Perfect Part Time Business

Proven Success

The Seasons Art Class has been a proven franchise in the UK for nearly 15 years, where there are now over 130 branches. It is a step-by-step art class with a well-proven curriculum and teaching methods, with qualified tutors who we further train to present the lessons the Seasons way. The Seasons Art Class understands the importance of a five-star experience, with two team members on hand to provide a place for students to learn techniques in a range of media and develop their skills in a sociable, relaxed setting that enables students to achieve things they never thought possible. Operating via a series of 14-week programmes, the franchisees are only required to visit a teaching venue once a week to oversee the 2 x three-hour lessons, handle the admin, organize, and lay on the refreshments. All lessons are taught by experienced tutors, and we supply comprehensive curricula three times a year, provide all the marketing materials, and guidelines.

“We didn’t realize it when we were setting up our first art class in the height of the last recession, but we hit the ground running,” says Gen, one of the co-founders. “Our very first class was in Rustington on the South Coast, and it was fully booked, morning and afternoon. We quickly moved on to Horsham, Haywards Heath, Lewes, then Bexhill and Eastbourne, Chichester, and Haslemere, each branch achieving fantastic attendance numbers.”

“We worked hard though,” Gen explains. “We got out there with leaflets and posters just about everywhere, even standing in the city centre handing leaflets out to passersby. We really did put the effort in, and it paid off. Before we knew it, we had sold our first franchise down in Truro, and then another one quickly followed up in London, Maidenhead, Salisbury, and Canterbury. It’s just never really stopped spreading!”

“It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of because you see the difference in the customers from when they first come in and how they progress throughout the course. Not only achieving wonderful things, but becoming friends with you, the tutor, and their fellow classmates. What’s really lovely is at the end when we do an exhibition, and you see excited friends and family members coming in to see their work. It’s really just the best feeling to see how much you’re changing the lives of people in a positive way.”

People keep coming back for more!

As a proud “The Season’s Art Class Hassocks” franchisee, I’ve found a rewarding, fulfilling and flexible way to generate additional income whilst being able to comfortably balance the demands in my personal life, and my desire for this stage of my life to represent a significant change in my work-life balance to incorporate greater freedom and flexibility whilst still retaining a positive, impactful and rewarding professional development element to my career.

I’ve been fortunate to buy a franchise area near to where I live, with my chosen venue being at the heart of that town centre which makes running the business and getting to my art classes a far simpler task.

As a single parent this opportunity has been ideal, allowing me to manage my responsibilities efficiently and effectively. I needed something with good flexibility whilst still being a professionally challenging whilst enjoyable operation to manage, which is exactly what this model provides through;

• Hiring the venue only for the hours required, therefore minimising costs and allowing me to be on-site for just two days a week for art classes. All other administrative tasks, such as stock purchasing, and sending out curriculum/sign-up packs, are handled from home. This setup allows me to manage the business around my own schedule and retain that all important work-life balance throughout and outside of term times. I can post welcome packs and materials out when I’m out and about and spend more quality time with my daughter and any other personal commitments.
• Enabling callbacks for prospective students via set up of an answer machine, so I can comfortably return calls at a convenient time for me during the day and/or early evening. Seasons also have Booking Managers available to help manage the call-backs and sales enquiries to maintain momentum at all times throughout any given recruitment period.
• Comfortably accommodating responsibilities outside of class (administrative, purchasing, distribution etc) which can all be managed flexibly, on-the-go.
• A 42 weeks per year business model, which gives me a full 10 weeks off to spend enjoying the summer holidays and taking a full break over the Christmas and New Year period.
• Being able to hire someone (if required) to cover my place in the classes and work closely with the tutor, so I’m able to step back when needed or cover for any unavoidable life emergencies. This gives me massive peace of mind, knowing that the business can continue to run seamlessly even if I need to take time off. My venue has a large locked cupboard where all equipment is safely stored away, saving valuable time each week transporting equipment.

The whole operation, and the ongoing success of it is heavily reliant upon great team work, camaraderie, enjoyment and supporting each other to be successful. Even the cleaning of tools and packing away of materials is a team effort! This not only makes the day run more efficiently but also fosters a massive sense of community and shared purpose within the class which resonates with all who take part.

I schedule my courses to avoid the busiest family times, such as summer holidays. This way, I can always be present when my daughter is at home, ensuring that my work doesn’t interfere with really important family moments whilst allowing for being fully focused and committed when I’m working.

Last but not least, another significant advantage of this franchise model is the ability to scale according to demand. Additional sessions can be timetabled in and booked to accommodate more students. Beyond the obvious financial benefits this is a significant driver to building momentum and has the knock on effect of enhancing participation in future courses and attracting new starters. The beauty of this model is that it allows for growth without incurring extra franchise fees, making it a highly efficient and profitable venture with tangible social, community and skills development benefits for all involved, and more importantly – it’s really fun for everyone! – Claire Martin, Business Owner Seasons Art Hassocks.

Jo Baldwin from Maidenhead was one of the first branch owners where she happily runs her classes with her tutor Liz. She had this to say: “I came across the Seasons Art Class over 10 years ago when I was looking for a part-time job and I’ve never looked back! It has been one of the best career decisions I have ever made. I run a very successful and enjoyable business which allows me to work one to two days a week and earn a great income with expert Support from the Seasons team. The courses are extremely well designed and the students absolutely love them! I have people who return time and time again year after year. If you are looking for a new career working in a fun and lucrative environment, I cannot recommend this franchise highly enough.”

Jackie Mansbridge from Pinner first encountered the Seasons Art Class at the Excel Franchise Show in Spring 2017 when she was looking to start her own franchise but had no idea in what field.  “I wandered around the exhibition which was very interesting, but I wasn’t inspired by anything until I came across the Seasons’ stand.  I was immediately taken with the concept as I have always wanted to do more art myself, and thought, if I don’t buy a franchise I would love to become a student.  The prospect of combining a hobby and running my own business was very appealing.After several meetings where everything was explained to me in great depth (projected revenue, costs, how the courses are run etc etc), I decided to take the plunge and buy a franchise, and I am so pleased I did as I have had a fantastic experience over the last 7 years. “

“Seasons have provided support throughout and are always working to improve the courses for the students and the franchise owners alike.  The profits outlined in the literature I was given at the outset, have turned out to be pretty accurate, despite my being based in London where some of my costs are inevitably higher than elsewhere.”

“In the past 7 years, we have had the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis to contend with, but with the support of head office, we adapted and successfully ran classes online during the lockdown periods. I am delighted to say my branch is still thriving, and we have some students who have been with us right from the start of the journey and are still enjoying the classes with us. I have had a fantastic experience, and really enjoy running the classes.  I’ve learned so much, made loads of new friends, and had a lot of fun ….as well as earning the income I had hoped for.”

Another great success story but by no means the last, is from Jocelyn at Alton branch who spent many years working in the corporate industry. She was looking for something more fulfilling and personally rewarding. “Five years ago, I decided to take a leap of faith and join the Seasons Art Class.  I now run four classes over two days a week.”

Jocelyn was one of the first to exceed our projections and run additional sessions over and above our standard model such was her success! She is now in her 5th year with Seasons:

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the joy and satisfaction our students get from the classes. Our classes are filled with like-minded people enjoying a fun and friendly atmosphere as they paint, socialise, and share their artistic journeys. Many of our students have formed lasting friendships, and the classes have become an important part of their lives, offering them a haven of inspiration and friendship.

The curriculum for returning students changes every term and so the course is always different and challenging, so much so that most of our students come back time and time again.”

“Seeing our students’ progress and their growing confidence in their artistic abilities is incredibly fulfilling and reminds me why I made the transition from the corporate world to pursue this path. Seasons Art Class gives you the opportunity to run a profitable business on a part time basis and bring pleasure to others.”