A snapshot of the early days of Footlights Nottingham and the franchises’ path to success.

I had just moved to Nottingham from London and was looking for a way to earn a living where I could combine my 20 years of teaching and acting experience, as well as juggle my role as a single mother. I had never actually run a business before although I come from a family of grafters, so when my mother had come across Footlights Theatre through a contact she knew through one of her business networks, she encouraged me to consider the idea.

The thought of owning a franchise was quite frightening for me as it would be going into unknown territory, as I would have to run the business. This fear, however, was very short-lived as when we went to visit the CEO Jo Fisher at one of the company owned units. I practically fell in love with what I saw! The energy and the atmosphere was simply magical as children were learning and having so much fun, which is so important for young performers as many stage schools have a very rigid approach to learning.

Jo’s warm and welcoming personality really made me feel at ease and the more she explained why she had created Footlights Theatre the more I realised that we actually shared the same vision of bringing out the best in children and young people through performing arts. It was then a done deal to open up a franchise in Nottingham because I felt that I had finally found my life’s purpose and this is a business that I would never want to retire from!

I knew that bringing Footlights into Nottingham would be a challenge as it was completely brand new as opposed to other nationally recognised brands who had been there for years, however the support and guidance I received from Jo and the Head Office team was phenomenal as I was provided with all the necessary training and had unlimited visitation access to all the other franchises so that I could see how the business was run.

The business plan was very straightforward and by simply following ‘the system’ I was able to make a name for Footlights in Nottingham where we are now well known for bringing out the best in children through performing arts, as well as providing a wonderful and affordable form of childcare with our holiday clubs which are now very popular. This is just after two years of business where we were practically starting from scratch and where most small businesses can take at least three years before seeing any real progress. It only took six months until I could start paying enough to myself to provide for my children, but since opening up in April 2018 the business has actually been paying for itself! I am now able to earn a living where I thoroughly enjoy what I do and also have time with my children without having to worry about childcare which was always an issue when I was either employed or freelancing.

Since opening up our two schools in Beeston and Hyson Green I have never looked back and even during this epidemic we have still been able to carry on through online learning due to Jo Fisher’s strong belief that the show must go on! Investing in Footlights Theatre was the best decision I ever made and I really look forward to growing more schools around Nottingham as I am so proud to represent a business that really treats us franchisees as one team and a family, as well as making such a difference to the next generation.