What you need to know

What is a franchise?

A franchise is a business opportunity that allows the franchisee (possibly you!) to start a business by legally using someone else’s (Jolly Jess - the franchisor’s) expertise, ideas, and processes. One question many people ask is “why would I pay for a franchise, when I can just start my own business for free?” And it’s a great question, with an even better answer! 90% of franchises report profitability in the first 2 years, compared to 50% of independent businesses going bust in the first 2 years. The beauty of a franchise is that the business model has already been tried, tested and proven. A reputable franchisor will be able to provide you with facts, figures and franchisee testimonials to confirm the profitability and sustainability of their franchise.

What's included in your Franchise Package?

You get ALL of the equipment needed to run a Showtime Circus franchise, including:

• 2 x aerial points (one silks, one hoop) 

• ALL safety mats 

• Ground based equipment need to run our syllabus (LOTS OF THIS) 

• AcroPAD 

• Acrotrix Level 1 Qualification 

• AcroReady Qualification 

• CPD accredited circus teacher training 

• Ongoing support 

• Access to our features at the huge events like CYD? and Move it! 

• FREE hire of the large equipment like tightrope, slackline, walking globe and more. 

Is full training given?

Yes our training is 3 days of hands on circus training and 2 days of online business training. This is CPD accredited meaning that you know you are getting the best training around. 

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Where can you find teachers?

You can hire teachers who enjoy working with children as ALL circus training is provided. We have found that those with nursery backgrounds with a hobby of pole or hoop have made incredible circus teachers. Ex-professional dancers or performers, and fitness fanatics who enjoy spending time with children all make for amazing circus teachers! 

How do you earn your money back and make a profit?

You can start weekly classes straight away, though I would advise holding a paid open-day session first to drum up interest and ensure that these are full. We provide you with full KPIs which help you map out exactly how much you need per class to start making a profit. 

You can also run holiday camps as your first sessions as these usually sell out straight away! The children that attend the open day/weekly classes or camps will no doubt want a circus birthday party too which is an incredible extra revenue stream. 

Primary Schools would welcome a free taster session, and you can ensure that you take in leaflets to promote your classes and feature in their newsletter when you run these too! 

Is ongoing support provided?

Yes, we have ongoing in-person training to keep up to date with all of the hands-on skills. We also place brand new videos for each skill into our drive every single month so you have lots of new tricks to teach your students. 

Ongoing support includes weekly accountability sessions, monthly check-ins and monthly guided training too on various subjects. 

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Are there any additional ongoing costs?

No additional costs unless you would like additional equipment. 

There is a 2% National Marketing fee and an 8% franchise fee each month which totals 10% of your turnover each month to be paid to the Franchise.  This helps with paying the teachers to update drives, your ongoing training and marketing to keep brand awareness high. It also goes towards increasing our reach and having a huge presence at events all over the UK. 

Do you need an existing school or can you start from scratch?

You can start completely from scratch as circus has such a unique selling point and pull for all students! Alternatively, if you have a performing arts school already, you can bolt on the aerial and circus classes to your existing school. 

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What areas are available?

You can franchise anywhere in the UK. 

Area which are unavailable and currently have franchisees in are:

• Ampthill and Bedford

• Bournville

• Bolton 

• Crowborough & Tunbridge Wells

• Didcot

• Harpenden 

• Hitchin 

• Huntingdon 

• Kidderminster

• Market Bosworth 

• Milton Keynes 

• Oldham

• Sheffield

• Skelmersdale

• South Glasgow

• Tillicoultry 

• Woking 

• Worcester

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Do you get full control over the school?

You get to decide when and where your classes are (within your territory, which we help you decide to be mutually beneficial) and you get to decide how many days of camp you do each holiday, when you would like to run birthday parties and whether you would like to team with local primary schools/nurseries to offer weekly classes in there too. You will stick to our tried and tested syllabus and plans but other than that, it is your business to run as you wish! 

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Can another Showtime Circus branch open near you?

Your territory will be decided with Adam, our franchise manager who will choose a population that is circa 90,000 for you. No one will be allowed to open up within your territory, and you can have first refusal on an area just outside your initial territory if you so wish. 

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Are there particular rules you must follow as a Franchise owner?

We have branding guidelines for your social media and advertising posts, and a syllabus that you follow in weekly classes, as well as party, camp and workshop plans. Other than that, you can have the MOST joy in creating a super fun place for children to be themselves. (And adults should you wish to add an adult class!) 

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Are you in charge of your Franchise school finances?

You are solely responsible for your franchise school finances. You are your own business (advised to be a Ltd Company) and you send your financial reports to me once a month. 

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How do I get started?

Book a call with Showtime Circus Owner, Jess, here!

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