Swansea performing arts school franchise acquired with HSBC UK funding

A performing arts franchise in Swansea is under new ownership thanks to a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK.

The Stagecoach Performing Arts franchise in Swansea, which includes eight schools catering for aspiring performing arts students from the age of 4 to 18, has been acquired by teacher Kelly-Marie Rosina Williams and her husband Benn.

The duo, who have worked with the franchise for the past decade, purchased the business, which covers all its existing Swansea locations and its 400 students, after previous owner announced plans to retire.

The HSBC UK funded acquisition will ensure business-as-normal for the schools which have been operating for 26 years. 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.

The business currently has three Main, four Early and one Further Stages School.

Kelly-Marie Rosina Williams, Principal at Stagecoach Performing Arts Swansea, 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, added: “It’s been a delight to support Kelly-Marie and Benn in becoming part of 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.”

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.