Changing your career can seem like a daunting prospect but if you consider a franchise, the path may be a lot smoother than you imagine.
A theatre school franchise, with almost 50 schools throughout the UK, has many people on their second or third career as Principals. Through franchising, they have found a rewarding long-term business and continue to grow their own schools and offer many opportunities for their students.
Razzamataz Theatre Schools offers an alternative career path for those people without a performing arts background too as Pam Dixon, Principal of Razzamataz Dumfries demonstrates. Pam was a hairdresser for years and ended her hairdressing life by being a receptionist in a busy hair salon. “It was 10 years ago that I left and for anyone thinking that it is too late to change their careers I would say step out of your comfort zone and just do it,” says Pam. “I never thought I would be able to and it’s the best thing I have done and wished I’d done it years ago!”
Pam bought a Razzamataz in 2007 and has continued to enjoy watching the progress of the children who attend. “I love seeing the children gain confidence and it’s so lovely to see the ones that are now Seniors that were little Minis when I started,” she adds. “Being part of the Razzamataz network really feels like being part of a family because we all support each other so much. This role has given me the confidence that I never thought was possible and I continue to love what I do.”
Making the jump from a high-flying corporate career to running a franchise was something that Hayley Limpkin thought long and hard about. “I first enquired about buying a franchise nine years ago and opened my first school just over seven and a half years ago,” says Hayley.
Since her launch, Hayley and her team have gone on to achieve incredible success. Razzamataz Medway now has more than 500 students and its continued expansion has meant that Hayley has formed a partnership with her deputy to become joint Principals so they can continue the school’s impressive growth.
“It’s really important for us to keep things fresh, relevant and on trend,” adds Hayley. “We love to ensure we are providing relevant training, whether students what to pursue this as a career or not. We have a commitment to giving them the correct insight into the world of performing arts so that they can make this decision accurately. Our students deserve the best time with us and to be part of something they feel is really special. We are always thinking of how we can grow, further enhance or take our school to the next level. What underpins all of this is having the right team who also have a view on how we can continue to move forward. We are passionate about working with the right people.”
A big part of the continued enthusiasm of the longest standing franchisees is due to the opportunities Razzamataz offers. During the annual Conference and the northern and southern regional meetings, franchisees discuss new plans and exchange ideas.
“As well as bringing in guest speakers, we like to use the face to face meetings to give our franchisees the opportunity to get their own ideas across,” explains Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “We have a wealth of talent, ideas and amazing contacts within our network so it makes sense to utilise them as much as possible.”
To find out more about becoming part of the Razzamataz network of Principals, contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty. For new franchisees, Razzamataz has a special offer of just £7,995 (£2,000 saving) to launch a Razzamataz theatre school. Plus until the end of 2017, Razzamataz will pay your VAT – a saving of around £1,600 and your first term management fee is free. Chat to Suzie on E:[email protected] or call 07793 054 233.
