First Denise started small
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:56 am
In 2000, she took the plunge and opened her first Razzamataz Theatre school – offering dance, drama, and singing in Penrith.
Suddenly Denise was running classes every day of the week in different areas by herself to keep up with demand.
To take her business to the next level, Denise decided to franchise her well-loved school. Not only did it allow her to have a well-deserved day off, but it also helped more students access the amazing benefits Razzamataz offers.
By remortgaging her flat she was able to join the British Franchise Association (BFA). She also enlisted the help of a solicitor and consultant to get all the necessary paperwork in order.
She soon sold three franchises internally to australia rcs data teachers already involved in the business. And with that, the Razzamataz franchise powerhouse was ready.
Taking on the den
Few are brave enough to take on the Dragons in Dragons’ Den but Denise certainly was. As a fan of the BBC show, Denise knew that her business plan would be of interest to them.
In 2007, Denise appeared on Dragons’ Den and managed to secure investment backing from fellow Scottish entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne.
Denise explains: “Duncan was an investor for seven years and that catapulted us into the limelight. We became the honey they all wanted. Big brands approached us and we worked with two in particular for 12 years. This enabled us to expand to where we are now.”
Although Denise always planned on growing Razzamataz steadily, Dragon-backing meant that the business grew much quicker than expected – it is currently heading towards 60 franchises this year.
The key to success
The success of Razzamataz wasn’t down to luck. It was Denise’s drive, passion, and the amazing franchisee support network she had carefully created.
“In the early days, you can get quite excited when someone wants to buy into your brand. But I’m pretty sure every franchisor would tell you that they have made the odd mistake.”
Suddenly Denise was running classes every day of the week in different areas by herself to keep up with demand.
To take her business to the next level, Denise decided to franchise her well-loved school. Not only did it allow her to have a well-deserved day off, but it also helped more students access the amazing benefits Razzamataz offers.
By remortgaging her flat she was able to join the British Franchise Association (BFA). She also enlisted the help of a solicitor and consultant to get all the necessary paperwork in order.
She soon sold three franchises internally to australia rcs data teachers already involved in the business. And with that, the Razzamataz franchise powerhouse was ready.
Taking on the den
Few are brave enough to take on the Dragons in Dragons’ Den but Denise certainly was. As a fan of the BBC show, Denise knew that her business plan would be of interest to them.
In 2007, Denise appeared on Dragons’ Den and managed to secure investment backing from fellow Scottish entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne.
Denise explains: “Duncan was an investor for seven years and that catapulted us into the limelight. We became the honey they all wanted. Big brands approached us and we worked with two in particular for 12 years. This enabled us to expand to where we are now.”
Although Denise always planned on growing Razzamataz steadily, Dragon-backing meant that the business grew much quicker than expected – it is currently heading towards 60 franchises this year.
The key to success
The success of Razzamataz wasn’t down to luck. It was Denise’s drive, passion, and the amazing franchisee support network she had carefully created.
“In the early days, you can get quite excited when someone wants to buy into your brand. But I’m pretty sure every franchisor would tell you that they have made the odd mistake.”