Teaching drama lets me perform too
AlISON BEvERIDGE used a franchise to help achieve her dream of becoming a professional actress.
The drama school graduate needed a regular income to support her acting career when she found the perfect opportunity.
‘I worked in a fashion shop, but it was complicated swapping shifts so I could go to auditions and rehearsals. I needed to be my own boss. I invested in a Razzamataz performing arts school franchise, which combines my passion for business with my desire to act,’ says Alison, 26, from Durham.
She could have set up an independent business but wanted the security of being part of a brand.
‘Setting up with a franchise means that insurances and legalities are dealt with by the franchisor,’ she says. ‘You have a known brand from day one and support from head office.
‘Initially the business took up a lot of my time, but now I have seven employees and I work in it part-time so I can follow my acting career while making a regular income.’
Denise Hutton-Gosney, founder and managing director of Razzamataz, says: ‘Our franchise can be run parttime, term-time only. Nevertheless, one of our franchisees turns over around £250,000 a year.’
The franchise costs £9,995.
Even a full-time franchise can be affordable. Marion Clemens, the Trophy pet foods franchisee who has a business delivering pet foods in the Ansty area of Dorset, says: ‘I run this as a full-time business but the investment was quite low, so I could get started with some savings and some funding from my mother.’
The franchise costs £13,995, and Marion says: ‘I thought it was a good price, because it includes plenty of valuable product and sales training and you get ongoing support from the franchisor.’
Marion, who started the business last year, adds: ‘It appealed to me because the products are easy to sell because I am enthusiastic about them. I can also take Jasper, my cocker spaniel, on my delivery round.’
Sue Reid, founder and sales director at Trophy says: ‘It is a flexible, affordable franchise open to people from all kinds of backgrounds.’