Be Inspired And Unlock Your Creative Flair At The National Franchise Exhibition

The growth in franchising in the UK has increased by 46% over the past 10 years according to the BFA / Natwest survey. Like many others, if you are looking to take control of your working life and want to find out more about what a franchise is and how it could work for you, come along to the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham. Opening times are Friday 19th February 10am – 5pm and Saturday 20th  February 10am – 4pm.

The Creation Station at the National Franchise Exhibition

Click for directions and to download your complimentary ticket.

The UK’s leading children’s arts & crafts activity franchise, The Creation Station is running the kidszone. You are welcome to bring the children and be inspired together.

There’s lots of hands on fun to get those ideas flowing. Check out the ‘Make a Monster’ modelling competition at the kidszone. The two minute challenge involves drawing or modelling your own monster and is open to children and adults alike!

Upload your creations to The Creation Station facebook page with #creationstation 

Children’s designs can be uploaded to The Creation Station ltd #MonsterMeHotel2 for a chance to win a ‘Hotel Tranyslvania 2’ book signed by one of the prestigious Sony animation team.

Grown up designs can be uploaded to The Creation Station ltd Facebook with #creationstation for a chance to win a £25.00 Creation Station craft hamper.

The Creation Station franchise provides hands on, educational children’s arts & crafts classes, parties and events. With the squeeze on creativity in schools, demand continues to increase for their award winning creative experiences. 97 people already run their own Creation Station franchise across the UK and in Southern Ireland. To find out if your area is available and to request an information pack click here.

Come along and chat with The Creation Station crew on stand LC50 to find out more about gaining the flexibility, success and freedom you are looking for you and for a bit of creative inspiration.
For more information about The Creation Station visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk or contact Amber on: 01395 239700 or email hello@thecreationstation.co.uk.

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.

Lisa Harkin, mum to Fraser, Milo and Lottie, found flexibility, fun and a career that gives her everything she ever dreamt of with The Creation Station.

Discover how Lisa achieved the success she wanted by coming along to a free Creation Station Discovery Event on Saturday 9^th November.

Lisa Harkin owner of Creation Station Wakefield East running an arts and crafts drop in session at her local shopping centre

“I still can’t quite believe that my new business works so well around family life AND is so enjoyable. I previously worked in customer service as an Account Manager and was looking for a change in career. I needed something that was flexible, to allow me to support my family, but also gave me some personal satisfaction. I couldn’t believe it when I discovered Creation Station, it ticked both boxes with many more positives. ” Smiles Lisa Harkin Wakefield East franchise owner.

“I went along to a Discovery Event which was really enlightening and answered all of my questions. Listening to the franchisees talking was really inspiring and gave me the confidence to take the step to running my own business. I was nervous but so excited. I could see the benefits of being part of this trusted brand with the added reassurance of lots of support along the way.

The training was excellent, I didn’t realise it could be so informative yet enjoyable. The support from everyone at the Creative Hub has only continued to impress me, with lots of tips on how to develop my business. I have now been operating for nearly a year and I really love being my own boss, it’s hard work but very rewarding. I love meeting all the new people and watching the relationships blossom amongst the families.

Lisa runs Baby Discover and Little Explorer classes, Arty Parties and Event Entertainment in the Wakefield East area.

I am so happy I have the opportunity to really test my skills, push myself out of my comfort zone and prove to myself that I can be successful and make my family proud. I am very excited about my future with The Creation Station and the potential my business has to continue to grow and become a highly recommended children’s arts and craft provider in my area.”

Lisa now inspires children with weekly baby discover, little explorer and parties in the Wakefield East area.

If you feel like Lisa and want to achieve both personal and financial success, find out how this opportunity could work for you, request your free info pack from Maggie.

We only have a couple of spaces at our Discovery Event this Saturday 9th November 9.30am in York – Due to demand there is an extra date available in Exeter on 30^th November 9:30am – 2:30pm.

Lisa will be talking about what it feels like to run your own Creation Station the York Discovery event on 9^th November. To avoid disappointment reserve your place today by calling Maggie on 01395 233022 or email maggie@thecreationstation.co.uk

It could be just what you are looking for.

Eight women change their career and run their own Creation Station franchise to achieve the flexibility they want

Eight women who were looking for a more flexible way of working, have been awarded a Creation Station franchise, delivering 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.

Eight mums have changed their career and been awarded a Creation Station franchise as they wanted the opportunity to run their own family friendly business that they can tailor around their own family needs.

“I have worked with children all my working life and have loved my job, however, when I had my own two girls I just felt that I wanted to be there for my own girls,” smiles Sarah Finan from Kent “I didn’t know what options there were, so I researched online and found The Creation Station franchise. It stood out from all the other franchises because as well as the flexibility of being my own boss it helps nurture children’s creativity and that’s something I’m passionate about. I now feel very privileged to be part of the Creation Station team”.

Back: Carol Jackson, Sarah Finan, Lynda Titley, Jen Williams, Tracy Hull
Front: Indy Dhillon, Sat Virdee
Sadly Gemma English was unable to be in the photo.

The eight women have a variety of backgrounds but are all mums who wanted a more flexible way of working.

Indy Dhillon from Osterley Isleworth and Sat Virdee from Kings Heath Birmingham, both have a background in a pharmacy, Tracy Hull from Basingstoke worked as a teaching assistant, Carol Jackson from Reading was a stay at home mum, Lynda Titley is a grandmother from Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire, Jen Williams from Chester was a Personal Assistant and Gemma English from Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire worked as special needs teacher.

“I’ve been going to Creation Station with my own child and I loved it so much I wanted to run my own. The timing wasn’t right for me last year so I kept the information pack in a drawer and just kept my eye on the website hoping my area wouldn’t be awarded to someone else” explained Sat Virdee. “I am now delighted to have a wonderful opportunity to be more involved with my daughter, to help other parents inspire their child and to inspire my local community too.”

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 70 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 349 462 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.

Ruth Morris in the Hot Seat “I didn’t realise my Creation Station business could look like this so soon!”

Ruth Morris inspires imaginations in North Aberdeen and Shire

Ruth from Aberdeen in the Hot seat when she is interviewed about running her own Creation Station franchise.

What inspired you to start looking for something different to do?
I’m fortunate to be mum to Connor and Lexie and have a fab husband. But after working in the local authority for over 10 years I realised there were other options out there and I didn’t need to just stick with what I was doing.

What was it you were looking to achieve?
I had two main big goals, these were:
1. I wanted to enjoy a greater work life balance and to support my family whilst working from home.
2. I really wanted to be my own boss so I could determine my own goals and recognise my own achievements.

Why did you look to run your own franchise?
I looked at franchised businesses because I wanted to be my own boss but recognised with the right franchise there was a lot of the support available to develop a stronger business. I was also nervous of starting up on my own after more than a decade in local authority.

What attracted you to The Creation Station?
I have worked with children since 2000 and had decided that in becoming self-employed I really wanted to provide an exceptional experience for children & families. The moment I saw The Creation Station logo online I was attracted to the ethos, values and opportunities of the company.

What were the barriers you had to overcome before you made the decision to invest?
I had to leave a full time professional career, whilst my husband was starting a new job. This had implications for securing the capital and I could not start Creation Station for 6 months after my initial interest. I had to also take out a bank loan, but the bank was very helpful and has never turned down a bank loan for a Creation Station Franchise, which was very reassuring.

What were your feelings when you attended a Discovery Morning?
I was incredibly nervous for 2 reasons- what if I decided the business was not the one for me, but far worse was what if it was…..that meant a major change in my family, career and future and I was so worried in case I wouldn’t fit it, or what my next steps would be. I was also aware that they are very selective about who is awarded a franchise, which is great from ensuring our brand values are maintained – but it still made me nervous!

What did you think about the training?
I loved the training, especially as it was based at the Creative Hub, so straightaway I felt part of the company. I can visualise meetings and planning in the meeting room and the huge warehouse where my arts and crafts orders get processed and sent to me usually by the next day which is such a great service from Garry our super store man. I appreciated the experience of training with a live class as that really built my confidence. I felt supported to achieve and encouraged to question everything. The atmosphere was exciting, supportive, creative and energised.

Please describe the first few months of your business?
I launched in the Easter holidays with 8 taster drop in events, followed immediately by a further 11 weeks of classes. I have developed new classes, sought new venues, provided my first birthday parties and  I am regularly seeing 50 families every week. I did not anticipate how quickly my business would flourish nor could I have foreseen the level of interest in both summer activities and bookings into September.

My husband even confirmed this week that he never thought my business would become this busy- and this is only my 3rd month

Describe your highlights so far
Being able to attend so many more events in my children’s lives and the accomplishment that I am providing all childcare myself for the first time in their lives.
Also the connection made with so many families and children in my classes. I have developed an uncanny memory for children’s and babies names & faces and I am loving meeting them in different environments and how incredibly excited they are to see me.

I also love seeing the change in children at both Baby Discover and Little Explores, examples include:

1. A child who was incredibly averse to touching the paint and new materials. His mummy reported with such excitement that since attending my classes he has played in his sand pit, enjoyed mud pies and I have seen him soar with confidence.
2. A little boy who I was sure was struggling so much to maintain interest and participate within the class structure has by the end of term, become totally focussed on his tasks and has learnt all the songs and movements.
3. The first time a baby picked up a paint brush and started to make marks- his mummy was so excited.
4. The Magic Ideas Box- it draws children like the pied piper’s tune; they are so excited and believe entirely that the materials appear magically. Their faith in the magic and excitement, which only I can see as the parents are behind the children, is the highlight of every class.
5.  Circle time at the beginning of every class- children and parents just want to share such lovely life events. Two babies have crawled for the first time at class…to me! Very emotional.

What are your long-term ambitions for your Creation Station franchise?
To provide an exceptional service for children, families and organisations across the north east of Scotland, whilst supporting my family and developing a rewarding career, driven by my own goals and dreams.

What tips would you share with other new franchise owners?

Believe in what product you are providing- be it classes, materials or parties. If you are enthusiastic and passionate, people will want to join in the fun.

Talk about the sessions as starting with Baby Discover, graduating into Little Explorers and Family Fun sessions. That way Baby Discover becomes a natural part of your business, not an addition.

Ask questions at the Discovery Morning, at training, on the forum, off your trainer, to the Creative Hub. Every question is valid and is always answered so positively.

Keep it simple. And remember, if you miss something only you know! Certainly not the children, who are enthralled with everything you are providing. And smile!

What activities have you done to promote your business?

•  Developed a Facebook page and promoted on many FB groups. Use Facebook daily to      build presence and share news
•  Leaflet drop at local school
• Posters in venues and communities
• Promoted activities regularly on Netmums
•  Joined Yell and other free business listings
•  Leaflets in all venues & local communities
• Posted classes and activities on local What’s On webpages, including local authorities    event calendars
• Handed parents at classes flyers to take to other groups and venues

What experiences you have had that have been really tough?
One session I am running has been funded by the local authority but has been poorly supported by the venue, resulting in low turnout and irregular attendance. In future I will only provide funded places as part of a more organised and better promoted programme.

The fallout after offering the BOGOF offer at the beginning of term. Some classes were decimated by people not returning after the second class. I have since learnt methods to monitor class attendance and to have a waiting list in operation. I have not offered this for the forthcoming term in September and have a steady stream of families already booking the “Scrunchy Bumpy hands on Discovery” programme in September.

What experiences have you had that have been great?
The babies and children are just so inspiring and I find myself constantly saying at class how much I love my job. I am honoured to be part of young children’s lives, have been joined by dads and grandparents as well as mummies and just love how quickly the children have revelled in the class structure. Watching toddlers immediately stamping their feet in anticipation of a stamp on their hands is heart-warming.

With the wonderful gift of hindsight would you do anything different?
I’ve learnt not to beat yourself up if things don’t go to plan. What I do know is that when thing goes wrong I change what I am doing and learn to do things in a different way. I have achieved my goals and love what I do and I’m making a difference to others so I’m really happy.

Find out more about Ruth’s classes here or contact her on  0844 824 4525 or  email ruthmorris@thecreationstation.co.uk

If you are interested in finding out more about how you could run your own fun creative business  and would like to meet Ruth  and other franchise owners click here to book your free Discovery event on 7th November Hemel Hempstead at 9.30am

Have an inspiring day out at the National Franchise Exhibition and bring the children to the free Creation Station kidszone.

You can find a range of opportunities to help you discover a flexible and family friendly, financially rewarding franchise and inspire your children too  at The Creation Station kidszone at the British Franchise Exhibition

Ever wondered how you can juggle family life with a rewarding career, then come and discover how running your own Creation Station franchise could give you the opportunity to turn a hobby into your own successful creative business. The Creation Station franchise provides inspiring children’s arts and crafts classes, children’s party entertainment and event entertainment across the UK.

You are welcome to bring the children along too because The Creation Station will be providing free activities to inspire your children. You can meet some of our franchise owners and discover what it’s really like to run your own fun and rewarding children’s activity business. There is also the opportunity to hear Lisa Harkin one of our fantastic Franchisees talking on the panel on Saturday.

The Franchise Exhibition will be held at Manchester Central (formerly G-mex)

Friday 21st June: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday 22nd June: 10:00 – 16:00

About Us.

First and foremost, we are PASSIONATE about nurturing creativity!

What does that mean for us? Well, we love having fun with different materials – paint, glue and, of course, a bit of glitter – but we also believe that being creative is about experimenting, playing and just seeing what happens.

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 isn’t simply about learning how to paint, model or collage along the lines of “Here’s one we did earlier”. It’s all about having a go, being inspired by something quite simple and encouraging each person to develop their own ideas. It’s amazing seeing that happen and it also gives you a huge boost of confidence when your ideas are taken seriously – no matter how old you are!

Kevin Kerridge our first Superdad providing Children’s Arts and Crafts

Find out how Kevin became part of The Creation Station…….

In the last 5 years I have made 2 significant changes in my life:

1.    Marrying the girl of my dreams

2.    Becoming a Daddy to our most wonderful daughter.

On the 19th of July 2008 I got married to my beautiful wife and I knew that whatever faced us in life, we would get around it as a couple. Sadly I have had a few jobs which were hit by the recession meaning I faced redundancy a couple of times and spent months looking for work with little inspiration from what was available.

It was in light of these changes that I made the decision not to accept a work life that provided an income but no real enjoyment.

I felt that setting up something of my own would have been a struggle and so I looked at investing in a franchise. I did a bit of research, however, there was nothing with a major, ‘yes I could see myself doing that’ appeal.  It would also have to be something that all my family would be happy with, as support from my family was vital.

“I made the decision not to accept a work life that provided an income but no real enjoyment.”

In October 2012, myself and my wife went to the NEC for the National Franchise Exhibition, to get a few ideas and to see if anything grabbed my fancy. We came across one woman speaking about her experience as a Creation Station franchisee and instantly grabbed my attention (Thank you, Cathy from Preston!). She was telling her story of what she used to do and what she is doing now and it sounded brilliant fun. It also fitted in nicely to my family commitments, as it was a term time franchise and I could therefore have more quality time with my wife and daughter during the holidays (instead of having a statutory 4 weeks).

We found the Creation Station stand and spoke to Cathy, she advised us to have a good look at the website, and if we felt that it was right for us then to get in touch and take it from there. Me and my wife liked the idea (and my wife said to me ‘I can picture you doing this!’). We attended the Discovery Morning in early December with my daughter and my parents and within five minutes of seeing a practical session, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and more importantly what I could see myself doing. I also had the backing of my family who also thought that it was something that I could do.  I was phoned two days later to be told that I had been approved by The Creation Station and that they were interested in working with me. ‘Yes, I want to do it’ was my instant reaction!

The following three weeks were a rollercoaster ride. Could I do this? The franchise I’m interested in is an environment which is perceived as a woman only environment’. I wasn’t worried about working with a team of women, I was worried about working in front of women. How would they perceive me, a man running a mothers and toddlers group? Would they think differently knowing that I am a man running it?

The majority of January (up until my training) I felt much the same, but I was also looking forward to my new venture. I was nervous about the training, however, it was brilliant and a lot more relaxed than I expected it to be. There was a lot of great tips and ideas too and knew that I would have fantastic support from head office if I had any questions. As I walked out the building to make my way home, Sarah said a few inspiring words to me and I started to bubble up. My emotions and everything I had been feeling over the last month or so was coming out of me but also I was happy! Happy that I had a new challenge in life and something that I had to make work…… This was it! This is what I was waiting for!

The following weekend, I ran my very first party. I had also been quite privileged to be able to attend a party and a session before my training (thank you, Rachel!). The party went well, I really enjoyed it and even got my first tip!

It then took me a while to find suitable venues. I went around advertising my sessions and gaining interest. After my first week of putting the word out and having had no interest. I felt that this wasn’t going anywhere. I got home from our weekly shop on the Friday night and switched on my lap top and…Bang! 3 emails of interest! The next day, there was another 2. A week later, with a bit more advertising and putting the word about, I had 5 names down at each venue! I was now happy with what I had. My wife wanted to go France for the Easter break and I felt a bit more relaxed knowing I had names down, so I said ‘let’s go’!

“At this moment, I am buzzing! This is something I can build upon, work around my family commitments and most importantly, have fun doing!”

Before I ran my first session I was really nervous. Will the mums take to a man running the session? It all seemed to go well and I learnt how to improve sessions each time. I am really pleased with what I have achieved so far. A total of 20 children’s imaginations inspired with more people attending each week…

Have I made the right choice? It’s early days but I believe I have. At this moment, I am buzzing and I feel a lot more relaxed in my new venture. This is something I can build upon, work around my family commitments and most importantly, have fun doing………Thank you Creation Station 🙂

For more information about Kevin’s classes, parties and events visit Facebook – The Creation Station Leicestershire North West or call Kevin on 0844 824 4502.

We also offer the Create Club franchise which is a more managerial business great for Dad’s across the UK.