My greatest role to date

Matthew Wing has played many roles in his life, none more satisfying than his 11 years as a Stagecoach Performing Arts franchisee

For 47-year-old Matthew Wing, his most memorable acting part was performing on stage in Starlight Express, where he met his future wife, Danielle. However, it’s his position as franchisee and principal of Stagecoach Performing Arts in Chingford that has brought him the most career satisfaction.

When the family returned to the UK in 2007, Matthew and Danielle decided that one professional actor in the family was enough.

Matthew explains: “Danielle started working for Stagecoach and the franchisee who owned the school made it known he would be selling the franchise. It just felt like a perfect fit for our family. Essentially, we were both hungry for a chance to build a stable future.”

Stagecoach is one of the UK’s leading performing arts business opportunities. Franchisees build a team of passionate and enthusiastic teachers, qualified to bring out the best in their students. Schools provide a thriving, nurturing and supportive environment for creative learning, just one of the reasons that 50,000 children every week flock to classes nationwide.

Support for success

“The Stagecoach franchise model appealed because neither of us had any experience of how to run a business - we knew the support team could fill those gaps,” Matthew says.

“Stagecoach is one of the most well known performing arts schools in the world, with a network of experienced franchisees who are happy to share their knowledge and expertise with their fellow franchisees. As you can imagine, we were both pretty keen to join.”

Franchisees undertake expert induction at Stagecoach’s head office in Woking and receive ongoing training along with industry leading support in marketing, customer service, IT and business development. Its tried and tested structure enables franchisees to play to their strengths and provides the best possible environment in which to succeed.

“The standout thing for me about training was the support team’s ability to hone the leadership and management skills I already had, but didn’t necessarily know about,” Matthew says.

“Initially, I had felt a little overwhelmed, but Stagecoach reassured me and made it clear they were only ever a phone call or email away if I needed guidance or advice. To this day, I find this support invaluable and extremely reassuring.”

Since 2008, Matthew has increased student numbers from 130 to 440; he willingly shares his insight and experience with newer franchisees.

Reaping the rewards

“When I first took over the franchise, I assumed I would continue with the acting as my primary career,” he says.

“However, before long I was finding running my franchise so rewarding that I decided to give the business the majority of my time. I grew into being a business owner and now I’m proud to refer to myself as a full-time franchisee. It’s my greatest role to date.

“As an actor, I’ve enjoyed one or two standing ovations, but the thrill I get out of running my business lasts much longer.”

At a glance Stagecoach Performing Arts

Established:

1988

Number of franchised outlets:

450

Location of units:

nationwide

Investment range:

total investment of £27,000 for a new franchise. Resales between £30,000-£450,000

Minimum required capital:

£9,000

Contact:

franchiserecruitment@stagecoach.co.uk. +44 (0)1483 247400 stagecoachfranchise.com