Razzamataz Theatre Schools Franchise

Top tips for starting up a business or franchise

12th March 2010

"I fell in love with the whole process at Razzamataz and went from teaching at one of the schools to owning my first franchise in 2006 at Penrith.” - Charlotte Dixon, Razzamataz Franchise

Starting up a new business venture is a daunting prospect for even the most experienced businessperson. When Carlisle based entrepreneur Denise Hutton-Gosney set up Razzamataz Theatre School she admits that she made a few mistakes before hitting upon her winning formulae.

“This was the first major business that I started so it was a steep learning curve and making a few mistakes was inevitable. But I have now surrounded myself with wonderful staff and industry experts so I can pass on my extensive knowledge to those who take out a Razzamataz franchisee so they won’t make the same mistakes as me.”

A real turning point for Denise was when she appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2007 and multi-millionaire businessman Duncan Bannatyne invested in her business. Since then, her business has grown from strength to strength and she has 40 franchise part-time Razzamataz Theatre Schools across the UK. A major part in Razzamataz’s success is the fully comprehensive training week that includes how to find the most dynamic teachers to sorting the accounts and even health and safety issues. Those who invest in Razzamataz will discover just what’s needed to run a Razzamataz Theatre School. This includes learning about potential turnover of £46,000 with profit potential of £26,000 with only one part-time theatre school, and the opportunity for multiple schools.

Becoming a Razzamataz principal has been enormously fulfilling and has provided a rewarding career for a range of people from mums to former physical instructors for the Royal Navy. Here, Razzamataz principals offer their top tips for running a successful business or franchise.

Top Tips from Razzamataz Principals

Catherine Hayden, Razzamataz Yeovil

Mum of three children aged seven, three and one “Go for it! That said I would be careful to research the franchise options carefully to ensure that the initial outlay and the franchise costs are reasonable. These can be significant costs and seriously could reduce the viability of a business. Choose a franchise that you share a passion for, I chose Razzamataz simply because I believe it offers a fantastic service to the customer and is of benefit to the whole community and I can earn a good income from it.”

Anna Ruddick, Razzamataz Exeter, Devon

Mum of three children age four, three and two “Despite superb business models, strong brands, proven success it still takes absolute determination and a lot of hard work to succeed in any business. Never underestimate the time needed. My business is my absolute passion and it is a joy to go to work. I have a fantastic support network who understand what I do and I couldn’t have done it without them. Building work around my three young children has been a challenge but with careful organisation I have managed to balance my time.”

Denise Hutton-Gosney, Razzamataz Director and Principal Razzamataz Carlisle

Mum of one child age two “My top tip for anyone considering a Razzamataz franchise would be to answer customer enquiries efficiently and quickly. We will arm you with all the knowledge you need to run a franchise, which will include having a multi-layered PR and marketing approach. Above all I would advise any Razzamataz principal to remember that the children’s enjoyment of the school is paramount to a successful business so therefore keep watching the classes and talking to your teachers to ensure that your Razzamataz is the best that it can be.”

Charlotte Dixon, Principal Razzamataz Penrith and Whitehaven

“After training at Performers College I went on to perform in Theatre and TV and even traveled as far as Beijing. I would advise anyone buying into a franchise to really believe in the company’s ethos. I fell in love with the whole process at Razzamataz and went from teaching at one of the schools to owning my first franchise in 2006 at Penrith.”

Natalie James, Principal, Balfron, Paisley and Glasgow North

"Having always been a performer I found the admin side of the business quite a challenge and a steep learning curve. However, with Razzamataz you receive help and guidance from the head office 24/7 and I feel that this support is a vital part in the whole business. I have learnt to create my own structures and timelines to help me deal with my workload for both the creative and administrative departments of Razzamataz and I would advise anyone buying a franchise to fully research the support options that are offered.”

To find out more about Razzamataz
simply complete the form below

Razzamataz Theatre Schools Franchise News

Holiday sun and fun with Razzamataz and Thomson
5th July 2010
Razzamataz Theatre Schools is delighted to announce that they will be featured in 16 Thomson Holiday resorts this year: Sensatori Crete,...

Buy one get one free with Razzamataz Theatre Schools
5th July 2010
The offer of two franchises for the price of one is an unbeatable offer from Razzamataz Theatre Schools Franchise

Over the rainbow is there a Dorothy, Tin Man or Lion?
2nd July 2010
Whether your favourite is the Witch, Tin Man or even the Munchkins, Razzamataz Theatre Schools are running summer stage academies all over...

Step into the Dragons’ Den with Razzamataz in Carlisle
1st July 2010
If you’ve got the ambition to create a rewarding and flexible career, but would like the backing of one of the highest profile dragons from...

Kylie choreographer heads up Razzamataz workshops
9th June 2010
Tim Noble, choreographer to Kylie Minogue, is set to inspire a whole new generation of performers with his exciting workshops at Razzamataz...

Street dance brings boys back to theatre schools
24th May 2010
Thanks to dance acts such as George Sampson, Diversity and Flawless, street dance is firmly back in the limelight and offered at Razzamataz...

Talent contest high on Tories’ manifesto
28th April 2010
The importance of teaching children performance skills is finally being given the nationwide recognition it deserves.

Bannatyne Health Clubs and Razzamataz Theatre Schools – working together for family fitness
19th April 2010
Razzamataz Theatre School is launching its new family fitness service, starting from early August 2010, within Bannatynes in Ayr.

Razzamataz Theatre School Franchise announce Franchisee of the Year
15th March 2010
Razzamataz Theatre School is delighted to announce the winner of the Franchisee of the Year Award for 2009. Catherine Hayden, principal for...

TALENTED PERFORMING ARTS TEACHERS REQUIRED FOR THOMSON AND FIRST CHOICE FAMILY HOLIDAY RESORTS
18th February 2010
Razzamataz Theatre School is on the look out for talented teachers and graduates of the performing arts to teach in one of the 17 Thomson...

Entering the Den with Duncan Bannatyne for new business opportunity
18th February 2010
Calling all entrepreneurs. Dragons’ Den multi-millionaire businessman Duncan Bannatyne has put his stamp of approval behind an exciting...

Personal Invitation - learn about THE franchise opportunity from A DRAGON
19th November 2009
Razzamataz Theatre Schools invite you to a unique event to learn about our proven package supervised by Duncan Bannatyne.

Razzamataz Theatre School Franchise celebrates top performers
27th October 2009
Razzamataz Theatre Schools Franchise are celebrating the success stories of their performing arts pupils, with Ashley Wells winning a...

Top stage school Razzamataz bans ‘Britain’s Got Talent’
24th October 2009
Razzamataz Theatre School franchise has banned its pupils from taking part in 'Britain's Got Talen' auditions due to how the children were...

A Match Made in Holiday Heaven for Razzamataz
23rd October 2009
Razzamataz Theatre Schools beat off competition from Stagecoach to win First Choice Contract to provide Fame Academies in 17 resorts

West End Choreographers A Massive Hit
1st July 2009
Zoo Nation, the choreographers and dancers from the West Ends Smash Hit 'Into the Hoods' held a dance workshop at Razzamataz...

Razzamataz Theatre School partner with global travel brand.
15th June 2009
Razzamataz have teamed up with Thomson Holidays and are bringing their own special brand of Razzamataz to make the guest’s holiday...

Razzamataz Theatre Schools Franchise Nominated For Top Business Award
1st June 2009
A Carlisle entrepreneur who tamed the TV Dragons has been nominated for a top business award. Denise Hutton-Gosney, who pocketed...

Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status
Associate

UK Years Established
5 years

Current UK Coverage
20%

Franchisee Support Staff
10

Personal Investment Req.
£6,000

Total Startup Cost
£12,000

Why Choose Us?

Latest Case Study

27th October 2009
Pam Dixon, Razzamataz Durham, shows that becoming a Razzamataz Franchisee at any age is rewarding

Latest News

5th July 2010
Holiday sun and fun with Razzamataz and Thomson