Meet The Franchisees

Helen Bell, 30, lives in Sheffield. A Young entrepreneur who launched Razzamataz Sheffield in 2012. 

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Helen: I first heard of Razzamataz though a friend who had completed the TUI (First Choice) contract on 2008. He mentioned that some of the schools in Cumbria were looking for a singing teacher so I emailed Denise and was lucky enough to get the job. Throughout my degree I worked in Dumfries, Whitehaven, Penrith, Durham & Carlisle and upon graduating got a job at Head Office. I have been with Razzamataz for 10 years now.

Q. What is your background in performing arts?

Helen: I always wanted to be a professional performer but in my second year of University I started to teach at Razzamataz and just feel in love with teaching. I decided that I didn’t want to move to London and audition and because I loved working with children, I toyed with the idea of becoming a primary teacher or setting up my own Theatre In Education group but neither option really excited me that much. Initially I didn’t want to open my own theatre school because it seemed like too much of an obvious choice but when it came down to it, it was really the only thing I felt passionate about.  

Q. What have the challenges been for you?

Helen: I combined launching Razzamataz Sheffield with continuing to teach for another Razzamataz school and working in Head Office. It was very challenging initially having to teach, drive back at night to Sheffield to market the school and then return to Carlisle to work at Head Office. I pretty much worked flat out for two years but it allowed me to see incredible growth in my school. I opened in September 2012 and currently have over 400 students. 

Q. What have the benefits been for you as a Franchisee?

Helen: I’ve now got Razzamataz Sheffield to a place where I can take time off and still be financially OK. I became a mum  18 months ago and I knew that I could take off a full term and then return to work on a part-time basis. The business allows me to support myself as well as a large team including an assistant Principal. It is amazing to know that I never have to work a full week again if I don’t want to. I love my job but have learnt that it is also important to delegate and I’m excited to combine being a parent with running my own business. It’s all about creating the right balance and Razzamataz has allowed me to do that. 

Q. Can you tell us some ‘pinch me’ moments of being a Principal?

Helen: I remember watching our guest workshop with Ashley Banjo from street dance crew Diversity and being a little blown away. It was an incredible moment and I loved watching how the students responded to him. We also have the amazing opportunity to perform at Disneyland Paris again soon and I know that is going to be incredibly special. As well as these high-profile opportunities, I’m also very proud when I see our students perform locally in Sheffield. They recently did a parade in the town centre, it was raining and a bit cold but that didn’t put them off. It’s the little and big moments that are equally wonderful. 

Q. What are your proudest moments?

Helen: Every year there has been something amazing. In the early days, it was when we reached a milestone in our student numbers. We were on 50 students on day one and then 100 by the end of the first year, which was just incredible. I had to keep readjusting my goals because we kept smashing them earlier than I thought possible. I’m very proud to have been awarded the Most Outstanding School in our annual Conference for three consecutive years but it is probably on show day when I feel the most satisfaction. The annual shows take a lot of organising and planning for our whole team, but when you watch the children on stage and see how happy the parents and family are in the audience, you really feel like you have created something very special.

Q. What would your top tips be for anyone wishing to buy a Razzamataz Franchise?

Helen: I love running my own Razzamataz school and enjoy the lifestyle that it has given me. I would say to others to not underestimate the time and effort you have to put in to be successful, especially in the early days. I did two years of consistent work and marketing until I was in the position to be able to afford to outsource some of the work. Although hard work is important, it is also imperative that you take some time out to recharge and come back with more energy and enthusiasm. Even today, I will take every opportunity that is available to me and my students to grow my business and create the best theatre school for my students and team.  

Hear from Helen here!

Hayley Limpkin, age 29, lives in Chatham, Kent. Hayley has been the Principal of Razzamataz Medway since September 2010. Razz Medway is one of our flagship schools.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Hayley: I found Razzamataz through a franchise website and after research I remembered them from Dragons’ Den.

Q. What’s your background?

Hayley: I was a professional dancer traveling around the world on cruise ships as well as performing at Disney. After an injury I started studying at an open university while on a cruise ship. I then went of to study for a Masters in Business, which led to securing a position with a global blue chip marketing company. It was a fantastic role working with the likes of Virgin Atlantic and Sky but incredibly long hours with lots of traveling.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Hayley: I’ve always had a dream of running my own theatre school. I initially thought about doing it on my own but if I’m completely honest, I knew I would financially need to be at break even point straight away and with a trusted model like a Razzamataz franchise I thought I had a better chance of doing just that. I also really loved what Razzamataz stands for and what it can offer students.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Hayley: Savings

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Hayley: Being part of something that is really great with all the great opportunities that are on offer. We are offering students once in a lifetime experiences such as taking them to the West End to perform. There is also a fantastic network of other Razzamataz Principals that are so friendly and helpful and we can draw from one another’s expertise. For example, one of the Principals is really experienced in putting on big productions whereas I can offer help in terms of marketing

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Hayley: The work home life balance can be difficult to get right. It can be all consuming so I have had to be really strict and set myself boundaries because I’m so passionate about my schools. Although I love it, I have to remind myself that it is a business and I have to make sure I get the cash flow right to pay my staff and myself!

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Hayley: Focus on the things that matter most and don’t get bogged down by small things. Be aware of the competition but don’t loose the momentum of your own business by wasting two much time on what other people are doing. Don’t be frightened to be ambitious and go for what you want and make sure you shout about the success that you’ve achieved.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Hayley: I’m in my home office by 9am to listen to voicemails and answer emails and to book potential students into taster sessions. I quite often have meetings with local press and advertising as well as meetings with my teachers. I have a brilliant team but I make sure that communication is key and at least once a week I speak with my team. I also have staff meetings and one to ones where we discuss how to Win, Learn and Change, which is basically a review of where we are and how we can improve. I try to take Mondays off and dedicate a half a day each week to plan what’s next for Razz Medway in terms of what opportunities are on offer and what we would like to achieve.

Razzamataz Medway

Principal: Hayley Limpkin
Email: [email protected]
Call: 07888 855 422

Angela Pickup, age 55, lives just outside York. Angela has three children aged 37, 34 and 16. Angela has been the Principal of Razzamataz York since April 2011.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Angela: My daughter attended another theatre school but I wasn’t particularly happy with it. I took her out believing that I could find another one because I was prepared to travel but I couldn’t find anything that combined dancing, singing and drama. I remembered Razzamataz from Dragons’ Den so looked on the website to see where our local one was. I was disappointed to see there wasn’t one anywhere nearby but I did read up about the franchise options. After speaking to Denise and visiting her at Head Office, I made the immediate decision to buy a franchise. I could spot what a brilliant business model it was and knew it would benefit my daughter Holly.

Q. What’s your background?

Angela: I have held many senior positions in entertainment and leisure management.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Angela: This is the first time I have run my own business and it is something I’ve always wanted to do. I wanted the flexibility to be able to spend more time with my family and not work the very long hours I have done in my previous positions.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Angela: Personal savings and a business loan

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Angela: The buzz of seeing children progressing through fun and learning is incredibly satisfying.

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Angela: In previous jobs I have always held senior positions so I’ve not had to deal with the administration side of things. Previously I’ve had a PA and IT department but today I have to do it all myself which can be frustrating if there is a problem but it is something that I’m getting used to.

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Angela: Be prepared to put in the hours because it such a learning curve especially in the beginning. Keep an eye on the competition, and keep ahead of trends to maintain the momentum, which is what will keep the students motivated.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Angela: I now discipline myself to have a catch up day on Monday where I sort through all the admin from the weekend. I keep Tuesdays and Thursdays for planning and PR and obviously deal with emails and phone calls as and when they come in. I make sure I take off one other day in the week so I’m not working 24/7, which gives a good mix of work and play.

Razzamataz York

Principal: Angela Pickup
Email: [email protected]
Call: 01759306676 / 07969859895

Claire Walford, 42, lives in Yeovil. Claire has an 11 year-old daughter and 9 year-old son. Claire has been the Principal of Razzamataz Yeovil since January 2011 and Razzamataz Street from May 2011.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Claire: My sister was the dance teacher at Razzamataz and when my daughter did a community show with her own primary school I saw my sister and the Razzamataz students in action.

Q. What’s your background?

Claire: As a child I did all sorts of dancing and then moved on to amateur dramatics so the performing arts has always been of interest to me. I am an accountant by trade, which has been enormously beneficial in helping me to run my own business.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Claire: To be honest, not really but when the opportunity to take over the schools came up, it was something that I discussed with my sister. After we spoke to Head Office, we decided that my business background would lend itself well into being the Principal while my sister is now my Creative Director.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Claire: Through savings.

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Claire: I’ve always worked but when we had the children it was a conscious decision that I always wanted to be in the playground in the morning and afternoon. Being a Razzamataz Principal is really flexible so I can do just that as well as working part-time as a bookkeeper.

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Claire: I take most things in my stride as having a background in accountancy means you are exposed to all aspects of business. I suppose the hardest things to control are your work relationships with people because that is an unknown quantity. It is so important to develop and maintain good relationships with parents, your staff, the people at your venue, press etc because they are a large part of making your Razzamataz a success.

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Claire: Get as much information and preparation done up front before you open. Get good systems into place. Sort out your office space so you have a dedication space to work. I started at a desk in my bedroom but it soon became clear that I couldn’t sleep in the same room where I work. I lay day by day To Do lists in front of me so I can give myself plenty of time to get through everything and also allow myself time off without feeling guilty!

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Claire: I’m always around in the mornings and after school for my children, which is really important to me. Two mornings I work as an accountant and bookkeeper and the rest of the time I dedicate to Razzamataz. Monday is my finance day, which can include straightforward stuff like checking what t-shirts are sold, paying bills etc. I tend to pick one other day that I devote to Razzamataz sorting out long term and ongoing projects. Sundays and Wednesday I take off because I’m at Yeovil on Saturday and Street on Friday so it is good to have some balance.

Razzamataz Yeovil & Street

Principal: Claire Walford
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Call: 01935 411128 / 07856273166

Michael French, 31, lives in Watford, Hertfordshire. Michael is the Principal of Razzamataz Barnet, which opened in 2012.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Michael: It after watching the television show Dragons’ Den in 2007 where Founder Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared and won the backing of Duncan Bannatyne. What really impressed me was the performance of the children and vitality of the pitch. It was really exciting to watch and always stuck in my brain and even back then it was something I thought looked inspiring to be a part of.

Q. What’s your background?

Michael: I started dancing when I was seven because it was something that my mum and sister did. When I was 16 I went to Performers College, where I got a lot of professional experience working with the likes of Goria Gaynor. I’ve been very fortunate and had a really successful career working in musicals such as 42nd Street, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Singin’ in the Rain as well as performing with Elton John, George Michael, Geri Halliwell and Michael Buble.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Michael: I don’t have a business background so after deciding to retire it was the memories of Razzamataz on Dragons’ Den that set the wheels in motion. I was really inspired by the brand and the business model and because it is a franchise business we receive a lot of help and support from Head Office as well as on-going training so I can make Razzamataz Barnet the success that I believe it can be.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Michael: I lived and worked in Germany for four years where the system is to pay money into a state insurance policy. Being a foreigner, after a certain amount of years you can claim the money back and when I received my lump sum is was the right amount to cover the Razzamataz franchise fee.

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Michael: After one term I can happily say it was seeing the end of term presentation. The work and effort that the students and teachers put into it and seeing the dedication from all involved made me feel incredibly proud

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Michael: Being your own boss is great because you get to choose the hours you work but you do have to motivate yourself. Like any job, sometimes I don’t want to get out of bed and although I don’t have a boss to answer to you only have yourself to blame if the business doesn’t work. Fortunately I love what I do so most of the time I can’t wait to get started.

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Michael: You need to be prepared for the hard work, dedication and time it takes to get up and running. I’m not sure I realized how much time it would take to get set up as it literally took over 24/7 at the beginning. Although the initial frenzy has settled down now, I have a never-ending amount of jobs on my to do list because I’m committed to making the school the best that it can be.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Michael: There is always so much to do each day that I can really loose all track of time! There are always a lot of admin tasks, calls to make and emails to send but there are also some really creative sides to the business including dreaming up exciting workshops to undertake and show cases for the students to perform in.

Razzamataz Barnet

Principal: Michael French
Email: [email protected]
Call: 07788592171

Amanda Birnie age 30 lives in Glasgow and has one child. Amanda has been the Principal of Razzamataz Paisley since August 2013.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Amanda: I started working as a dance teacher for Razzamataz at the Paisley, Balfron and Bearsden schools.

Q. What’s your background?

Amanda: I trained in musical theatre with Robert Hamilton at the Dancepoint Musical Theatre School where I completed an intensive four-year course, learning various styles of dance, drama and singing. During my time here I was asked to teach at the junior school where I really developed my love of choreography. Although I moved to London to audition, I realized that what I really had a passion for was choreography, teaching and working with young people.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Amanda: My first dreams were to be a performer and it was only when I started teaching at Razzamataz and learning about the business set up that I discovered that running my own theatre school was something that I could do. I have worked at Razzamataz for five years and during this time I’ve learnt so much about what it takes to succeed in business.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Amanda: A loan

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Amanda: I really enjoy seeing how much fun my students are having through performing arts and knowing that I’m responsible for that. Although I haven’t had the school for long, it is almost at full capacity and I can see how financially this is going to be a real success for me. Buying a Razzamataz franchise was the best move I’ve ever made for my career and my lifestyle in general. Learning about business is so exciting and I feel really ready to take on this new chapter and learn more each day.

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Amanda: I’m a mum of a young son so life is a bit of a juggling act. I sometimes work late at night as it can be hard to just switch off and because it’s my business, I want to know that it is being really looked after. But having said that, I thrive off the buzz of being busy and having so many exciting opportunities that I wouldn’t change a thing.

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Amanda: I always put myself in other people’s shoes and ask myself what would they really want out of a situation. Whether it’s speaking to the parents of your students or dealing with the local press, I always consider how best I can help and deliver them a service that they are very happy with.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Amanda: I work in a very flexible way, which is ideal with a young child. I make To Do lists every week and priorities the jobs which have a deadline first, and then methodically work my way to the end of the list each week. I really enjoy the various different elements of being a Razzamataz Principal, from the creative process and working with the children to the marketing and promotion of my business.

Razzamataz Paisley

Principal: Amanda Birnie
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07554451308