Return on investment. For many new business owners, those three words conjure images of spreadsheets, profit margins and year-end accounts. Important? Absolutely. But for franchisees in people-centred sectors – like children’s education, wellbeing and enrichment – ROI isn’t just measured in pounds and pence. It shows up in changed lives, strengthened communities, personal achievement and the freedom to shape a life that works.

In franchising today, the real investment is emotional, creative and social – and the real return is purpose.

Here, Becky Goodfield, COO of Drama Kids, discusses why the most successful franchisees measure growth not just by numbers, but by the impact they make. She also shares how one franchisee, Andréa Wright of Drama Kids St Helens, shows this richer return on investment in action.

Purpose: the starting point of meaningful growth

Successful franchisees tend to be driven by more than the ambition to run a business. Their motivation comes from a clear belief in the mission, which influences how they lead and where they take their academy.

For Andréa, that sense of alignment came early. After visiting a Drama Kids class shortly after completing her Drama degree, she recognised a strong connection between her own values and the organisation’s ethos.

“The classes were really structured, and the kids were having so much fun. I thought the company’s values were so inspiring – to develop Confidence, Communication and Creativity.”

With that clarity, she focused on reaching the families who would benefit most and building a local reputation based on trust and consistency. This gave her business a solid foundation and allowed growth to develop at a pace that felt authentic rather than forced. As her academy settled into its identity, the impact of that steady approach became more visible.

Impact: the difference that shapes the work

For many franchisees in the children’s education and wellbeing space, impact becomes the clearest measure of progress. When families feel the benefits of the programme, it strengthens confidence in the work and reinforces why they chose this path.

Andréa regularly sees children grow in confidence and find their voice, both in class and at home. Parents often share how these improvements translate into everyday life. “Parents have been amazed – their shy child has become confident, and the classes have helped their child’s mental health.”

There is also a sense of continuity that emerges as families stay involved for many years.
“One of our parents attended Drama Kids when she was younger and has very happy memories, so she joined her child. Her daughter attends our youth theatre class and is also our student TA.”

When experiences like this start to accumulate, franchisees often find that their work becomes rooted not only in teaching but also in community building. Those connections naturally shape the role they grow into next.

Growth: developing confidence and capability

Running a franchise brings challenges that require creativity, leadership and adaptability, and it is in navigating these moments that franchisees often experience their most significant personal growth.

For Andréa, the learning curve quickly became a source of confidence. “Since becoming a franchisee, I am now an expert in what I do, therefore I feel happy and confident in myself.”

Her role expanded far beyond what she initially expected. She began directing plays, writing scripts, choreographing routines and training others. Each new responsibility encouraged her to step forward with more independence. “I quickly became very proactive and independent, as it was my franchise and I had to make it work.”

This development naturally influenced the way she structured her work and made decisions, which ultimately shaped the lifestyle she was able to create.

Lifestyle: creating a career that supports your life

One of the most practical advantages of franchising is the ability to organise work around life. This flexibility allows franchisees to balance ambition with family commitments and personal wellbeing.

For Andréa, this flexibility has had a noticeable effect. “I have the school holidays off with my two boys. I take them to school and pick them up and attend their school assemblies.”

Being able to choose how and where she works adds a sense of ease to her day-to-day routine. “In the summer term, I was replying to emails around the outdoor pool at David Lloyd in the glorious weather, having a cappuccino!”

Alongside industry recognition, including her recent Innovation Award, this balance contributes to a working life that feels productive, enjoyable and aligned with her priorities. It reflects the broader potential of franchising when purpose, impact and personal development come together.

The real return on investment

The ROI of a Drama Kids franchise cannot be reduced to a single figure. It is shaped by purpose, strengthened by the difference franchisees make in their communities and deepened by the personal growth that comes from leading a thriving academy. It is also reflected in the freedom to build a professional life that supports the things that matter most.

Andréa’s journey shows how these elements connect and evolve over time. When franchisees choose a business that aligns with their values and strengths, the rewards extend well beyond financial outcomes and influence every part of their lives.