Known as the biggest and most influential event in the franchising world, the finalist for the British Franchise Association (bfa) Awards have been announced. Among the finalist are two Razzamataz Theatre Schools franchisees.
Hayley Limpkin, Founding Principal and now co-owner of Razzamataz Medway and Helen Bell, Principal of Razzamataz Sheffield have just completed the interview stage for the Awards, having been shortlisted by the esteemed panel of judges. Hayley is in the running for ‘Lifestyle Franchisee of the Year’ and Helen for ‘Young Franchisee of the Year.’
The bfa Awards are a celebration of excellence in franchising, highlighting success in all its various forms. They are the oldest and most celebrated in the UK franchise sector, running for nearly 30 years. Razzamataz are delighted to be one of the chosen few who have made it through to the finals. Pip Wilkins, the bfa’s CEO says: “Our annual awards are proving more popular than ever, with a 32% increase in entries this year over 2017, so it’s been a tough task to narrow it down to our 18 finalists.”
To reach the finals, Helen and Hayley had to submit a detailed application form showing their achievements over the years and how their schools have flourished to above and beyond the franchisor’s initial expectations.
“We are so proud of our Principals for making it through to the finals of the bfa Awards,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “Their success is very much down to their wonderful teams and the support they both receive. Helen’s team at Sheffield have been amazing during her maternity leave and the team at Medway, especially co-owner Emily, has been a huge support to Hayley while her son was
receiving medical treatment.”
Helen and Hayley joined the other finalists to present their cases to the panel of expert judges which includes Brian Smart QFP, Pip Wilkins QFP, Chief Executive, bfa, Andrew Brattesani, Head of Franchising, HSBC, Jane Masih, Director, Owen White Solicitors, Alan Wilkinson QFP, Head of UK Franchise Development, The Franchising Centre and Derrick Simpson, bfa Companion.
“It was a really exciting day presenting to the bfa about the special community we have built over the last eight years at Medway,” says Hayley. “It really has been an incredible journey that has been made possible by our wonderful team of teachers, students, parents, staff and the constant support from our Razzamataz Head Office.”
Both Principals have worked tirelessly over the years and explained to the judges how they have managed to combine running successful businesses with the lifestyle that suits their family commitments.
“Razzamataz Sheffield performed at Disneyland Paris just five weeks after my son Harrison was born and I was able to be there with him cheering along our students and supporting Head Office as Stage Manager,” said Helen. “I have the staff and set up in place now so I don’t plan to go back full time anytime soon but I can still enjoy financial freedom, which is really incredible.”
Winners will be named at the Franchise of the Year awards black-tie ceremony held at the bfa Annual Conference on the 28th June at the ICC in Birmingham.
Further congratulations to Denise Hutton-Gosney on being shortlisted for EWIF’s Award. When Denise started Razzamataz in 2000, it was with a simple dream to make performing arts accessible to children. She never could have imagined the incredible journey she has been on, which has led her to being shortlisted for EWIF’s Final for ‘Woman Franchisor of the Year.’
Want to join our Award-winning team of franchisees? Last few places remaining to launch this year! Don’t miss our July training for a September launch.
If you would like to find out more about becoming part of our team and attending a Discovery Den, Chat to Head of Recruitment Suzie on E:[email protected] or call 07793 054 233. For more details visit: www.razzamataz.co.uk.
Pic 1
Hayley Limpkin from Razzamataz Medway
Pic 2
Helen Bell from Razzamataz Sheffield
