the length and breadth of the UK on a regular basis.
All franchisees require a certain amount of guidance but, by working with them to ascertain what exactly it is they need from us, we can build a long-lasting and flexible strategy of support that will ultimately see their franchise thrive. After all, they do say that no man is an island.
