A Midlands nursery has revealed ambitious plans for a 100-strong franchise operation across the UK helped by advice from Stratford-upon-Avon law firm Lodders Solicitors.
Banana Moon Day Nurseries, based at Tachbrook Park, Warwick, is run by businessman Mark Bates.
He began six years ago and has two operations in Leamington Spa. He launched as a franchise last October.
There are other centres at Shirley in Birmingham, Warrington and Lower Sundon, near Luton in Bedfordshire. But another ten, including two in London, are at various stages of development – seeking to identify suitable buildings or going through the planning process.
“We are looking to establish 100 across the country,” he revealed.
Numbers of places per nursery currently vary between 38 and 140.
Mr Bates’ background is engineering but, aware of the sector’s relative decline, he spotted an opportunity in nurseries.
He said: “The idea was sparked when I tried to get my own child into a nursery … and couldn’t. I thought ‘there must be a market here’. So I looked around, did a considerable amount of market research and felt there was a gap for a good nursery.”
The nurseries offer longer than normal opening hours of 7.30am to 6.30pm, two meals a day for the children, outdoor play facilities, an emphasis on nutrition, CCTV and a biometric door entry system.
“We think we are second to none,” said Mr Bates. “It is about a loving, caring environment for the child. We offer a play-based day with hidden learning.”
The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, a statutory framework covering learning and development.
Paul Mourton, Lodders’ real estate partner, has been advising the business on leases and other legal requirements.
He commented: “Banana Moon Day Nurseries is a very go-ahead concern with big plans for the future.
“It is fast expanding and has high standards. It is fantastic that the franchise concept is going so well.”