It’s all change at Stagecoach Performing Arts, as the global children’s services franchise relocates to all-singing, all-dancing office premises in Woking. Having spent over 30 years at their previous offices in Walton-on-Thames, continued growth of the franchise support, events and talent agency teams called for a contemporary and customised space.
With over 350 franchisees operating 700 schools worldwide, the existing premises in Walton-on-Thames were no longer able to house the rapidly-expanding franchise support team. A move to new premises would also see the Stagecoach staff share an office space with Trafalgar Entertainment, who acquired the franchise last year.
No sooner had they moved in, Stagecoach welcomed their newest franchisees at HQ, for their initial training week. These new recruits included Stagecoach alumni, former teachers, franchising professionals, entertainment industry experts and father-mother-daughter teams - all with a passion for making a difference to the lives of children in their local communities.
Claire Jenner, who has a strong background in franchising, marketing and e-commerce, admits her interest in the Stagecoach franchising opportunity was born out of a childhood passion for singing. She will take over operations of Stagecoach Harrow-on-the-Hill.
“I’m over the moon to be joining the Stagecoach network – I’m a real believer in their brand message of ‘Creative Courage for Life’ and I’m looking forward to putting that into practice with my existing students. I really enjoyed meeting my fellow new franchisees at the new head office – everyone was so welcoming and the office looks fantastic! The training was really comprehensive and informative – I was mostly impressed with how engaging a lot of the more formal systems training was. I feel as though I’ve got access to the best support and, with that in mind, a real opportunity to build a successful business.”
Sasha Cairns, who will shortly take over operations of an existing franchise in Brentwood, is more than familiar with Stagecoach Performing Arts. Having taught for various schools across Surrey and Berkshire for over six years, she is looking forward to making her mark as a franchisee and Principal.
“I thought I knew everything there was to know about Stagecoach, but the franchise training certainly proved me wrong! Despite having experience with the teaching style and brand values, there’s a lot to learn about the business management aspect of running a franchise. That’s why the training is invaluable – not only do you have an opportunity to speak with more established franchisees and the support team, you really get to know the other franchisees who are at the same stage as you. That’s very reassuring and gives me such confidence as I take over operations of my franchise.”
“This has been a really significant move for everyone at Stagecoach Performing Arts. Not only has it brought us closer to our colleagues at Trafalgar Entertainment, it’s also enabled us to offer first-class training sessions and support for our Principals in a future-proofed office environment. Whilst our previous office was steeped in such history, as that’s where the brand has been based since it was first launched in 1988, it was time for us to move on to pastures new and give our team and franchisees a modern and spacious headquarters. Delegate feedback from our initial training sessions here has been very positive and people seem to love our new home,” said Sarah Kelly, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts.