RAZZAMATAZ Theatre Schools is poised for further growth as founder Denise Hutton-Gosney sinks all her efforts into expanding the franchise.

Mrs Hutton-Gosney, 43, started the business in Carlisle in 2000.

It was once part owned by Dragons’ Den’s Duncan Bannatyne who invested £50,000 in 2007 after Mrs Hutton-Gosney went on the BBC TV show where business people pitch for investment.

She bought out his stake in 2014.

By then it had built a network of franchised theatre schools across the country, although Mrs Hutton-Gosney continued to run the original school in Denton Holme, Carlisle, herself.

She has now converted this into a franchise, selling it to Debbie Mitchell, who has been managing it since 2012.

This will allow Mrs Hutton-Gosney to focus on building the franchise business further, in the UK and beyond. It already supplies teachers to 11 holiday villages abroad. 

She said: “I’m so happy to hand my baby over to Debbie.

“With her energy, enthusiasm and passion she will continue offering the children of Cumbria amazing experiences as well as top quality performing arts training.

"She has successfully managed the school for the last few years so understands exactly what it takes to effectively run a business and I look forward to watching her and the business flourish.”

The typical cost of a franchise, including launch marketing and VAT, is £17,000.

Miss Mitchell, 28, is looking forward to the challenge of being her own boss.

She said: “I’ve gained a huge amount of experience working with Razzamataz and now being the new owner gives me the chance to really explore all the ideas I have for the school and students.

“This is a hugely exciting opportunity."