First day of starting your new business, what should you do?

The answer is probably not what you expect. The truth is right from day one, you should be considering your exit strategy, which will include a succession plan.

Why? Because building a business with the end in mind ensures you make strategic decisions that increase its value, scalability, and long-term success. Whether you plan to sell, pass it on, or step back eventually, having a clear roadmap will shape how you structure operations, financials, and leadership.

The benefit of being part of a franchise network is that we don’t expect you to do this alone. Supporting all our franchisees with this is Hayley, our business coach and former multi-award winning franchisee who sold Razzamataz Medway for a significant amount with her business partner Emily after an initial investment of just £10,000.

“One of the biggest lessons my experience in business has taught me, franchising and beyond, is that real value isn’t just in the numbers – it’s in the people, the vision, and the legacy you build. From day one, we focused on creating something deeper than just a business, bringing our team into that vision and setting a strong foundation for the future.  When you think long-term, invest in people, and grow with purpose, exciting things happen. It’s great to see others embracing that mindset and watching where it takes them,” Hayley.

During Hayley’s mentoring sessions, she supports each franchisee to work out their own roadmap and discover what their succession plan could look like. This highly individual and strategic approach allows them to build a business that aligns with their long-term goals. By focusing on sustainable growth and structured planning, Hayley ensures that each franchisee has the clarity and confidence to create a future-proof business.

Hayley’s top 5 tips

• Define Your Vision – Know where you want your business to go and what success looks like in the short and long term. That’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the people and the impact that you can make.
• Establish Strong Systems – Create processes that allow the business to run smoothly without relying solely on you. This is something that you will be guided on during your initial training, but it’s important to maintain this.
• Prioritise Financial Planning – Keep your finances in order from day one, tracking revenue, expenses, and profitability. How will you assess your growth month to month if you don’t do this?
• Build a Strong Team – Invest in your people to help bring your vision to life.
• Think About Who Will Take Over – Razzamataz Medway was sold to a long-term teacher who was already invested in the brand. This made perfect sense, as students and families already had a strong connection with her, creating a seamless transition. Since taking over, she has continued to grow the school, building on its existing success.

Curious about joining the Razzamataz network? Click her to find out more: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/

Big Congrats to Debbie Hyslop, Our Franchisee of the Year 2024!

We are beyond excited to announce an incredible achievement within our community!  Please join us in offering a huge congratulations to Debbie Hyslop, who has been named Franchisee of the Year 2024!

This is a recognition of Debbie’s outstanding dedication, passion, and hard work, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate her success.

Over the past year, Debbie has truly outdone herself. Her relentless commitment to excellence has led to an amazing 38% growth in student numbers, which is a direct result of her tireless efforts, passion for the performing arts, and deep understanding of what families need.

But what sets Debbie apart is not just her business acumen—it’s her heart. As a multi-territory owner, Debbie has created a network of thriving, supportive communities where families can come together, support one another, and most importantly, celebrate the joy of performing arts. She has become more than just a business owner; she’s a leader, a mentor, and a friend to so many families, creating spaces where children can flourish both creatively and personally.

Debbie’s success hasn’t come without its challenges, but she has faced them head-on with grace and determination. She’s balanced the demands of running multiple territories, all while navigating life’s ups and downs, with an inspiring level of resilience. Whether she’s managing the day-to-day operations or personally supporting her students, her passion for what she does shines through in everything she touches.

Debbie’s year has also been marked by her ability to balance life’s many challenges while continuing to drive success. Life is never without its ups and downs, yet Debbie has managed to navigate them with grace and determination, never losing sight of her mission to inspire and empower others. Whether it’s managing the growth of her business or leading her Tiny Tots classes to even greater success, Debbie’s resilience is truly remarkable. She consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring her students receive the best possible experience while also creating an atmosphere that feels like home.

Her exceptional leadership and dedication to excellence have not only led to business success but have also made a huge impact on the communities she serves. Debbie’s approach to business is a perfect blend of passion, hard work, and heart. She has shown that when you pour your heart into what you do, you can achieve extraordinary results while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This recognition is a reflection of Debbie’s unwavering commitment, her vision for the future, and the positive change she brings to the lives of those around her. Through her hard work, tireless dedication, and inspiring leadership, Debbie has demonstrated what it means to be truly exceptional—not just in business, but in every aspect of life.

Celebrating 25 Years of Success: Meet Hayley, Our Esteemed Host for the 2025 Conference – Thriving with Impact!

We are thrilled to introduce Hayley, the outstanding host for our 2025 Razzamataz Conference: Thriving with Impact!  It was an absolute pleasure to have Hayley share her extensive knowledge and invaluable experience with our franchisees as we celebrated 25 remarkable years of Razzamataz.

Hayley’s journey within the Razzamataz network has been nothing short of inspiring. From her time as a franchisee to her current role as a business coach, she has been a pivotal figure in the growth and development of our network. During the conference, Hayley shared a wealth of insights, guiding our franchisees through the key strategies for thriving and expanding within the Razzamataz community. Her contributions were instrumental in making this event a truly impactful experience for all involved.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Hayley continue to support and inspire our network. Her dedication to helping our principals grow, both personally and professionally, ensures that we maintain the high standards of excellence that define Razzamataz.

Interested in Becoming Part of the Razzamataz Family?
If you’re eager to explore the exciting opportunities available to run your very own Razzamataz Theatre School, we would love to connect with you. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, offering support, training, and the tools you need to succeed in this rewarding business.

Learn more and take the first step toward a fulfilling career with Razzamataz by connecting with us today!
Click here to discover more about our franchise opportunities.