Happy birthday Razzamataz

 

A day and night of joyful celebration was the perfect way to welcome Razzamataz Theatre Schools to its twentieth year in business. The franchise theatre school celebrated turning 20 with a glitzy and glamourous birthday party surrounded by Principals, teachers and special guests.

The day Conference event was held at the spectacular Atmosphere Venues in Millbank, London, which was then followed by an Awards ceremony, dinner and dancing onboard a luxury Thames Charter taking in some of the most iconic vistas of the capital.

Founder and MD of Razzamataz Theatre Schools, Denise Hutton-Gosney, kicked off the event in party spirits, welcoming guests with party hats and competitions. The rest of the day followed suit by reflecting on an incredible twenty years and the friends made along the way.

 

Guest speakers

Penny Power (OBE)

Special guest speakers motivated and helped franchisees consider the year ahead in business and how to enjoy this incredible milestone, both personally and professionally. Penny Power (OBE) and her husband built the first social network for business people. It became a global online and offline home for over 650,000 business owners until it could no longer compete with the giants of LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter and they lost the business in 2012, after 14 years. Penny was awarded an OBE in 2014 for the work they did and has gone on to write two business books; Know Me Like Me Follow Me and Business is Personal. Penny shared her own personal journey with the Razzamataz franchisees and gave them the tools and mindset to build the life they want in business.

Suzie McCafferty

Suzie McCafferty, multi-award-winning franchise specialist from Platinum Wave, was our day and evening host. Suzie reviewed the previous year and looked forward to an exciting year ahead and spoke to our guests about the impact that Razzamataz has had on the franchise industry.

Hannah Power

With branding and social media playing a large part in the business of Razzamataz, franchisees were delighted to listen to Hannah Power, a personal branding specialist focused on supporting purpose driven entrepreneurs to become powerful online leaders. Hannah’s goal is to inspire and teach as many people as possible to step into their light, share their message and lead their tribe. Her session inspired many franchisees to step out of their comfort zone online and share the Razzamataz ethos even further.

Matt Lee Alliston

Matt Lee Alliston was the guest judge and hosted the Creative Awards. Matt, owner of The Stage and Production House, once again returned from the USA to share his experience and take on the task of sifting through such wonderful entries. These Awards were established to celebrate all that our Principals achieve through their work in their community and creatively. Matt also gave an uplifting talk about his own experiences and the power that performing arts has in transforming young lives.

Razzamataz speakers

A number of other highlights of the Conference came from the Principals of Razzamataz schools up and down the country. Debbie Mitchell, the Principal of Razzamataz Carlisle has spoken a number of times on how to ‘put on an Amazing Showcase’ and this year she wanted to get her message over in an unforgettable way. Debbie cleverly changed the lyrics to the Lion King’s ‘Be Prepared’ to offer a hilarious lesson in making sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to prepping for a big show. Click here to watch Debbie’s presentation of this song.

How to be amazing in your community was highlighted by Nick and Gemma Furlong, Principals of Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield, who spoke about championing events locally and how to be committed to be the best theatre school in your area.

Making the entire process magical for students was spoken about by Helen Bell, Principal of Razzamataz Sheffield who talked about striving to go that extra mile in everything that you do.

Celebrating amazing teams and creating a culture deep rooted in authenticity, commitment and loyalty was presented by double British Franchise Association winner Hayley Limpkin, Founding Principal of Razzamataz Medway.

 

Setting sail in luxury

The evening event on board a luxury Thames Charter was magical and provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate the award winners and their achievements. The Awards were set up to highlight franchisees who go above and beyond in everything that they do and look to reward individuals who strive to add value to the Razzamataz brand at whatever stage of business they are at currently.

The evening event was attended by a host of special guests including Penny and Hannah Power, Richard Davies from What Franchise magazine, Charlotte Rutherford from The Stage newspaper, Sarah Canny and Claire Robinson from The Approved Franchise Association and Tessa Robinson from Club Hub UK.

“This was an incredibly special time for me and my team,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “We wanted the event to be memorable and reflect the support and fun that we have as a network. I’m very proud of the community we have created and the opportunities we have given to thousands of children over the last twenty years.”

 

Hear from our Principals

“The day was filled with inspiring guest speakers and a particular highlight for us was Penny Power who was so moving and motivating. It was also heart-warming to look back, not only on the past year of Razzamataz, but also the impact that Razzamataz has had for the past 20 years in changing the lives of so many young people. Then followed the evening which was so wonderfully different, sophisticated and just wonderful. We loved every minute and to be awarded ‘Franchise of the Year 2019’ with Jordan attending his first Conference was the best feeling ever,” Hayley Limpkin and Emily Miller, Principals of Razzamataz Medway. 

“The venues were incredible, speakers both informative and motivational, and so many ‘little touches’ throughout that truly made the day special,” Emma Louise Campbell, Principal of Razzamataz Cambridge.

“I thought the speakers were so inspirational and Penny particularly really resonated with me and I can’t wait to read her book. You really did think of everything, right down to the brollies! The venues were perfect and I feel very lucky to be treated to such luxury so thank you. Razzamataz has changed my life and I am so proud to be part of such an amazing network,” Claire Blower, Principal of Razzamataz Mansfield and Nottingham. 

“Thank you so much for the Award. They really do mean so much to everyone and it’s such an amazing feeling knowing you are appreciated within the network,” Michael French, Principal of Razzamataz Barnet.

 “What a great celebration, thanks to all involved. Here’s to the next ten years,” Michaela Crumpton, Principal of Razzamataz Bristol South. 

“What a fantastic event, thanks so much Denise and team for organising it all. Powerful speakers, great atmosphere and venues and a fantastic evening,” Victoria Cooper-Jones, Principal of Razzamataz Queens Park and Belsize Park.

“Thank you so much for a wonderful day. The conference was amazing. Thank you for all the effort that went into it, it really was extra special,” Charlotte Olivaries, Principal of Razzamataz Maidstone. 

“I just wanted to thank you again for the most fantastic conference, my favourite to date I think. Perfect speakers, perfect length, lots of great content which I am excited to go away and implement in my business. I can’t imagine the preparation and planning which must go into it every year and I’m so grateful. I also wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be part of the network, it’s a real honour,” Lauren Bill, Principal of Razzamataz Weymouth.  

“It was in an amazing venue and the boat was great fun. I particularly enjoyed Penny Power. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for my Award, it really does mean so much to me. You have had an amazing 20 years, looking forward to seeing what the futures brings. Thank you for letting me be a part of Razzamataz,” Pam Dixon, Principal of Razzamataz Dumfries.

Razzamataz 2019 Creative Award Winners

Most Outstanding School – Razzamataz Medway

Best Customer Service – Razzamataz Durham

Best Team member – Nina Carter from Razzamataz Sheffield

Best Showcase – Razzamataz Tonbridge

Best Community Spirit- Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield

Razzamataz 2019 Business Award Winners

Brand Ambassador – Razzamataz Carlisle

Business Builder – Razzamataz Mansfield and Nottingham and Razzamataz Brentwood and Hornchurch

Rebecca Rennie – Razzamataz Dumfries

Believe In You – Razzamataz Bristol South

One to Watch – Razzamataz West Cumbria

Best New Franchisee- Razzamataz Horsham and Razzamataz Tyrone

HO Choice – Razzamataz Rayleigh

Best Marketing Campaign – Razzamataz Cambridge

Multi Territory Award – Razzamataz Newbury and Reading

HM People’s Choice award – Razzamataz Newbury

Future Fund Ambassador Award – Razzamataz Barnet

Franchise of the Year – Razzamataz Medway

 

Join our network

Do you have the desire needed to run your own theatre school? Speak to our friendly Head Office staff and find out how you can transfer your skills with the help of our supportive team. We currently have an offer for interest free finance for exceptional candidates for the main Razzamataz franchise and a 50% offer for the Razzamataz Early Years franchise. Call 01768213086, email: [email protected] or visit: www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/discovery-dens/