Dragons’ Den, the BBC television series hosted by Evan Davis,
is celebrating ten years of shows and has produced some of the most
successful businesses in the UK.
Although the Dragons have missed a few golden opportunities
such as the innovative hair brush the Tangle Teezer now worth £200
million and the Trunki, which went on to sell more than three
million suitcases for children, Duncan Bannatyne was the one to
spot the potential of part-time theatre school Razzamataz, which is
still rated as the number 5 most successful Dragons’ Den business
even after nine years of appearing on the show.
MD and Founder of Razzamataz Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared on
Series 4 and was offered a £50,000 investment for a 25% equity
share. Duncan Bannatyne explains: “As a successful business man, I
instinctively recognise an excellent opportunity. That’s why I
chose to invest in Razzamataz Theatre Schools. The commitment,
enthusiasm and sound business sense of the team, coupled with their
proven track record of success led me to become part of the
business.”
Since appearing in the Den, Razzamataz has gone from strength
to strength and there are now more than 40 schools up and down the
country as well as a successful contract with First Choice where
for the last ten years Razzamataz has supplied teachers to numerous
Europe-wide Holiday Villages.
“When I appeared on Dragons’ Den back in 2007 I was passionate
about giving opportunities to young people to participate in
performing arts,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of
Razzamataz. “Today, one of the key things that sets us apart is
that we really follow current trends in performing arts so we are
able to build a generation of confident, fit young
performers.”
One of the added benefits of Razzamataz which appealed to
Duncan Bannatyne was the fact that the classes in dance, drama and
singing are designed to appeal to all children and improve their
confidence and self-esteem, even if they have previously had little
interest in performing arts.
“Razz skills keep young people active, instill a confidence
and pride and encourage social skills,” he says. “All of which are
vital today,”
The Razzamataz schools all over the country are getting ready
to offer a free day of performing arts fun for all children between
the ages of 4-18. During the Open Day, children will get a taster
of the classes and hear about what else is open to Razzamataz
students.
As well as the classes, Razzamataz is dedicated to offering
many other opportunities. These include the chance to perform
annually at the school’s show case, the opportunity to audition for
a partner talent agent that has secured students starring roles on
TV and the stage, summer schools, guest workshops from top industry
experts, the chance to audition for the registered charity Future
Fund that provides scholarships for those that want to train at
college and numerous performing opportunities including one at Her
Majesty’s Theatre in London.
Razzamataz is actively looking to open further schools across
the UK and in particular Aberdeen and Cardiff, where the team will
be holding Discovery Den days, which give people the opportunity to
meet the Head Office team and find out more about this franchise
opportunity.
If you want to find out more about becoming a franchisee
owner, make an appointment to come along to one of the regular but
informal Discovery Den days in London, Glasgow or Sheffield to find
out more about this exciting and flexible business opportunity. To
book a place contact Hannah
