Jump to main content of page

Franchise opportunities

25 April 2007

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries named as one of Britain's star franchisors

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, based in Berkhamstead, has been recognised as one of Britain's top franchisors by The British Franchise Association after being named a National Finalist in the HSBC Enterprise Award category in this year's Franchisor of the Year Awards.

Now Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries is hoping the judges will name it Overall Winner in its category at a glittering gala luncheon at London's Savoy Hotel on Thursday 24th May.

The Awards, sponsored by the Daily Express and HSBC Bank, are designed to showcase the UK's best performing franchisors in a booming industry now employing more than 327,000 people and worth an annual £10 billion to the economy.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries was set up four and half years ago by Mark and Rebecca Crosby.

Running a day nursery is certainly not child's play, but the Monkey Puzzle franchise has shown that the power of a good franchisor can tackle the formidable challenge of succeeding in this demanding, highly regulated sector.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries is presented with its National Finalist certificate at the London Judging Day:

It is these regulations that deter many individuals from opening nurseries, even though demand far exceeds supply in many parts of the country.

By applying the principles of good franchising, the Monkey Puzzle operation has succeeded where many others have failed, helping new franchisees steer their way through the many and varied requirements of the regulatory authority OFSTED.

The franchise is based on a core business of three nurseries in Hertfordshire which opened in 2002. Using these as the template, a comprehensive Operations Manual was developed detailing all procedures, including operational, administrative, health and safety, human resources, marketing and many more. All had to be OFSTED compliant.

The brand launched at the British Franchise Exhibition in March 2005, attracting a number of enquiries, many from people who had in the past been put off by regulatory considerations.

There are now eight Monkey Puzzle franchised nurseries up and running, with four more at different stages of development. Each outlet has a typical establishment timetable of around nine months, allowing for site location, change of use planning applications, building works, fitting out, training and attracting customers.

In spite of the challenges, all Monkey Puzzle nurseries are doing well and meeting requirements. The Islington franchise recently received an OFSTED report that described it as ‘strong' in all four key areas of assessment and two others have also achieved praise for ‘good practice in all areas of care and education'.

As the first business in the sector to follow the franchising route, Monkey Puzzle is setting a standard that others are sure to follow.

Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: “The bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards pay homage to the very best in franchising and honour those providing a customer-centric approach to franchised businesses.

The quality of this year's entries was exceptional and everyone at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries should be justly proud they have been shortlisted in the HSBC Enterprise Award category.”

Express Newspapers' Business Advertising Manager, Yvette Taylor, added: “Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries attests the advantages of franchising and the advantages of following a tried and tested business model and brand.

“Building a strong and successful brand is something that we at Express Newspapers fully understand, and we look forward to seeing this year's winner reap the rewards of their success, and to sharing their story with our readers.”

HSBC's Head of Franchising, Cathryn Hayes, said: “Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries is a prime example of how franchising is a proven and successful way for businesses to expand.

“HSBC is committed to encouraging enterprise and development and has been supporting the franchise industry for over 20 years - we are delighted to honour the innovators who lead and inspire within their chosen marketplace.”

Ends.

 

Back to top