Denise is an accomplished business professional who launched Razzamataz Theatre Schools in 2000. Denise established the business from the ground up, turned to franchising in 2005 and successfully appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2007.

 

Today it has a £4million turnover, won numerous industry awards and Denise has been one of the most successful franchisors in the industry, working with 60 small business owners launching their own theatre schools.

 

The success of Razzamataz is largely down to Denise’s desire to continue to innovate, launching new products, working with global brands and mentoring franchisees to expand their own businesses.

 

This drive to succeed has not come from the traditional route of university, her journey of dance enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur is a story of passion, dedication and a belief in the power of the arts to transform young people’s lives.

 

Growing up in a modest background, she was drawn to the world of performing arts as a means of self-expression and empowerment. As a shy child, she would use the arts to find her voice and could see the many life skills that come from participation. After a career as a dancer, she launched Razzamataz to give other children the same opportunities.

 

Driven by her desire to provide accessible and high-quality performing arts education for young individuals, Denise started Razzamataz with just a single school. Her innovate approach combined traditional performing arts training with a fresh and contemporary curriculum, offering both musical theatre and the commercial genres. This approach not only nurtures young talent, giving them many opportunities in the professional world, it also instils confidence and life skills in all students.

 

What began as a single school, soon evolved into a thriving franchise model, attracting entrepreneurs who shared her vision. She has sold 60 franchises in the UK and is currently looking to take the award-winning formulae to Dubai and the UAE.

 

Appearing on Dragons’ Den and subsequent media platforms has led to exceptional and high profile opportunities. Denise created strategic partnerships with The Stage newspaper, 20^th Century Fox, Universal Pictures (UK), Warner Bros, Mattel and Paramount Pictures. She worked internationally developing contracts with TUI and Eurocamp, leading to expansion globally.

 

However, Denise has not forgotten the challenging times she found herself in when she could not afford to continue studying at college, which is why she created the Future Fund, Razzamataz’s own registered charity, which provides financial assistance to students going on to further education. Her experience in navigating this sector is an integral part of her expertise and she can provide guidance to others on the social impact and community engagement that comes when contributing to the greater good.

 

Denise reached out to The Prince’s Trust when she was setting up Razzamataz back in 2000 and was assigned a business mentor. Denise was encouraged to attend many events, including The Prince’s Trust Cumbrian Young Entrepreneur of the Year, which she won. Paying it forwards, Denise is now an Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and has recently been invited to be part of the Help to Grow mentorship programme, giving back to young entrepreneurs and helping to guide them through their own business journey. She is also delighted to be a business mentor for the Association of Business Mentoring (ABM.)

 

Multiple-award-winning, Denise has been given the top spot at the British Franchise Association awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of franchising. Razzamataz has been acknowledge as a franchisor as well as nominations and success for several franchisees across the UK.

 

Denise Hutton-Gosney

• MD and Founder of Razzamataz Theatre Schools 2000 – present day
• Sold 60 franchises in the UK.
• Worked internationally developing contracts with TUI and Eurocamp.
• Created strategic partnerships with The Stage newspaper, 20^th Century Fox, Universal Pictures (UK), Warner Bros, Mattel and Paramount Pictures.
• Built up a £4 million plus franchise network turnover.
• Created a dedicated charity to support performing arts students.
• Leads a head office team and manages key relationships at senior level.
• Assists each franchisee on their marketing and business plans development and implementation.
• Identifies customer trends and desires to bring in new students.
• Successfully appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2007, winning backing from Duncan Bannatyne.

 

 

Awards recognition

• Princes Trust Business Woman of The Year.
• Cumbria Business Woman of The Year.
• Finalists in multiple EWIF Awards.
• Winners in the WorkBuzz Best Franchise Awards.
• 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction Award.
• Continuous Improvement Awards.
• British Franchise Association double award winner.
• Club Hub awards.
• Elite Franchise Top 100.
• FSB Award.
• ABM (Association of Business Mentors) member
• ‘Help to Grow’ Government business mentor

 

 

Contacts

For more information or to enquire about Denise working directly with your brand, please contact: [email protected] or 07801 843077. Connect on LinkedIn: Denise Hutton-Gosney.