“The wonderful thing about being part of a Razzamataz franchise is that we can build our own teams and create the flexibility that works for every individual”

While providing structure and support, the Razzamataz franchise model allows enough flexibility to foster creativity among its franchisees to spread the word in their local communities

Franchising with Razzamataz has worked for many different women at different stages in their lives. We have grandparents, new mums and young graduates who have all been able to use our franchise model to build a profitable business.

HAYLEY LIMPKIN, RAZZAMATAZ MEDWAY

Hayley is our double British Franchise Association (bfa) winner, beating stiff competition to be awarded ‘Lifestyle Franchisee of the Year’ and ‘People’s Choice Franchisee of the Year’.

Hayley opened her school in September 2010 after working in a leading marketing agency for seven years. She decided to swap the busy corporate life for her dream of owning her own theatre school. In November 2014, Hayley’s young son had a very serious illness, which led her to reconsider the structure of her schools. Support from her amazing team and advice from the head office allowed Hayley to take the time she needed to be with her child during all his important hospital visits.

“I strongly believe that if I had continued in my corporate career, there would have been no way that I could have continued to work after my son’s diagnosis,” says Hayley. “The wonderful thing about being part of a Razzamataz franchise is that we can build our own teams and create the flexibility that works for every individual.”

For Hayley, this has meant bringing in franchise partner Emily Miller. With both of them in charge, Razzamataz Medway has almost 600 students and they have been able to introduce a number of new projects to further develop the students and increase revenue for franchisees.

“Denise and the head office team give each franchisee space and creative freedom to run with their ideas. This has allowed us to make a real impact in our local community,” says Hayley.

HELEN BELL, RAZZAMATAZ SHEFFIELD

Like many young women, Helen Bell, 29, wanted to combine a career she was passionate about with her desire to start a family.

She says: “Starting my business at the age of 23 certainly had many challenges, but I’m now in the privileged position of having a thriving theatre school and being able to combine work with being a mum to my baby son Harrison, who was born in October 2017.

“The day before Harrison was born, we hit 400 students. Without having the support and brand exposure of Razzamataz, I don’t believe I could ever have a theatre school of this size. We work with so many high-profile names such as Disney, Diversity, The Stage, Her Majesty’s and the Indigo at the 02 that really helps us stand out in our local area.

“Being a franchisee has allowed me the freedom to be an entrepreneur but with support. The structure has given me focus, but it is not restrictive so I can be creative with how I market and build my brand in my local area.”

At a glance

Established: 2000
Number of franchised outlets: 46
Location of units: UK
Investment range: £5,000 - £15,000
Minimum required capital: around £10,000
Contact: 01768 213086, franchise@razzamataz.co.uk

Image: (L-R) Hayley Limpkin, Razzamataz Medway and Helen Bell, Razzamataz Sheffield