Stagecoach Performing Arts has been awarded the Marketing Award at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2025 in recognition of its innovative approach to brand growth and community engagement across its international franchise network.
The accolade highlights the company’s recent campaign celebrating its Creative Courage for Life ethos, which encourages children to develop confidence and self-belief both on and off the stage. Developed with creative agency Trendy Grandad, the campaign features the iconic visual of a glowing light following students through their Stagecoach journey, symbolising the creativity, courage, and connection nurtured by the brand.
“This award is the result of an incredible partnership between our creative agency, our marketing team and the wider Stagecoach network,” said Head of Marketing Dijana Radisevic. “It’s a testament to the energy and passion that unite us. Together, we’ve created something that genuinely captures who we are and what we stand for.”
She added: “We want to say a huge thank you to Trendy Grandad for helping us bring our Creative Courage campaign – quite literally! – to life. We’re equally grateful to our entire Stagecoach community for their enthusiasm and support – from our franchisees and Head Office team to the students and teachers who featured in our campaign imagery and film. This award truly belongs to them all.”
The accolade crowns an exciting year of development for Stagecoach. The company has expanded its marketing department, welcoming four new specialists to enhance the support available to more than 300 franchisees worldwide. It also recently unveiled a redesigned website, improving accessibility and showcasing Stagecoach’s continued investment in creativity, innovation and franchise success.
Interim CEO Lisa Stead said: “Marketing is fundamental to how we share the Stagecoach story. It empowers our franchisees to reach families in meaningful ways and helps us demonstrate the life-changing impact of performing arts. This award recognises the collective ambition across our entire network to keep growing, evolving and leading the industry with purpose and integrity.”
