Posted:13-January-2021
Footlights Theatre School’s first franchisee talks about her franchising journey
Name: Lindsey Berry
Location: Failsworth, Rochdale & Ashton
Franchise: Footlights Theatre School
Date launched the franchise: 2009, 2013 & Ashton 2017
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Footlights franchise business?
I was a single mum and I was employed full time with Homeless Young People in Manchester.
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose a Footlights franchise?
I have always had a huge interested in the arts. I had taken my daughter to the first ever Footlights when she was just 11 year olds, I was so impressed. At the time Footlights had just one outlet with no intention of franchising, I approached Jo Fisher the Managing Director after about two years, about the possibility of opening my own. We discussed it and I became the first franchisee of Footlights.
How did you raise the finance?
I borrowed from the bank mostly, with the help of the franchise agreement, they were happy to support me.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
I had the full tried and tested programme! I was one on one trained with the Managing Director. I now provide training for future franchisees working alongside Jo Fisher. I was given full training with regards to policy and procedures. I still attend training events and maintain my relationship with head office which is why I feel my business has succeeded.
What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
In the beginning, I worked just on Saturday mornings face to face with clients and Monday & Friday evenings (admin). After the first year my business grew enormously and I dedicated all my time to growing my business around bringing up my daughter who was fast approaching teenage years. As I now have three franchisees I have my own office away from home.
I spend my day getting to the office about 10.30am after I have taken my dog for a leisurely walk, ( benefits of working for one self). Once I am in the office I catch up with admin assistant to ensure our client’s needs are met, emailing any free trials to sign them up, emailing existing customers about up and coming events, reports, accounts etc. Checking in with our freelance staff that classes are bring ran smoothly and clients are happy. Run through our social media campaigns, discuss any marketing needs and revenue streams. I leave the office about 3.30pm- 4pm and always return any emails during the evening (between 8-9pm – this works best for me and them as their children are in bed).
Saturdays is a little more hectic as I have three territories running so I start off generally about 8.30 and arrive home approx. 5.30pm (my choice as I do have staff). Although Saturdays are crazy busy, I love it as I am face to face with clients and their children, I get to see classes and even join in.
The other added hours are when I order merchandise in, it is very profitable but takes a full evening to sort through, there are also added hours when its tax returns period – everyone’s favourite!
What challenges have you faced?
Staffing is an issue for every single company I am sure, you source the best staff possible and then they get a terrific job acting or dancing or singing! That’s the nature of the business we are in. I keep my eyes open for good staff and when I am recruiting I follow a rigorous interview process provided by Head Office to ensure I am getting the right candidate.
I think the other challenge was keeping my accounts up to date which Head Office helped me out with a lot – I have now learnt that I can’t do much without a spreadsheet!
Finally, customer relations – pushy parents/ problem parents/bad payers – again you learn this through experience and fortunately as a franchisee, you don’t have to go through the experience as Head Office have been through them for you, so the moment you face an obstacle, one email or phone call and its put right. I will say the support I have received has been terrific.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Becoming a franchisee has most definitely changed my life. I run my own business, I have financial freedom, I don’t have job security issues, I am the maker of my future. Yes, it shard work, yes at times challenging, but I am in charge of my destiny, I choose my own hours and as long as I meet my own targets and those set my Head Office then I know I am financially secure and more importantly I have time to live my life.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
There is no point in buying into a franchise if you have fifty million questions about the product or service, if you don’t believe in it, your customers most certainly will not.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Work smart, work hard. Follow the processes, don’t be afraid to have your own ideas and strategies, but the processes are there for a reason. The mistakes have been made, don’t make life too hard for yourself. Find the best team possible and ensure you keep up team morale, staff are you best asset.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently I turnover in excess of 100k. I am expanding two of my franchisees further in their territories and opening extra classes, my very first franchise is open 4 nights per week and all day Saturday. I will be opening my fourth territory in January 2018.
Would you do it again?
Yes – a million times over.
