Case Study - Michael Da Silva Pearce

Michael Da Silva Pearce owns a LIPA 4:19 franchise in Wanstead. Michael, 51, has been running the academy, which is based at Wanstead High School, for 18 months.

How did you find out about LIPA 4:19 and why was it the franchise for you?

I had already heard of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), as it has an excellent reputation in the industry and I was aware that Sir Paul McCartney had co-founded the institution.

When I found out it had a franchise arm, LIPA 4:19, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to be part of a prestigious organisation and to share my love for performing arts with children.

How did you raise the cash to start up the franchise?

Fortunately, I already had some savings of my own plus a small inheritance which I was able to use to cover the start-up costs of buying the franchise.

How have things gone? What have been the challenges and successes you have faced?

Opening the LIPA 4:19 franchise is the best thing I have ever done.

Of course, when it first launched, I was a little nervous as to how well it would do but I was confident that there was a demand for structured, curriculum-led performing arts teaching and very quickly we attracted students.

Personally, it was a challenge to balance the requirements of both my full-time job and running LIPA 4:19 at weekends, but I have been lucky to find talented teachers to support the business, and whose enthusiasm for performing arts has been a driving force behind the franchise’s success.

We also have a fantastic community of students and parents who continue to support us and I believe the success of the business can only be measured by seeing our students’ skills and confidences grow - it’s how you know you have had a part in helping a child develop.

We have also had a lot of interest from theatre and film companies since we opened and last year, six of our students appeared in a short independent film with Parkville Pictures. It certainly showed that we are on the right track.

Any advice for other performing arts franchises?

Choosing the right location plays a big role in the success of any business and we were very fortunate to secure accommodation at Wanstead High School which has excellent performing arts facilities.

There is also a definite advantage in choosing a franchise which is affiliated with a highly respected institution, like LIPA, and of course, has a quality product. LIPA is known in the performing arts industry for nurturing talent and it’s a great selling point.