Q&A with Sophie Hailey Franchising and Property Acquisitions at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries
Name: Sophie Hailey
Role: Franchising and Property Acquisitions Associate
Who are Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries?
Monkey Puzzle are the largest franchised, and organically grown nursery group in the UK. MPDN has been in the childcare business for over 30 years and is soon to expand to over 65 settings. As well as their franchised sites, Monkey Puzzle own and operate nurseries of their own as part of Monkey Puzzle Nursery Group (MPNG). MPNG have settings located in West Kensington, Ealing, Loughton, Woodford, and East Sheen. The group also have sites due to open in 2022 at locations in Sutton and Guildford. The company aims to grow MPNG to further compliment and support their growing network of dedicated franchisees.
How many locations do Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries currently have?
We currently have 65 settings across the UK and growing!
Target locations?
We are looking for attractive, prominent buildings close to residential areas, local amenities, and public transport links. Our existing portfolio of buildings have had a variety of previous uses, such as care homes, offices, hotels, medical or community uses etc.
Our e-flyer details specific towns, however we are keen to expand in most areas in central London and the South-East, the Midlands, Cheshire, Merseyside, and Glasgow.
Size requirements?
2,000-6,000 sq ft. We can consider smaller opportunities if an extension is possible or larger sites if the numbers work.
Additional requirements?
- Parking or a suitable space for drop off and pick up
- Access to an outside area for the children
Planning consent?
E use class or ability to convert
Freehold or Leasehold?
Both – on occasion we will purchase freehold sites, or we have investors who will purchase on our behalf and lease back to us. Most of our sites are leased; we provide a strong covenant and attractive deal terms for leasehold opportunities.
Recent openings or new locations in the pipeline?
Monkey Puzzle Woodford and Monkey Puzzle Melody Lane recently opened in Q1 2022, and new settings in Charlton, Sutton, and Guildford are due to open in Spring/Summer 2022. We have an ongoing pipeline of opportunities that we are always reviewing and progressing.
Contact details
Email – sophie@mpdn.co.uk
Tel – 01442 878887
