Run a Creative Business – Inspire, Nurture and Thrive
Live a life you love whilst inspiring others with your own #1 most recommended activity business.
Is it time for a new direction?
Are you thinking it’s Time to Live the Life You Want to Lead?
You’re not alone. I speak to hundreds of people who are looking to change career, take control of their work, and create a life they truly love.
I know how that feels — I’ve changed career a few times myself. On the journey I discovered that what I really love is helping people be their amazing selves. Whether that’s parents, children, or adults. (It’s a very close second to eating chocolate and time with my hubby and my three boys 😊).
Since setting up The Creation Station in 2002, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to scale it to be the UK’s #1 most recommended activity business. Along the way, I’ve learnt and grown so much — and my three sons, Sam, Ollie and Josh, developed skills they never would have if I hadn’t been running my own creative business.
I see this same growth in our fab franchise partners. They often say the same about their own kids too. Over and over again, I hear how running their own Creation Station franchise business has given them so much more than a business — it’s given them confidence, fulfilment, flexibility, and a great income too.
Is This the Right Fit For You?
You might be wondering: “But how do I know if this is right for me?”
This is a critical question
✓ Many of our most successful partners had never even heard of franchising before.
✓ Most had little or zero experience of running a business.
✓ What they did have was the desire to do something meaningful, fun and take conttol of their working hours.
That’s why we don’t “sell” a franchise. Instead, we guide you through a Discovery Journey — a simple step-by-step process that helps you explore:
✓ What you want your lifestyle to look like
✓ What your week could feel like
✓ How much you want to earn
✓ How much time you have available
✓ How you feel about being part of a supportive national team
This way, you get clarity on whether The Creation Station is right for you — and we make sure we’re the right fit for each other too.
We’re proud to say that only around 2% of applicants are awarded the opportunity to run their own Exclusive Creation Station in their own area. That’s because this isn’t a quick-fix, get-rich scheme. It’s a long-term partnership where trust, values, and support matter.
Things You Might Find Helpful to Know (FAQs)
How much does it cost to start?
The Creation Station Franchise opportunity start from £12,000. The investment goes up with a bigger exclusive areas. We can share exactly how this works with you.
What are the ongoing costs?
The monthly management fee is £240 per month or 10% of turnover, whichever is higher. This fee is reduced in your first year to help you get established.
In return, you get access to:
✓ Ongoing business mentoring and training
✓ National marketing campaigns
✓ Your own Start-up Business Buddy and support team
✓ The credibility of The Creation Station brand, reputation, and proven systems
✓ 12 income streams with detailed session plans
✓ Community groups, networking events, and access to national discounted supplier accounts
✓ The Treasure Trove – a world of resources, templates, and ready-to-use tools at your fingertips
✓ The Creation Station Academy – for extra training, personal development, and opportunities to grow your business as your goals evolve
There are also a few small additional costs for your booking system, customer relationship system, and marketing design portal — around £40 per month.
You’ll also have craft supply and venue costs, but we work in partnership with a wide range of venues and can help you explore options to keep these costs manageable.
I don’t have that sort of money — how do most people fund it?
Most of our partners secure a small business loan to cover their initial investment.
As an established and successful brand we can help secure a 100% business loan subject to status.
What can I earn?
We can’t guarantee what you’ll earn, but after 20+ years of running The Creation Station, we have a very good idea of what’s achievable when you follow our proven model.
Typically, our partners earn anywhere between £15,000 and £50,000+ per year.
We’ll work with you to create a bespoke business plan that’s tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and availability — helping you target your ideal income and build a business that works for you.
What support will I get when I start?
LOTS! Starting a business can feel daunting — that’s why we tailor your support to your goals and aspirations.
This includes:
✓ Building your bespoke business plan together
✓ Comprehensive training on all aspects of running a Creation Station business
✓ Your own Start-up Business Buddy
✓ Regular 1:1 business mentoring every 8 weeks with your friendly Business Development Manager
✓ Ongoing training and personal development
What resources do I get access to?
✓ Marketing plans, promotional images and videos, your own website page and booking system, comprehensive business systems, compliance documentation, proposals and more.
✓ Detailed session plans for all 12 income streams (you can add your own flair — we love new ideas!)
✓ Regional groups, national campaigns, and discounted wholesale accounts with national suppliers
What will I actually be doing day-to-day?
That really depends on your goals and the business plan we create together. Every partner runs their business slightly differently.
Typically, partners run a mix of:
✓ After-school clubs
✓ Daytime workshops (including care homes and community groups)
✓ Sessions in partnership with national venues
✓ Children’s birthday parties at weekends
✓ Adult craft workshops and keepsake sessions
As your business grows, if you want to scale, we’ll support you to build and manage a team, so you don’t have to run every activity yourself — giving you more freedom to focus on growing and shaping your business.
Why choose Creation Station instead of going it alone
With our award-winning brand, national reputation, and proven systems, you don’t start from scratch — you start with an established and loved company that is the UK’s #1 most recommended activity business.
With over two decades of experience delivering inspiring creative experiences — and, more importantly, supporting our partners to run successful and rewarding businesses — you can rest assured that your success truly matters to us. Because when you thrive, our whole community thrives — and together, we can inspire imagination and nurture potential.
What if it doesn’t work out?
We completely understand that sometimes situations change, or things just don’t go to plan.
In this instance, we’ll work with you to sell your business. Remember, you’ve invested in an asset that has value and can be sold on.
If you need to exit your contract early, there are contractual requirements in place — but we’ll guide you through the process and support you in making the best decision for your circumstances.
What do people say?
Peer reviews are really important — and from day one of launching your business, you’ll benefit from the strength of our reputation.
- Over 10,000 customers rate us 4.9/5 ⭐
- In an independent survey, our franchise partners reported 95%+ satisfaction 🎉
Many say that running their Creation Station has given them not only a great income, but also confidence, flexibility, and fulfilment — and a career they truly love.
How established is The Creation Station?
With 24+ years’ experience, a tried, tested, and resilient brand, and more than 2.6 million children and adults inspired, The Creation Station is proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading creative activity franchises. Here are few of our many awards and accoolades:
✓ Winner Best Franchisor – Lifestyle Brand – British Franchise Association
✓ The UK’s MOST Recommended Children’s Activity Provider
✓ Ranked; #37 Top Franchises in the UK – Elite Franchise – Global Franchise
✓ Winner Most Supportive Franchise and Top Franchise Award – Working Mums
✓ Winner Sylvia Anderson Award for Creativity
✓ Winner Best Franchise Children’s Services – Best Franchise Awards
✓ Winner Best Website – Franchise Marketing Awards
✓ Winner Excellence and Innovation – Children’s Education Services
✓ Finalist Richard Branson’s Impact Award
✓ Winner Best Creative Play Award
✓ Finalist Festival Supplier Awards
✓ Winner Best Franchisee Marketing Support
✓ Winner ‘Crème de la Crème’ Business Award
✓ Winner ‘Best Interactive Business’ Award – Mumpreneur
Why is it called an investment?
Because when you join The Creation Station, you’re not just “buying a job” — you’re investing in an asset.
You can run it, grow it, and when the time is right, you can sell it on. Many of our partners see their business increase in value over time, and we’ll support you when you want to plan your exit, just as we support you when you start.
It’s a long-term partnership that gives you both an income now and an asset for the future.
Hear From Our Partners 💬
Your Next Step
If any of this sparks your interest, here’s what I suggest:
1. Download your Creative Business Opportunity Pack – it’s full of details to help you picture how this could work for you.
2. Take the “Am I the Right Fit?” Quiz – a simple way to see if this opportunity matches your goals.
3. Book a friendly chat – and we can guide you through a Discovery Journey and we start an open conversation about your goals and what you are looking for.