A Swansea-based performing arts franchise is looking to expand and launch a new school after it was acquired following a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK.
Stagecoach Performing Arts, which has eight schools catering for aspiring performing arts students from ages four to 18, has been bought by teacher Kelly-Marie Rosina Williams and her husband Benn. The value of six-figure funding was not disclosed.
The couple, who have worked with the franchise for the past decade, purchased the business, which covers all its existing Swansea locations and 400 students, following the retirement of the previous owner.
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The HSBC UK-funded acquisition will ensure the 26-year-old business continues operating its three main, four early and one further stage schools. Funding will also facilitate future growth with expansion plans, including the creation of a new school and ‘early-years’ class, to be unveiled in more detail in the near future.
Originally established in 1988, Stagecoach Performing Arts is the UK’s largest network of part-time performing arts schools, with 3,000 schools run by more than 300 franchisees, operating across eight countries.
Ms Williams, who is principal of the school, said: “This is a huge personal and professional milestone, as we have dreamed of operating our own franchise for years. After building close relationships with the students and parents over the course of 10 years, I jumped at the chance to take over from the previous owner and build on their success, who has been a wonderful mentor.
“Students are the heart of the Stagecoach Performing Arts school, and it is my goal to ensure they continue to thrive throughout this seamless transition which simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of HSBC UK.”
Kasim Jaffer, franchise relationship commercial manager for Business Banking in West Midlands at HSBC UK, said: “It’s been a delight to support Kelly-Marie and Benn in becoming part of the UK's largest network of part-time performing arts schools. We look forward to seeing Stagecoach Performing Arts Swansea thrive in building the next generation of musical theatre and performing art professionals.”
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