90
Franchises from £200,000 to £300,000
Funky Monkeys
Investment level:
£200,000 incl. £35,000
liquid capital
Website:
www.funkymonkeys.co.uk
Email:
management@funkymonkeys.co.uk
Phone:
franchise focus
0844 414 5267
classification:
Management franchise
Jungle fever
Fraser is currently looking at offering
discounts for childminders and a
local school for children.with learning
Following redundancy, Fraser Thomson looked at
diffi culties. He adds: “I am also looking
at advertising on the back of receipts in
franchising and was impressed with Funky Monkeys
Morrisons supermarkets.”
Funky Monkeys advise and assist
W
hile working as an operations good food for both adults and children
“It’s hard
franchisees with organising, training,
manager for a printing business such as jacket potatoes and paninis and,
work, but
merchandising, marketing, and managing
near Glasgow, Fraser Thomson, as well as the large play areas, we provide the franchise. Franchisees also receive a full
42, began looking into franchising. He themed parties for children.”
I have
consultation on business plans, cash fl ow
wanted to be his own boss and liked the Fraser’s biggest challenge so far was
absolutely no
forecasts and profi t and loss analysis from
success rate of franchising when compared fi nding the right premises. He says:
regrets. It’s
the franchisor, so they are fully prepared
to starting a business from scratch. He says: “Nick was very supportive and we used for a meeting with their bank.
“What I liked is that someone has run the several agencies to fi nd the right site for
great to take
For anyone looking into franchising,
business before and has experience in a the centre. Eventually, in February 2009,
control and
Fraser advises: “Look at local competition.
sector I know nothing about.” we found one that ticked all the boxes.
be your own
The position of your premises is really
When Fraser was made redundant In particular, it was 150 yards from the important, too. Maybe fi nd a few potential
it was the push he needed to go into town centre with plenty of car parking
boss.”
sites before you sign. You need good staff
business for himself. He spent a year in the space.” and you need to keep a close eye on your
fi nancial services while he shopped around Fraser spent several months gutting out costs. It’s hard work, but I have absolutely
for the right franchise, fi nally settling on the premises and renovating it, ready for no regrets with my decision. It’s great to
Funky Monkeys, a children’s indoor activity the offi cial opening in July – perfect timing take control and be your own boss.” ■
centre and cafe concept. for the school holidays! Fraser says: “We
“I thought a soft play centre for had a great summer, it’s been really busy –
children would be a good business I think the poor weather helped too! Now
and I initially looked at Funky Monkeys’ our core business is at the weekends, but
website. I then arranged to meet Nick the party side of the business has really
and Zoe Hearn who set up the business. taken off and I’ve been really pleased with
I was very impressed with them and the return.”
liked the experience they had of running As a franchisee, marketing and
the business. I visited the Warwick advertising is key to success, particularly in
centre to see what is involved and the fi rst year. With Nick’s help, Fraser has
signed up in July 2008. used local radio stations and carried out
“There are of course other soft leafl et drops at schools and nurseries. He
play centres around, but they are often also introduced a meal deal scheme, which
cramped and serve unhealthy fast food. has encouraged more visitors to eat the
Funky Monkeys offers value for money, healthy foods on offer in the cafe.
November 2009 www.businessfranchise.com
BF092_Funky monkey_Nov09.indd 1 14/10/2009 16:51
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