After an incredible run of award wins and business growth, we are delighted to announce that Asha Marie Richardson, franchisee of Razzamataz South Lakes has been announced as the winner of the Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2023 award in the NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) Awards.

EWiF has been celebrating women in franchising since 2010 and every year, the standard and number of award entries gets higher. Recognising and rewarding female entrepreneurs and business leaders who are shaping the future, overcoming adversity and setting new standards, the event is a true celebration of female empowerment. The awards took place at the NatWest building in Central London with over 140 franchising professionals coming together to applaud the successes of women from a variety of sectors. Franchising was, traditionally speaking, dominated by men, which is why the organisers of these awards, Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) believe it’s so important to honour women, specifically.

“Asha’s passion, talent and entrepreneurial spirit have set her apart as a rising star in the franchising world,” says the judges who commended Asha on so many different aspects of her business. This included growing the business by 700% in just over two years, supporting and mentoring one of her teachers into a franchisee role, piloting new products for Head Office and becoming an active member of the Razzamataz Franchise Advisory Council and All Stars Academy

“Asha is a brilliant businesswoman, mentor and leader and someone that cares passionately about her students, team and young people in her community,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz Theatre Schools. “We are delighted that she has recently joined our Head Office team to nurture our new franchisees and share her passion for building an inclusive theatre school that inspires children and young people to develop confidence and motivates them to develop life skills through performing arts.”

Razzamataz ensures every franchisee can build a thriving and financially rewarding business through their tried and tested systems and training programmes. Asha started out as a Razzamataz teacher before making the decision to create the career she wanted with a brand that she is passionate about.

“This award reflects the dedication and commitment we all have for Razzamataz and our art,” says Asha. “Our Razzamataz families and ethos is at the heart of what we do and I’m proud to be part of it. My heart is just so full.” 

Ensuring that the franchise offers opportunities for all, teachers and staff members are encouraged to build their careers further through initiatives such as the Manager’s Training, Razzamataz Training Platform and Team Celebration Days, which support them to learn more about the business side of running a theatre school.

Accompanying Asha to the EWiF awards was Amber Gibney, franchisee at Razzamataz Stockton-on-Tees and team member alongside Asha. Amber started out her Razzamataz career as a teacher with Asha, who encouraged her to look at the option of launching her own theatre school and gave her the confidence to believe she could do it, even without any previous business experience.

“It was a huge honour to be invited to attend the EWiF awards and be surrounded by such strong and inspirational industry professionals,” says Amber. “This award means so much to our team and is a fantastic way to recognise the wonderful family Asha has built at Razzamataz South Lakes over the past few years. A phenomenal achievement for our amazing team, our students and families too.” 

Razzamataz Theatre Schools offer employment to some circa 600 people either as teachers, assistants, or part of the admin team. There are plenty of opportunities to grow with many people starting out as work experience placements and progressing to assistant Principals or Principal roles.

Make a difference to young lives in your community

Join us NOW for a 2023 launch. Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this! 

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. 

Next training:

Week commencing 25th September 2023 for a January 2024 launch. 

Week commencing 18th March 2024 for a September 2024 launch. 

Contact us to secure your place on our next short informal virtual Discovery Dens To book contact 07801843077 or click here to book your place:https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/