Franchising continues to go from strength to strength, contributing £17.2 billion to UK plc and employing 710,000. With a clear route to success, it is proving popular with young entrepreneurs looking to realise their vision with support and training.
At Razzamataz Theatre Schools, the Dragons’ Den backed franchise, there are a wide range of franchisees, many of who are under the age of thirty. Franchising not only promotes entrepreneurial vision, but it actively encourages opportunities that can be achieved based on the strength of the brand.
Emma Louise Campbell, originally from Northumberland but now living in Cambridge, took over Razzamataz Cambridge when she was just 26 years-old. She has been involved with performing arts from an early age and has gained her BA (hons) and MA in dance as well as performing professionally as a dancer and choreographer in the UK and abroad.
Although she has a strong performing arts background, this was the first time she has run a business and was grateful that the franchise route provided her the support that she needed.
Emma Louise has recently been recognised in Cambridgeshire’s 35 under 35 standout young entrepreneurs, shining a light on the county’s bright young things making their mark in their chosen fields. Emma Louise was recognised for her contribution to the performing arts in Cambridge and the impact it has keeping the Cambs economy vibrant, colourful and thriving.
The report highlighted how Emma Louise took over the school and dramatically increased the number of students as well as all the opportunities she has provided by being part of a successful franchise network. Students have now performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre on London’s West End, made appearances on CITV and taken part in workshops with people such as Diversity’s Ashley Banjo.
“When I took over the school, one of my aims was to provide new and exciting events for students,” says Emma Louise. “With the support of Head Office we have been able to offer incredible experiences that will stay with the students and their families for life.”
At the recent Conference celebrating twenty years of Razzamataz, Emma Louise picked up an award for the Best Marketing Campaign, proving how much she has learnt about business in the last five years. “Emma Louise has shown an incredibly consistent approach to all marketing by following the systems and tracking all results carefully,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “She has also given back to our network with marketing ideas and suggestions for new products and services, proving just how much she has absorbed during the last few years.”
Students at Razzamataz Cambridge have been involved in numerous exciting events including performing with Collabro, the winners of the eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent. There were 32 children from the ages of 8 to 16 who took part in Collabro’s third tour called Home, which comprised 29 dates across the UK. The students performed a Lion King medley and the haunting and beautiful Bui Doi from Miss Saigon with the Collabro boys and their live band.
“This has been an incredible five years with Razzamataz and it was lovely to be recognised by the Cambridge News with the other young entrepreneurs,” adds Emma Louise. “My experience of franchising has been very positive and I’ve learnt such a lot, things that on my own I would probably never have even thought about. I’ve got many more plans for my school and students and it is exciting to see what the next few years will bring.”
To find out if franchising is the right option for you, Razzamataz holds regular Discovery Den days across the UK where potential franchisees get a chance to meet the Head Office team, find out more about franchising in general and discover what it is like to run a part-time theatre school.
