Midlands nursery franchise targets Middle East market
A FAST growing Midlands-based nursery franchise is eyeing up expansion abroad.
Warwick-headquartered Banana Moon, which has ten outlets open across the UK and another 30 at the secured territory stage, is looking to become established in the Middle East.
Director Mark Bates said: “The UAE is particularly interesting. There have been discussions going on for a year – it will happen, it is just a question of when.”
The business began in 2006 when Bates was trying to find childcare for his children.
He said: “I wanted the children to go to a really good quality day nursery, but it soon became clear that the standards I was seeking could not be met by any of the childcare businesses I visited.
“I sensed a gap in the market and decided to open my own nursery.”
Within the first year the nursery – in Leamington Spa – was almost full, and so a second nursery was opened in the town to serve the increasing local demand.
As demand started to come from further afield, the decision was taken to go the franchise route – launched in October 2010.
The ten already open extend from Newcastle to Bristol, with many in the Midlands including Heanor, Mere Green, Solihull, Kingsbury, Hatton and Baddesley Ensor.
The next wave is scheduled to include a number of nurseries in London, giving the firm a first foothold in the capital.
Banana Moon Nursery employs eight people at its headquarters at Tachbrook Park, Warwick, and it is estimated there are some 160 people working in the franchises.
Bates, whose background is engineering, now works full time on the operation along with fellow directors, his father Mike Bates and Steve Felmingham.
“There are no regrets – I love it,” said Bates. “It is beyond our wildest dreams how well it has gone.
From the outset the business has been advised by Stratford-upon-Avon law firm Lodders on issues such as contracts and leases.
“It has been a terrific success story,” said Lodders partner Paul Mourton. “And they have always emphasised quality – making sure that franchises go to the right people.”
