Winners Of The Best Creation Station Franchise Awards Announced At The 14th Annual Inspiring Imaginations Conference.

The Creation Station Franchisees

Franchise owners from across the UK gathered at The Arden Hotel for the 14th annual Creation Station national franchise conference. The day provided all franchise owners the opportunity to network, and discover new developments, innovations and product launches from Creative Hub head quarters, at Inspiration House, Woodbury, Devon.

“Our franchise conference is by far the best day of our year” smiles Fran Long, The Creation Station dedicated franchise support manager. “Our network has a really strong family and community feel, so when we get together it’s a hugely positive and supportive day.”

Ruth Churchill Dower Our Inspirational Guest Speaker

The conference included the inspirational guest speaker, Ruth Churchill Dower Director of Earlyarts. Ruth delivered an engaging session on the science and benefits of creativity. There were also ‘Pearls Of Wisdom’ sessions delivered by franchise owners to share their top tips with the network.

Every year franchise owners who have contributed to their community or made significant developments in their business are recognized at The Creation Station Best Franchise Awards.

“Our franchise owners make such positive contributions to their local community and really help children and families to be creative and have fun together” said Sarah Cressall, Founder and Managing Director. ”I am really proud of the differences our network are making, so judging the awards is really tough. Each year our franchise owners are becoming more and more successful and the calibre is really high.”

Franchisees Celebrating The 14th Annual Conference

The following awards were presented;

 

• The prestigious title of the “Best Franchisee of the Year 2016” was awarded to Penny Gilbert from Oxford for delivering the core values with such passion to her local community.
• The prestigious title of “Best New Franchisee of the Year 2016” was awarded to Jann Thorpe from Manchester for a phenomenal first year.
• The prestigious title of “The People’s Choice Award” chosen by the network was awarded to Kevin Kerridge from North West Leicester for the second year.
• Additional awards were given out for outstanding actions, these included;“Best Member of Staff” was awarded to Melanie Anstee, who works for Louise Richardson in Fareham.
• “Best Retailer” was awarded to Rebecca Dickinson from Faversham.
• “Best Can Do Attitude” was won by Claire Darnley from Halesowen.
• “Best  Photo” was won by Kevin Kerridge from Leicester.

 

Jann Thorpe Wins “Best New Franchisee” Award

 

Claire Darnley Wins “Best Can Do Attitude” Award

 

Penny Gilbert “Best Franchisee Of The Year” Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional awards included the prestigious gold pin award for inspiring over 6000 children in one year, awarded to;

Ruth Morris Wins ” Inspiring 6000 Children” Award

• Ruth Morris from Aberdeen.

The prestigious silver awarded for inspiring over 3000 child in a year was awarded to;

• Claire Darnley from Halesowen and Nicki Smith from Bath.

The bronze award for inspiring 1000 children ina year was awarded to;

• Abbie Melia from Wakefield South, Alice Simpson from Devon, Anna Dickson from Cornwall, Anna Quinn from Bradford , Carol Jackson from Reading, Deepa Robinson from Bracknell, Emma White from Weybridge, Faye Williams from Cardiff West, Fiona Burn from Portsmouth, Gemma Gough, Jann Thorpe, Julia Scoble, Kevin Kerridge, Kirsty Hickson, Lisa Hagg from Bournemouth, Liz Cairns from South Ayrshire, Louise Richardson from Fareham, Melanie Dawson from Surrey, Sara le Roux from Penistone, Sarah Ekins from Spalding, Suzie Smith from Grantham, Penny Gilbert from Oxford, Nicole Norman from Stevanage and Rachel Simpson from Nottingham.

Behind the scenes photographs from the event can be seen on The Creation Station Facebook. 

5 Year Service Award Winners

We look forward to continuing to nurture creativity and inspire children and families across the UK and in Southern Ireland.

For more information on your local Creation Station visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk

For more information on running your own successful Creation Station franchise request a free information pack. For more information contact Maggie Seager on 01395 349462 or email maggie@thecreationstation.co.uk.

 

Finalists announced for The Creation Station Franchisee of the Year 2016

Franchise owners from across the UK are gathering in Birmingham on Saturday 6th February for the ‘Release The Creation Station Magic’ 14th annual conference in Birmingham.

The day will deliver many magical moments including an inspirational talk from a surprise guest speaker and advice on how every franchise owner can develop and grow their inspiring business. Highlights of the day include the interactive shared best practice called ‘Pearls of Wisdom’, the launch of some new and exciting initiatives and the Best Franchise Awards.

Sarah Cressall founder and Managing Director said “The number of entrants for the Best Franchise Awards has been greater than ever. We have a positive and inspiring network who are proactively helping parents and organisations to inspire children imaginations and nurture creativity.”

There are a range of award categories: Franchisee of the Year 2016, Best New Franchisee 2016 and The People’s Choice Award, Best Member of Staff, Best Can Do Attitude and Best Retailer.

 

The following Creation Station franchise owners have been shortlisted for Franchisee of the Year: Sue Hammond from Bristol, Kirsty Hickson operating in Driffield, Jenny Farmer from Newton Abbot, Nicki Smith who runs the Creation Station in Bath, Melanie Dawson from Wimbledon, Penny Gilbert from Oxford, Claire Darnley operating in Halesowen and Ruth Morris from Aberdeen.

The following Creation Station franchise owners have been shortlisted for the Best New Franchisee; Alex Chaundy from Eastbourne, Jann Thorpe who inspires imaginations in Macclesfield, Rebecca Dickinson from Faversham, Kirstie Ireland who runs the Creation Station in the Orkney Islands and Rebecca Wootton from Ash.

The short list for the People’s Choice award as voted for by the Creation Station network of franchise owners are Sara le Roux, Kevin Kerridge, Emma Theunissen, Kirsty Hickson, Penny Gilbert, Sue Hammond and Nicole Norman. These member of the network have all gone above and beyond, lending valuable help and support to their fellow franchise owners.

The nominees for the Best Can Do Attitude are Jenny Farmer, Louise Richardson, Suzie Smith, Claire Darnley, Tracey Pennell and Ruth Longrigg, who have all dealt with challenges that arise in the world of business with a fantastic and inspiring attitude.

The winners of the above awards and for Best Member of Staff and Best Retailer, will be announced at the award ceremony at 3.30pm at the ‘Release The Creation Station Magic’ conference. Huge congratulations to all those shortlisted for reaching the final stage of this prestigious award.

Reviewing my priorities bought me back to my dream of working with children.

My desire to work with children has brought me full circle, and now I have more control over my family time and working week.

Rebecca Dickinson changed the desk job to work with children as a Childminder and as her own children grew, she decided to take her passion for working with children into a new direction and run her own rewarding and successful Creation Station franchise.

“I had spent the last 10 years working behind  computer desks in a variety of customer service related roles but none of these remotely touched on my passion of working with children.

Before I went to university I had loved working with children; as a dance teacher, swimming teacher and holiday play scheme leader. I’m not sure when my career took such a dramatic and unfulfilled turn, but things changed when my husband got offered a job in Kent and we relocated. .

The ideal time to make a change

With two amazing children, my eldest’ Joseph was about to start school. Now was the ideal time to make a change, to go back to working with children and to find an opportunity to be there for my family.

My Mum had run her own dance school and I had grown up in the privileged position of having a Mum who worked hard and was still able to attend my school plays, assemblies, sports days and to help out on school trips.

I wanted to be there for my family like my wonderful mum had been for me.

I decided to become an Ofsted Registered Childminder, I was finally back working with children!

I loved the work; nurturing and educating the children, building amazing relationships with them and their families, getting creative and inspiring the children with arts and crafts. I was even able to go to all my son’s plays, assemblies and sports days (with a buggy full of children). But the paperwork Ofsted required me to complete and the hoops they expected me to jump through as a Childminder left no time for family life. I was looking after children eleven hours a day and then once I had put my two to bed I would spend most evenings writing reports and planning.

I was constantly exhausted both mentally and physically, my home was looking more and more like a nursery filled with toys my own children had out grown and was covered in labels and posters Ofsted expected me to have displayed.

I had loved being a Childminder, but by the time my daughter started school I knew I needed to make another change. Just what that change was? I wasn’t sure.

Whilst pondering my career future I went to the Child Care Expo in London. Hoping for a ‘pick me up’ and to be re-inspired as a Childminder and I attended a number of workshops on that day. The last workshop I attended was about easy and inspiring arts and crafts for young children and I was inspired! The workshop was run by Sarah Cressall, owner and founder of The Creation Station. Afterwards I spoke to Sarah to thank her for such a great workshop, we got chatting about the classes The Creation Station run and the franchises they award. This struck a chord with me and I spent the train ride home reading everything I could find online about The Creation Station and the pros and cons of buying a franchise. The numerous awards that The Creation Station Ltd and Sarah personally had won were reassuring and reading about the experiences of the other franchise holders sealed it for me. At 9:30 am on the following Monday I was on the phone to The Creative Hub (a.k.a. the head office of The Creation Station Ltd) having a Discovery Chat and booking on to a Discovery Morning.

It needed to be right for me and my family

At this stage it was all about finding out information; what was The Creation Station really like and about, would it suit me and would I be a good fit? I did my research and spoke to my family and then went along to the Discovery Morning with my husband, children, a close family friend and a list of questions. By this stage I was already pretty much sure that The Creation Station was what I had been looking for but the Discovery Morning was a great opportunity to meet some of the existing franchise holders, for my husband to get reassurance about how the figures worked and to see if my children could be inspired by the demonstration class. We left that morning with me convinced, my husband fully on board and to the ringing chorus of my children asking if they can go to The Creation Station every weekend!

I am now 6 months into my Creation Station journey. I attended the comprehensive training in April and launched The Creation Station Kent, Faversham in July. It has been hard work and at times I have wondered if I have done the right thing, but I have now got classes established, Family Fun sessions that are selling out, Create Club running successfully in two schools with interest from other local schools and I have also made great retail links with one of the local Universities.

I have far more support than I ever had as a Childminder

Things are starting to fall into place nicely. The support from The Creative Hub and the other franchise holders has been phenomenal, I am part of an amazingly supportive and creative ‘family’. Owning our own territories means that we are not in competition and rather than being competitors these other franchise holders are my mentors, always full of advice, support, on-line hugs and cheer.

My house is no longer full of Ofsted labels, posters and out grown toys, instead it is full of glitter, paint and paper, this is something we can definitely live with! My children’s own creativity and love of arts and crafts has flourished, my husband is still incredibly supportive and I have come full circle.

I am once again working with children and running my own successful  business but with lots of support . I am constantly stepping outside my comfort zone and with the help of my Creation Station family, I am achieving things I never thought I would even attempt.

I’ve grown in so many ways and feel very excited about my future

I am a successful business women, making links with the community, promoting and marketing myself and my business but most importantly I am also balancing my family life, attending school events and finding quality time for my own children”.

Rebecca Dickinson – Owner of The Creation Station Kent, Faversham

If you would like to find out about Rebecca’s classes parties and events visit here

or email rebeccadickinson@thecreationstation.co.uk.

To find out about running your own Creation Station franchise request your free info pack.

Leading arts and crafts children’s activity franchise, The Creation Station launches ten low cost ‘Micro’ franchise opportunities.

Do you love the idea of running your own arts and crafts activity business and having the flexibility of being your own boss? The new Creation Station ‘Micro’ franchise provides a low cost option to start up your own business with all the training, resources and support you need to run your own fun and successful flexible business.

“We have a great network of over 80 franchise owners and demand continues to grow. Many of the people who enquire about running their own Creation Station want something that will fit around their family commitments and that they can gain a second income from, but not necessarily having to take out a business loan for” said Sarah Cressall, Founder and Managing Director of the Creation Station “Our new ‘Mirco’ franchise means that the
start up cost are much lower, but still with all the support that we are committed to providing”

The ten new micro Creation Station franchises will cover an area that still provides huge potential for baby classes, toddler classes, family fun, arty parties and events. The price starts at  £3,500 with a start up kit of just £1,500 plus Vat.

To request your free information pack visit  http://www.thecreationstation.co.uk/receive-your-franchise-pack

To find out more you can attend one of the free Creation Station Discovery Events. Here you will experience an award winning class, chat to existing franchise owners and find out how the business could work for you.  A light lunch is also provided and partners and families are very welcome.

The next available dates are:

•  Saturday 25th January 2014 Worcester 11.00 –4.00
• Saturday 22nd February 2014 Guildford, Surrey 9.30 – 2.30

To reserve your place or find out more email Maggie on maggie@thereationsttaion.co.uk
or call 01395 349462 for a chat.

Hello,

We are here to help nurturing creativity and support others to inspire children imaginations.
Creativity unleashes potential and we are here to help inspire children imaginations to help them explore, discover and develop. We work with  parents, grand parents, carers, child care organisations, children groups, local communities, schools and  event organisers to help them nurture creativity through fun and social art and craft activities. We love helping learning through creative play with our award winning educationally based arts and crafts classes, parties and event. .
Giving expression to your own imagination in a group setting provides lots of benefits. It helps young children learn to make choices, share, listen, observe, pretend, problem solve, as well as play and interact with others.
The Creation Station has over 70 franchise overs across the UK, has inspired over 105 ,000 children and families and ran the Kidszone for the Olympics in Hyde park.

The desire for flexibility and running your own business inspires eight women to change their career to run their own Creation Station franchise.

The desire to be your own boss and to have your own flexible business with lots of support, inspired eight women to change their careers. They have moved on from a variety of careers including teaching, genetic engineering, publishing, nursing and also from being a stay at home mum to running their own Creation Station franchise and now inspire their local community with award winning art and craft classes, parties and events.

Finding flexible working that enables parents to prioritise their children and family needs can be a challenge. Many parents want flexibility to have time with their pre-school aged children and also to be there to support their school aged children.

Rachel Simpson from  Nottinghamshire  wanted to change her career from teaching but still wanted to inspire children. Having always dreamt of running her own business but not enough confidence to go it alone, she felt the Creation Station could give her the rewarding and satisfying business opportunity she had been looking for.

Shobhana Sankar from Sutton has a background in genetic engineering, both Rachel Simpson from South Nottingham and Indi Johal from Letchworth Garden City worked as Teachers, Mel Valente from Gosport has worked as a Nursery Assistant and Nanny, Leanne Griffin from Thame was a stay at home mum, Sinead Thornton had a career in nursing in the Republic of Ireland, Hayley Raison from Sevenoaks worked in the Financial Sector, and Sally Martin from Paisley worked in Digital Publishing.

“Since having my daughter Kaydie, 4 years ago, I have been looking for a better way of balancing work and family commitments. Although I worked part time in the financial sector, when Kaydie started school, I was desperate to be around for her after school, as my mum had been for me.  As well as this, it’s  also important for me gain a sense of pride and achievement from my work. When I’m a granny  I don’t want to look back and think ‘I wish I’d done that…’ I want to look back with a feeling of job satisfaction and to say Wow! I achieved that and I loved doing it too.” explained Hayley Raison from Sevenoaks “What I love about running my own Creation Station, is that I am making my future happen by doing the things that I love and that are really important to me – all this is now possible – and it feels wonderful.”

The Creation Station is the UK’s leading and fastest growing children’s creative experience franchise. With a passion for helping to inspire children’s imaginations the experiences include: Baby Discover classes, Little Explorer classes, Arty Birthday Parties and Event Entertainment.

These experiences operate in over 500 centres and are delivered by over 75 franchise owners across the UK.

“I am very proud of our team of franchise owners, as they share our passion and values about nurturing creativity and help to inspire children’s imaginations” says Sarah Cressall founder and Managing Director. “Our eight new inspiring ladies are very warmly welcomed to our team and we are fully committed to support, nurture and help them to achieve the personal and
financial success that they want.”

For more information about The Creation Station experience please visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk  To find out about running your own Creation Station franchise call Maggie on 01395 349462 or visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/become-a-franchisee

Enjoy A Piece Of Our Creative Funding With A £1000 Booster Bonus

You may have heard the great news that we have been awarded a fantastic grant by the government to further develop the inspiring work we are doing to inspire imaginations.

What this means is that as well as further supporting our existing franchise owners we are providing a fantastic offer to those who are looking at running their own creative business. In addition to 50% funding support for a Create Club opportunity we can now offer  Business Booster Support for those who want to run their own family friendly and flexible children’s activity business, The Creation Station.

Inspiring imaginations

For the first 20 who train before February 2014 you can receive a £1000 business booster premium support  package – this includes additional retail products for you to sell, as well as targeted marketing support to help boost your business.

We already have 9 people booked in for training in September so we know this is going to go fast! If you would like to register your interest  in this ‘Business Booster Offer’- just email maggie@thecreationstation.co.uk or call 01395  349462 and we will add your name to our priority list and be in touch.

If you haven’t received your free information pack, simply click here to request your free  shiny future pack.

With over 100,000 children and families already inspired the demand for the award winning Creation Station experiences continues to increase so there has never been a better time to join the inspiring fun and hep us make a difference to others.

I can’t believe what I said at my Interview as finalist for The Woman of the year Award Sarah

My interview as the finalist for The Business Woman of The Year was last Friday. It’s been over 15 years since I has an interview, which I have to admit, is one of the many benefits of working for yourself! There was an amazing panel of judges from Jaguar, Barclays Wealth, BA, SCC. They asked questions about myself and my business, the good thing was that is at least I knew a lot more on those subjects than they did.

Sarah Cressall

I did start with: “If you cut me in half it would say the words ‘Creativity’ running through me like a bar of rock.” I hadn’t quite planned to say that and I did get quite a few raised eyebrows! The other 5 finalist were awesome, so I don’t believe I have won. But it’s been amazing to have got through the final 6. It felt a bit like the Xfactor, but without me having to sing – thankfully!

I find out this Friday so if you want to be kept informed please do like my facebook.

>> Check out and Check In to our Facebook

I know the next few months are going to be busy so I wanted to let you know the exciting events I’m running where we can meet up and you can also meet at chat to some of my very inspiring franchise owners.

As part of my ‘Know Where’ Tour, I’m sharing my 7 signposts to success, the things that have really helped me achieve both personal and financial

I am a key note speaker at:

Bristol: Monday 8th Oct: The Auditorium, Arnolfini, 11.00am – FREE event organised by Women out of the Box

Doncaster: Thurdsay 18th October Doncaster Racecourse 4business 12.45pm – 1.30pm – we are running the kidszone so feel free to bring the children

Birmingham Friday 5th and Saturday 6th October We are at The Franchise Exhibition at the NEC. Please just let me know if you would like a complimentary ticket

Devon 20th October – Creation Station Discovery Event 11.00am- 2.30pm Partners and children welcome, includes drinks and free lunch . (There is such think as a free lunch!)

York 3rd November Saturday – Creation Station Discovery Event  – 9.30- 1.30 Partners and children welcome, includes drinks and free lunch

So hopefully there are a few choices there for us to be able to meet.

If you want to find out more about The Creation Station Franchise, I would recommend the Discovery Events. You experience an award winning class, chat to franchise owners, have your questions answered  and I explain everything about the opportunity.

I hope you find this helpful.

For more info on our events please pop over and say Hello on our Facebook. I look forward to seeing you soon,
All the best
Sarah

Discover how running your own franchise can give you the flexibility and financial rewards you want.

You can find a range of opportunities to help you discover a flexible and family friendly financially rewarding franchise.

You are welcome to bring the children along too because the UK’s leading arts and crafts activity franchise, The Creation Station will be providing free activities to inspire your children . You can meet some of our franchise owners and discover what its really like to run your own fun and rewarding children’s activity business. Meet:

• Sue Morrow Jones from Sutton Coldfield
• Rachel Sykes From Loughborough
• Christine Cox from Solihull
• Plus Catherine Perry who has just completed her Franchise training this week!

>> Email nicki@thecreationstation.co.uk for your complimentary tickets

The National Franchise Exhibition is at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday 5th and sat 6th October.

You can also meet Ian Ballinger our Franchise Support manager and meet me… by then I’ll either be runner up or Business Woman of The Year!  I’ve been shortlisted to the final 6 and the award ceremony is on Friday 5th so I’ll be popping straight over once I know!

If you would like to find out more before you come,

>> Request you free shiny future Creation Station Franchise Information pack here.

I look forward to meeting you.

Sarah Cressall

T: 0844 854 9100

Sarah Cressall reaches final stage for the national Woman Of the Year Award 2012

I’ve been incredibly fortunate this week to have been shortlisted as Woman of the Year, previous winners include Karren Brady from the Apprentice and  Hilary Devey from The Dragons Den.

I’m being interviewed this week in Leamington Spa and I find out next Friday at an award ceremony in Birmingham on Friday 5th October.

Sarah Cressall Founder of the UKs leading arts and crafts activity franchise, The Creation Station

What really great is that we are also at the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on the Friday 5th and Saturday 6th so I will be able to get to the exhibition too. If you would like a complimentary ticket please email nicki@thecreationstation.co.uk for your ticket. We are running the children’s area so please feel free to bring your children and partners. If you would like to find out what has helped me to get to where I am please download my free 7 secrets signposts, the things that have helped me along my journey.

>> Sarah’s 7 secret signposts 

I think Ian, our Franchise Manager was more excited about me coming to Birmingham than reaching the finals for the award! I’m excited because it helps for my voice to be heard, in my drive for inspiring imaginations across the nation, which is a very positive outcome.

My mum and two sisters are coming to the awards. they have been a huge support and without them, or Duncan, none of this would ever have been possible.

You can find more about The Creation Station here

Related articles

• Are you looking to change direction and find an alternative way of working? Are you looking at a more flexible or fulfilling role? (yourcreationstation.wordpress.com)

Are you looking to change direction and find an alternative way of working? Are you looking at a more flexible or fulfilling role?

Get 7 secret signposts to help you get to where you want to be in life, from a multiple award-winning entrepreneur, Sarah Cressall.

Sarah Cressall’s seven secrets signposts funder of The Creation Station

The number of people that are now choosing to look at non-traditional ways of working is continuing to grow.  There are many options for you to consider but before you start your journey, gain some valuable pointers to get to where you want to be, from someone who has been there and achieved both personal and financial success.

Multi award winner and mum to three, Sarah Cressall, is founder of The Creation Station, the UK’s most successful award winning arts and crafts activity business. Sarah franchised her business in 2007 and now leads a team of over 65 people who run their own Creation Station Franchise.

“When you want something different in life, it’s difficult knowing which is the best path to take“ says Sarah Cressall. As a key note speaker, I speak to lots of people in this situation. I decided to share my own seven secret signposts that have helped me achieve success. I have written them to help you identify where you want to get to, choose your own direction and find the right path that works for you. They have significantly helped me and I believe you will find them helpful too”.

Receive your free copy of Sarah’s 7 secret signposts by simply

>> clicking here to visit Sarah’s Seven Secret Signposts and download your free copy.

Plus as Sarah is passionate about inspiring imaginations, when you download the seven secrets you will be entered in to a free prize draw for a Creation Station arts and crafts goody bag. So be inspired and download the steps to help realise your potential today.   We wish you all the best as you find your new direction and the right path to your personal and financial success.

Due to the feedback from my signposts, I’m taking my seven secrets on a ‘Know Where’ tour- to help people know identify where they want to get to.

Women out of the Box, Bristol   Monday 8^th October   11.00 am – 12.00 pm cost £6.00  (Please scroll down to the 11th item)

4 Business, Doncaster   Tuesday 18^th  October   12.45 pm – 1.30 pm

If you would like to find out more please email nicki@thecreationstation.co.uk or call 0844 854 9100.

I hope youfind this helpful,

Regards,

Sarah