Business support scheme helps performing arts school get on its feet

A county council business support programme has helped a Stafford-based community performing arts school to take off and provide confidence-boosting dance classes in its community.

Phantom Arts School, a dance school for young people aged three to 19, received free accountancy advice through the Get Started and Grow scheme just over three months ago.

The school now regularly sees over 30 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds take part in singing, acting and dancing classes at the completely renovated dance studios at the Paul Reynolds Centre. 

Paige Brookes set up the school from scratch after having her own son gave her the boost to realise her lifelong dream.

She said:

All young people, whatever barriers they face, need a safe space where they aren’t judged, can express themselves and try new things.  That’s what Phantom is all about.

We’ve seen so many young people transform. One of our Year 8s came to us when she was really struggling with anxiety and a speech impediment which was affecting everything in her life.  She’s now smiling, confident and even volunteers at the arts school – something that we would never have thought possible.”

The arts school is making such a difference that they are part of the Holidays Activities and Food programme; offering inclusive activities and hot meals for those eligible for benefit-related school meals over the winter break.

Paige is now encouraging any small business to find out more about fully-funded accountancy support from Get Started and Grow.

She said:

I know about helping disadvantaged kids, but about business tax and the financial forecasting that every start up business needs?  Not a chance.  So I reached out, and within a week an expert accountant was sitting next to me laying it all out. 

She understood my vision and really helped with the paperwork – being dyslexic means that wasn’t something I would have been able to do on my own. They broke everything down and made it really easy.

What’s best is that they were so passionate about my business; they really wanted me to succeed.  It definitely feels that they were, and still are, behind me all the way.  They want you to think big! Best of all, there’s no hidden costs.”

Martin Murray, acting leader of Staffordshire County Council and cabinet member for economy and skills said:

The Phantom Arts School is making an incredible difference to their community, and as a business is growing all the time.

Get Started and Grow is one of the reasons that Staffordshire is still one of the best places in the UK to set up a business.  I’m urging anyone thinking of setting up or needing help to grow to get in touch with us now, especially if you need help to meet the end of year tax deadline.

Everyone needs help setting up a business, so now’s the time to reach out to get that help.”

The Get Started and Grow scheme offers businesses in Staffordshire aged up to five years old with the help they need, bespoke business support including accountancy, financial planning, legal advice, website development, branding or social media and digital marketing support.

Businesses can find out more at https://bit.ly/FreeTaxSupport or by emailing getstarted@staffordshire.gov.uk