A little insight into where we came from...

Apex was formed in 2005 with the vision of increasing the accessibility of sports and leisure activities for children. With the help from various educational experts and advisors Apex developed a comprehensive teaching and delivery programme covering a wide range of sports and dance disciplines promoting health and wellbeing. This delivery structure and programme was an instant success with schools and local organisations alike and demand grew at a dramatic rate. Within the first few years of operation Apex was already on course to achieve their vision. The business had grown, employing over 40 staff members delivering sports, dance and leisure activities in schools to over 5000 children every week.

Over the years Apex has established strong links with many key organisations within the sports and leisure sectors including many National Governing Bodies, Sports & Art Partnerships and Local Government Organisations. These close ties have led Apex to evolve and develop in line with the various organisations requirements ensuring Apex remains the leading and prefered coaching brand and first point of contact for delivery of government sport and dance initiatives. To date these organisations have funded over £750,000 to Apex classes in the Hertfordshire area alone.

“Apex are one of our leading coaching agencies and are committed to doing things properly”

John O’Callaghan Club, Coach & Sports Development Manager, Hertfordshire Sports Partnership.

With television programmes such as  Britain’s Got Talent, Got to Dance & X-Factor making a regular appearance on Saturday evening prime time television the Dance & Performing Arts classes became an instant success with many children wanting to emulate their favourite stars dance moves. As demand grew Apex capitalised on the increased interest and developed its products and services to include Dance Shows and Competitions, Birthday Parties, Saturday Schools, Musical Theatre Camps and Workshops adding further revenue streams and strengthening the business model.

As the business expanded inline with the demand, dance and performing arts was proving to be the most successful and profitable arm of the business. Therefore in late 2012, after 2 years of development the first two Apex Dance & Performing Arts franchises were launched.

Jodie Holley, a 22 year old student from Watford launched the first franchise in September 2012. Jodie has a background in performing arts and has travelled to various holiday resorts delivering entertainment and drama classes to holiday goers, but has had no previous management or business experience. Therefore she was very keen to purchase a franchise with high levels of support and interaction with head office.

Jodie’s franchise has been developed on the basis of a teacher-led model, allowing Jodie to keep teaching classes, a passion she has had for many years. Since the launch of Jodie’s franchise the business is now projected to exceed 1st year projections by a staggering 56% generating £125,000 in turnover and over £25,000 in profit. To keep up with the demand Jodie now employs 8 full time and part time staff members to manage individual staff teams and to build relationships with schools and clients.

Apex’s second franchise also launched in September 2012, with a different business model. The investor wanted to launch a business which could guarantee a steady income with very little risk and minimal involvement. They already had a keen eye for business, but no background in the performing arts or dance. The franchise was therefore established and launched as a management franchise and quickly employed 4 part time staff members which was generating close to £2000 profit every month from the sessions that were running. In light of the success the investors have now employed a full time staff member to oversee and manage the day to day operations of the business allowing their franchise to grow further.

Both franchises are exceeding expectations and proving successful profitable businesses. Over the next few months Apex will go through an extensive brand marketing programme and is set to significantly expand in 2013 with an anticipated further 6 franchisees joining the network.

Apex will also be developing their alternative revenue streams, increasing the merchandise portfolio and launching a new line of Apex Kit, Uniform, Gradings and Certificates in the coming months. Apex are also in talks with a few well known dance troupes in the aim of finding an Apex Dance or Performing Arts Ambassador to be the face of the brand.

As a part of Apex’s brand marketing programme they will be exhibiting at the National Franchise Show at the NEC Birmingham on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2013; and the MOVE IT Exhibition on the 8th, 9th and 10th of March at Kensington Olympia. Come along and find out some more information about Apex with an informal chat with our existing franchisees and company directors. If you can't make these dates Apex also hold Discovery Days every month providing an indepth look into Apex and the franchise opportunity. For more information please visit www.apex360.co.uk