As the new series of BBC’s Dragons’ Den gets underway, money.co.uk reveals who are the top seven most successful businesses to come out of the popular TV show.
The researchers compiled a list of the seven most successful ideas to celebrate the 18th series of Dragons’ Den and at number five is franchise model Razzamataz Theatre Schools.
Dragons’ Den businesses: where are they now
Founder and MD Denise Hutton-Gosney pitched her performing arts schools to the Dragons back in 2007 and secured an investment of £50,000 from Duncan Bannatyne. With the Dragon’s support, the company was able to launch all over the UK and abroad. In 2014, Denise was able to buy back Bannatyne’s stake in the company for £70,000 and now owns 90% of the company.
“Dragons’ Den was a huge springboard for Razzamataz and almost overnight gave us more brand exposure than we had ever had,” says Denise. “Even now, all these years on, new franchisees often tell me they remember watching the show, even though some of them were only children at the time.”
Denise had one of the most memorable pitches ever to appear on the Den. She took four of the students from the schools to show the Dragons just what it means for children to be part of the theatre schools.
“Razzamataz is all about teaching performing arts to create confident young people and I realised that it was better to show the Dragons what this actually looked like rather than explaining it,” says Denise. “The children were so enthusiastic and full of joy about performing arts that it was hard not to get swept up in their energy.”
After the children left the Den, Denise was then grilled by the Dragons into why the school was a good business proposition. After an intense series of questions, Duncan Bannatyne offered the full investment and Razzamataz gained national publicity putting them on a path to success and a huge array of exciting opportunities.
What to expect from the Den
“The memories of that day stay with me forever because it was a truly unique experience,” adds Denise. “It was absolutely terrifying, especially being grilled on the numbers, but the one thing that I knew for certain was that
Razzamataz was so well loved by our customers and the few people that had
taken out a franchise with me. That gave me all the confidence that I needed to show the Dragons what a good investment opportunity we could offer them.”
The four children who appeared on Dragons’ Den with Denise have all gone on to be successful in their own right. Danielle Fiamanya is an award-winning actress who stars in musicals such as &Juliet in the West End, Myrren Porter went on to become a journalist, Michael McMullan is a primary school teacher and Ellis Fulton who now lives in Sydney, Australia, works as a health and safety manager on a construction site in Bondi.
Why appear on Dragons’ Den
Since the Den, Razzamataz have gone on to be one of the most successful part-time performing arts schools in the UK. There have been lots of high-profile partnerships with brands such as Disney, Warner Bros. Entertainment, First Choice, Universal Pictures, Eurocamp and 20th Century Fox.
Denise and her team of franchisees have also gone on to win multiple industry awards including ones from the prestigious British Franchise Association. Former students are appearing in some of the best musicals in the West End as well as in TV shows and starring in blockbuster movies.
“We’ve certainly come a long way since Dragons’ Den and we continue to grow year on year with new franchisees who bring a new and exciting energy,” adds Denise. “One of the things that I’m most proud of is that Razzamataz has created emotionally and financially rewarding businesses for so many people who can work flexibly around other commitments such as their families or other work.”
Want to be part of the Dragons’ Den success story
There are currently more than 50 schools across the UK and franchisees come from a wide range of backgrounds.
Many are parents who enjoy the flexible and rewarding career path that Razzamataz offers. Previous experience running a theatre school or working in the performing arts is not necessary because the franchise model gives full training and support to every franchisee. With more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, Razzamataz has successful operating systems, excellent contacts and a well-respected brand.
Multi-award winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been busy recruiting new franchisees throughout the pandemic. In 2021, they were also delighted to be named as Best Franchise in the WorkBuzz Best Franchise Awards, sponsored by Lloyds Bank.
Join our network
We are currently looking to launch more theatre schools across the UK and overseas. If you would like to find out more about our ambitious growth plans and be part of multi-award-winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools network, drop Charlotte a line from our friendly Head Office team to book on to one of our virtual Discovery Dens.
Current resale opportunity: High Wycombe, Berkshire & Paisley , Scotland
BOOK A DISCOVERY DEN HERE: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/
What are the most successful businesses to come out of Dragons’ Den?
The five business leaders of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den haven’t always got it right over the past years. But as the show celebrates its 18th series, researchers reveal the seven most successful ideas to come out of the Den. Read on to find out who is at number 5!
