What-Franchise-Issue-20.1

The arts and crafts franchise is opening the door to a wider range of creative entrepreneurs In 2009, Mike and Gen Curry opened The Seasons Art Class, a business aimed at providing art tuition for adults, complete with a step-by-step curriculum. More than 15 years on, the brand has expanded to 130 outlets across the UK via franchising – and a key driver of this growth has been the financial accessibility it offers. “We understand that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time,” says Gen. “What a shame it would be for people to miss out on an opportunity just because they didn’t have the funds readily available.” The brand lowers the barrier to entry by providing loan options to franchisees, creating breathing space to launch the business and build revenue. “It helps a lot of people, especially in times of difficulty to generate additional money for themselves, which is essentially what it’s all about.” However, the franchise also recognises that loan agreements don’t always cover the full cost and is willing to look at individual staggered payment plans on a case- by-case basis. “There have been times where we have stepped in and helped franchisees by loaning them funds on an interest-free basis that is simply paid out of the proceeds of their later courses over a pre-agreed period of time,” says Gen. “This is done only if we deem it absolutely necessary.” Now the franchise has achieved an extensive network, The Seasons Art Class has also hired a financial consultant to study three different brand owners at various stages of their business. These insights go back into formulating a blueprint for new franchisees as they join. “The financial consultant believes that ROI is possible within the first year of trading, but of course there are variables within this,” says Gen. Beyond launching the business, Gen believes customers have continued to gravitate towards the brand because it’s an affordable luxury. “We’ve weathered quite a few different storms and yet we seem to come out of it stronger,” she says. The brand has been able to adapt to various roadblocks over the years. For example, the pandemic saw classes conducted online with lesson packs sent to student’s home – retaining all-important revenue for franchisees in a difficult period. The latest challenge is the cost-of-living crisis. However, the brand has been quick to react, launching a national marketing campaign to reach a much wider audience for new and existing franchisees to capitalise on, which has been successful. “Our spring course has an extra 1000 students booked in. Our summer course had 500 extra students, and the Autumn class numbers are shaping up extremely well,” confirms Gen. “We’ve also seen an unprecedented number of brand owners taking bookings above and beyond.” F U N D I N G : The Seasons Art Class Investment: £21,594 Established: 2009 Number of outlets: 130 Contact: info@theseasonsartclass.com The Seasons Art Class The franchise brand can help franchisees gain an unsecured government loan covering 100% of the franchise fee, via its partnership with Business Masters. Meanwhile, you can also opt to use its partnership with HSBC, which usually provides a loan typically covering 50%-75% of the franchise fee. Franchisees will also be required to purchase their kit as well as launch their own marketing which is estimated to cost an additional £6000. 16 WHAT FRANCHISE Issue 20.1 50 Funding Pl ans | PARTNER CONTENT