The Seasons Art Class UK Limited was established in late 2009 and has since developed into a robust network of approximately 130 branches across the United Kingdom. Our primary focus is on providing high-quality art classes specifically designed for adult students. A significant portion of our demographic consists of individuals in retirement, as they often return for multiple seasons keeping the marketing costs lower. This group is especially important to us because they are generally available during the day, when tutor and venue rates are more widely available and cost-effective compared to evening sessions. This scheduling advantage allows us to offer our 42 hour courses at more affordable rates, making art education accessible to a broader audience.
Our courses cater primarily to complete beginners who are eager to explore their creativity in a structured and supportive environment. We take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere where students can help themselves to a hot drink and biscuit upon arrival and break time, and develop their artistic skills without any prior experience using materials we have provided in an informal and nurturing setting.
As a low-cost franchise, The Seasons Art Class UK offers potential branch owners the flexibility to run the business as a lifestyle venture to fit around other commitments or family life. Alternatively, after a qualifying period, owners have the opportunity to expand their operations and achieve higher income levels. Our classes are strategically scheduled during the day, with one session in the morning and another in the afternoon. This approach enables branch owners to accommodate more students, thereby maximizing potential earnings while also providing convenience and flexibility to both tutors and students.
Our art classes are structured around a meticulously designed 14-week format. Each course is divided into four modules, focusing on the main artistic mediums. We offer three courses per year, with a fresh curriculum introduced each time to keep the content engaging and relevant. The course culminates in a celebratory exhibition, which serves as a showcase of the students’ work and a valuable marketing tool for capturing new customers from the local community. These exhibitions not only provide students with a sense of accomplishment but also help to build a strong, supportive community around each branch.
Branch owners are required to be on-site only once a week to assist and coordinate the classes, which are conducted by a professional art tutor hired by the branch. Importantly, branch owners do not need any prior experience in art, as we provide comprehensive curriculum packs that guide the entire process. These packs include video demonstrations for each class, ensuring that tutors are well-prepared and that branch owners, who assist in the classes, can learn alongside them. This setup minimizes the administrative burden, allowing it to be easily managed from home and fitting comfortably around other personal commitments.
The operational schedule is designed to offer branch owners significant flexibility and work-life balance. With classes running for 42 weeks of the year, branch owners can enjoy summer holidays and weekends free from work. Moreover, we aim to build class sizes to approximately 40 to 44 students per day. This approach helps to reduce costs per head and maximize income. For those interested in further expansion, additional sessions can be opened on other days without incurring extra fees, providing even more opportunities for growth.
Our headquarters team consists of around 20 dedicated members, most of whom have been with us for over five or ten years. This experienced and cohesive team is deeply committed to providing ongoing support to our branch owners. Beyond the initial training, which includes residential and Zoom sessions, as well as training videos, we offer a comprehensive set of manuals. These manuals are regularly updated to ensure that our standards remain consistently high and that branch owners have the resources they need to succeed.
We currently have around five branch owners operating in New Zealand, some of whom manage two branches. We are also actively working on expanding into the USA.
The training process for a new franchisee begins almost immediately after they join the team. From the outset, the entire experience is designed as a learning journey to help franchisees understand the intricacies of their new venture. Initially, our team members will reach out to introduce themselves and outline their roles and responsibilities in supporting the new franchisee. These early interactions kickstart the learning process, covering the steps involved in launching and successfully operating the business.
The formal training we provide is carefully structured and methodical. Delivered through a multipronged approach, it ensures that franchisees receive the right information at the right time. This method prevents overwhelming them with too much information at once, allowing them to focus on what is most important at each stage and to properly digest it. By gradually introducing more training as needed, we ensure franchisees can build their knowledge and skills at a comfortable pace.
Our training program includes one-on-one practical sessions, in-person training during a two-day residential stay in Arundel, and a series of Zoom meetings. These sessions cover various aspects of the business, from managing a branch to running art classes and training tutors to deliver the curriculum in “The Seasons” way. The residential training provides hands-on experience, while the Zoom meetings offer remote guidance as franchisees begin to apply what they’ve learned. Comprehensive manuals support and reinforce the training process, offering detailed instructions and guidelines.
To complement this robust training program, we have created a series of training videos. These videos enhance the hands-on training, serving as useful refreshers that franchisees and their tutors can access at any time. This flexibility allows them to revisit key concepts as often as needed to ensure they are fully prepared. Towards the end of the first course, additional training is provided, including updated manuals, new videos, and another one-on-one Zoom session. This phase of training is crucial for preparing both the branch owner and the tutor for their second course, ensuring they can manage classes that include both new and returning students.
Our training materials include a “Pre-Course” manual to help branch owners prepare in advance of their first class, an operations manual covering the day-to-day running of the branch, and a guide on managing classes with a mix of new and returning students. Additionally, we provide a manual focused on maximizing revenue from existing customers and a micro-budgeting manual that offers practical tips on utilizing free marketing platforms, such as social media, to grow the business.
In addition to videos covering different aspects of the business, we produce specific instructional videos for every single class we create. This ongoing training ensures tutors are consistently well-prepared to maintain the high standards we set. It also allows the branch owner, even without prior art experience, to learn techniques at home, becoming more effective in assisting during classes. These videos also serve as an excellent fallback option if a student is absent and needs to catch up on a missed class, ensuring all students stay on track with the course content.
In summary, our training program includes an initial orientation and overview of our history, values, mission, and business model, along with comprehensive instruction on day-to-day operations, customer service, and stock management. Franchisees receive thorough training on our products or services, focusing on their benefits and the high standards we uphold. Ongoing marketing and sales training are provided to help franchisees develop effective local strategies and adapt to evolving trends. When the time is right, franchisees are guided through the process of recruiting, hiring, and managing their tutors. Legal and compliance training ensures a clear understanding of the franchise agreement and regulatory requirements, customer service and delivering exceptional service garnering repeat business and long-term relationships. Continuous support and development opportunities are available, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience, to provide the necessary foundation for confidently starting and growing the franchise.
A typical day for a franchisee begins with a great deal of flexibility, particularly on days when no classes are scheduled. This allows the franchisee to handle personal commitments in the morning before turning to business tasks. The first order of the day usually involves checking messages from the day before, from potential customers interested in enrolling in courses. If the franchisee has hired a bookings coordinator, these inquiries can be forwarded for follow-up. If the franchisee manages bookings personally, they reach out to prospects, presenting the courses in line with the training and guidelines provided by the franchise.
Once bookings are confirmed, the next step is to send out information packs. These packs, which may be printed in bulk or on demand at home, include the curriculum and additional details to reinforce the information discussed over the phone. This task of preparing and mailing the packs can be done at any point during the day, fitting seamlessly around other responsibilities.
Throughout the week, except on weekends, the franchisee checks the bank account daily to track payments from customers who have secured their spots in the course. This financial update is relayed to the bookings coordinator if one is in place, ensuring no unnecessary follow-ups occur and all bookings are accurately recorded.
Once a week on class days, preparation begins the night before. The franchisee ensures that all materials, including printed documents, art supplies, refreshments, and cleaning kits, are ready for use. On the morning of the class, the franchisee arrives at the venue about an hour before the class begins, setting up the space with care. This includes preparing refreshments and organizing the room. Early arrivals are greeted with tea and biscuits, allowing the franchisee to complete the setup without distraction.
The franchisee and tutor operate as a cohesive team, working together to ensure that the class starts on time and runs smoothly. During the class, the franchisee assists the tutor, taking on a role similar to that of a waiter, ensuring that all needs are met and that the class flows without interruption. They also prepare for the mid-session break by replenishing refreshments and tidying up the room as needed.
After the morning session concludes, the franchisee immediately begins preparing the room for the afternoon class. This preparation includes resetting the space to ensure it looks as pristine as it did in the morning. During the afternoon session, the franchisee continues to assist the tutor, maintaining the same level of support and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
At the end of the day, the franchisee and tutor collaborate to clean up the venue, making sure it is left in excellent condition. Once home, the franchisee inspects the art kits, cleaning and drying tools to prevent damage and ensure they are ready for the next class. Stock levels are checked, and any necessary orders are placed to ensure supplies are adequate for upcoming sessions.
While the day is undoubtedly busy and requires a significant amount of hard work, it is also highly rewarding. The franchisee takes great satisfaction in running successful classes and engaging with students. Though the workload is demanding, especially when managing multiple classes each week, it remains manageable with good organization and a well-structured routine.
