As part of an ambitious programme of expansion and growth, Razzamataz Theatre Schools is delighted to announce the appointment of a new franchise support and development manager.

Doug Johnson brings with him five years of franchise expertise and is looking forward to developing the Razzamataz brand and support the new franchisees as part of his new role.

“I can’t act, sing or dance but I do know what makes a franchise business work,” says Doug. “I’m not here to offer advice about the performing arts industry but I am very much looking forward to meeting all the Razzamataz franchisees to encourage and assist them in achieving the most from their franchise business.”

As part of his new role, Doug will be working with new franchisees in setting up their businesses and helping them to succeed. He will provide practical, hands on support to both new and established franchisees as well as offering on-going mentoring, coaching and training sessions to ensure they all exceed business plan targets and provide a quality of service to their students.

“Razzamataz is at the stage now where input from Doug is vital for us to continue to grow at the pace we are currently,” says Founder and Managing Director of Razzamataz Denise Hutton-Gosney. “As a franchise business offering part-time performing arts classes for children, it is vitally important for us that all our franchisee owners have full support and back up in which they need to succeed and thrive.”

Doug started his working life in the print and communications industry forming commercial alliances with several Prontaprints. He was then invited to join On Demand Communications, (the parent company of Prontaprint and Kall Kwik), to help support and grow the Prontaprint franchise network. This led to support and development roles with other franchise networks such as Alphagraphics and his most recent employer, Franchise Brands Worldwide, best known for their ChipsAway and Ovenclean franchise network.

In the current climate where success in new business is rare, Razzamataz is bucking the trend with a number of fantastic school launches, which demonstrates what a solid business model Razzamataz is. Helen Green, a 23 year-old entrepreneur from Sheffield can boast a 35K turnover after just four weeks, with a school that is almost at full capacity. In London, which is saturated with well established, high profile theatre schools, Sam Bradshaw who is the Principal of Razzamataz Hampstead and Michael French, the Principal of Razzamataz Barnet, have both hit break even point after just one term, which is only 12 lessons.

“We work incredibly hard to support our franchisees and we are delighted with how our new schools are performing,” adds Denise. “Razzamataz offers a fantastic opportunity for a range of people to run their own part-time franchise business for children. It is a fun, rewarding role, which has the potential to reap terrific financial rewards.”

Razzamataz is one of the fastest growing theatre schools in the UK, having shot to prominence when Founder and Managing Director Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2007 and multi-millionaire Duncan Bannatyne became a business partner.

The franchise business has been a popular choice for a wide range of people, from those currently performing professionally to mums who want an exciting career to fit around their children. To become a Razzamataz Principal, although it’s preferred, it is not necessary to have a performing arts background or to have run a business previously although you must have a very keen interest and passion for the performing arts and love working with young people.

If you decide to take up the franchise option, the Razzamataz team provides a fully comprehensive training week that will include how to find the most dynamic teachers, book keeping and accounts, health and safety issues, child protection, PR and marketing, performing arts material as well as customer service. There is also on-going support and guidance from Head Office.

Razzamataz is currently recruiting Principals to open further Razzamataz Theatre Schools.