Trafalgar Education – home to Stagecoach Performing Arts – has increased the size of its marketing team this year in a strategic move to support its expanding global franchise network and invest in the next generation of marketing talent.
Here, CEO of Stagecoach Andy Knights shares why this investment marks more than just team growth – it is a reflection of the brand’s long-term commitment to supporting its franchisees, nurturing future professionals and keeping creativity at the heart of everything it does.
From my perspective, this growth could not come at a more important time. With over 300 franchisees worldwide and increasing competition in both the education and franchise sectors, it is essential that we not only maintain the high quality of our brand communications but also equip our franchisees with best-in-class marketing support. For us, that means building a team that combines creative energy, digital expertise and a deep understanding of what makes our brand so special.
This year, we expanded our marketing department to nine members. That scale of investment speaks volumes about our long-term vision – one that is not just about attracting new students or franchisees, but also about nurturing the people who work with us. Our success lies in developing talent both onstage and behind the curtain.
One of the most exciting aspects of this growth has been welcoming two apprentices into the team. Apprenticeships offer a real opportunity to bring fresh perspectives into the business and provide career pathways to young people who are passionate about the arts, marketing – or both.
Ella Hammond, our 22-year-old Content Marketing Administrative Apprentice, is a perfect example of this. She joined us with a rich background in dance – 16 years of training in jazz, tap, ballet and contemporary – and a clear ambition to forge a career in marketing.
“When the apprenticeship at Trafalgar came up, it felt like the perfect fit – blending my love of the arts with my career goals,” said Ella. “The team here is so supportive, and every day is a new learning opportunity.”
Ella now supports our content creation and social media efforts – from office-based work to filming in our schools. That hands-on experience, coupled with a nurturing team environment, is exactly the kind of development opportunity we are proud to offer.
Alongside Ella, we welcomed Marketing Executive Ingrid Ho, who joined us this spring with a background in film and events marketing. Though she did not come from a performing arts background, Ingrid’s passion for musical theatre – sparked by watching musicals with her dad – made her a natural fit for our team.
“Since starting in April, I’ve learned so much – not just about digital marketing channels but also about franchising, which was completely new to me,” explained Ingrid. “Working for such a large company with over 300 franchisees means there’s always something new to discover.”
Ingrid plays a vital role in our B2B marketing and franchisee communications, helping to support our network with resources, guidance and campaigns tailored to their unique needs. Her perspective as someone new to franchising has also been valuable in shaping how we communicate with prospective and existing franchisees.
At Trafalgar Education, we believe strongly in creating meaningful early-career roles. Not only do these opportunities help individuals grow professionally, but they also bring fresh thinking into our organisation.
As Georgia Pridden, our Content Marketing Manager, puts it: “We’ve always been about giving young people the chance to realise their potential, whether they’re growing in confidence on stage or in the working world. By creating meaningful opportunities for early-career professionals, we’re strengthening our marketing efforts and helping to develop the next generation of talent.”
For any franchisor, investing in your team is one of the smartest moves you can make. Whether it’s about improving support for your network or future-proofing your brand’s positioning, it all starts with people. As we continue to grow, we will stay committed to the same values we promote in our schools – building confidence, nurturing talent and giving people the stage they deserve to shine.
