Investing in a franchise follows a familiar path for many aspiring business owners. The process, from the initial enquiry to the official launch, can be both rewarding and challenging.

Bhabani Sahoo, a franchisee for Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, offers insight into his personal journey of opening a franchise. Having launched his nursery in Horsham in September, Bhabani reflects on the steps involved in turning a business dream into reality.

For Bhabani, the idea of running a franchise began while completing a management degree. He and his wife, Sampa, were struggling to find a suitable nursery for their daughter, which sparked a thought: they could combine their skillsets—Bhabani’s management background and Sampa’s experience in education—to open their own nursery.

“With the knowledge I had garnered from my management degree and my previous career in IT, and my wife’s skillset working in education, we could be on to something,” said Bhabani. Thorough research followed, analysing local competitors, available properties, and the demand for nurseries in the area. Realising that a franchise would provide a proven business model and support, the couple chose this route to reduce the risks associated with starting from scratch.

Finding the Right Franchise

After deciding to invest in a nursery franchise, Bhabani emphasises the importance of further research. Prospective franchisees must ensure they fully understand the terms, fees, and expectations of any franchise they consider. For the Sahhos, quality was a non-negotiable factor in their decision.

“From our experience with our daughter, we weren’t going to compromise on quality,” Bhabani explains. Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, with nearly two decades of experience, stood out to them. The couple wanted to open a nursery that was not only theirs but also met the highest standards.

Before signing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the Sahhos reviewed it thoroughly to ensure they understood all legal obligations and commitments. Once satisfied, they signed and officially became Monkey Puzzle franchisees.

Preparing for Launch

All franchisees undergo comprehensive initial training to familiarise themselves with the brand and operational procedures. Bhabani describes this phase as intense but crucial: “My advice would be to approach this period with an open mind, ready to learn.”

In their case, sourcing a physical location was a critical next step. With guidance from their franchisor, they identified the ideal premises and began preparations for staffing and promoting their new nursery. Bhabani advises franchisees to make the most of the resources provided by their franchisors and not to hesitate to ask for additional support.

Ongoing Support and Long-Term Goals

Even after the nursery launch, the franchisor’s support does not end. Regular communication ensures franchisees remain aligned with the brand’s standards and receive ongoing assistance as they grow their business. For Bhabani and Sampa, their long-term goal is to achieve an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted. This ambition, coupled with a desire to give back to their community, continues to drive their commitment.

“The journey from enquiry to launch is a commitment, and your heart needs to be in it,” Bhabani notes. He emphasises the importance of evaluating one’s skills and motivations before choosing a franchise. For Bhabani and Sampa, investing in a Monkey Puzzle franchise has been a rewarding journey, and they look forward to the future.

The Path to a Franchise Investment

For those considering a franchise investment, Bhabani’s experience underlines the importance of research, careful decision-making, and thorough preparation. From understanding the franchise model to ensuring the right support systems are in place, the journey requires dedication and a clear vision for success.

As businesses across various sectors continue to grow through franchising, aspiring entrepreneurs must be ready to navigate the journey from enquiry to launch, keeping in mind the key steps that Bhabani highlights: research, franchisee support, and long-term commitment.