“Children’s activities are one of the fastest-growing industries, especially those that address the needs of current concerns for parents”

Even during the pandemic, Razzamataz Theatre Schools was able to continue to grow the network as well as maintain its high level of support and training

Many entrepreneurs are tempted by the idea of running their own business but are put off by the gamble that is involved. With a franchise, you enjoy the benefits of being your own boss but you take far fewer risks.

Post pandemic, it is important to invest in a sector that has performed well through previous downturns and has a proven business model. It is also important that you invest in a sector that has good growth opportunities and one that people are interested in.

Dragons’ Den backed Razzamataz Theatre Schools can say that it hits all of these crucial points. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, it has faced previous downturns but has come out stronger each time. One of the reasons is that parents will continue to invest in their children, above and beyond all else.

“In previous financial crises, we have felt very little impact because we are relatively low cost for families and provide a service that is so beneficial to children,” explains Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and founder of Razzamataz. “Now more than ever, parents are keen to improve their children’s physical and mental health and we have years of experience in doing just that. More people are talking about the benefits of performing arts, how to improve fitness and the rise in children’s mental health issues than ever before. What we do at Razzamataz addresses all of these major concerns, which is why we have so many more people interested in running their own theatre school.”

So far in 2021, five new schools in Leighton Buzzard, Thurrock, Chelmsford, Radlett and Romford have joined the network with many existing franchisees growing their original territory. An existing franchisee has taken over a new territory in Dumfries while the Penrith franchisee has expanded to a new location and the Torbay school has changed ownership.

“Children’s activities are one of the fastest-growing industries, especially those that address the needs of current concerns for parents,” adds Denise. “The risks are low and the returns are high and not only do franchisees generate a good income for themselves, they truly do something that improves their local communities and the welfare of young people living in them.”

Razzamataz Theatre Schools provides a strong blueprint for success. The initial training, ongoing support and extensive opportunities to grow the business have meant that people from a diverse range of backgrounds can successfully run their own theatre school.

“It is not necessary to have a background in the arts or have any previous experience of running a business,” says Denise. “There are many different elements to operating a successful school but we ensure that every franchisee has all this knowledge, allowing us to select franchisees from recent graduates through to parents returning to work and former professional performers. The important thing is that each franchisee has a passion to run their own business, believes in our ethos of using performing arts to empower children and has a positive attitude.”

One of the many reasons why people decide to step out of the ‘rat race’ and run their own business, is to have a better work-life balance. Running a Razzamataz school has allowed many working parents the opportunity to do something they love while still prioritising being there for their children.

“As a business, we very much believe that family comes first,” adds Denise. “One of the major benefits of running a Razzamataz school is the flexibility that it offers. The only set time you need to attend is when the school is running. Other than that, franchisees can set their own work schedules so they can do the school run, meet friends for coffee on a sunny day or even run another business alongside Razzamataz.”

The new franchisees will join the 10 new principals who invested in the network in 2020.

Re-sale opportunities
Occasionally franchise territories come up for resale due to a change in the franchisee’s personal circumstances or simply because they have decided to sell their asset and reap the rewards of their hard work. Resale schools are available in:
• Horsham, West Sussex
• High Wycombe, Berkshire
• Paisley, Renfrewshire