Swing to business success

Funky Monkeys – a brilliantly conceived children's indoor activity centre and café – has opened its sixth centre in Dungannon, County Tyrone. With unemployment figures reaching a record 14-year high in Northern Ireland, Funky Monkeys has proved its business model can excel in the recession by creating eight new jobs at this new centre.

This brings the total employment figures to 65 for the Funky Monkeys brand. With five other play cafés in Belfast, Lurgan, Downpatrick, Newtownabbey and Larne, Funky Monkeys has become one of Ireland's leading indoor soft play facilities.

The brand has experienced great success from opening its first centre in 2008. Since then, it has expanded rapidly, opening a further five franchise locations across the province, with an additional two centres due to open in the next few months.

Have you got what it takes?

Funky Monkeys is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs interested in running their own business. We are looking for people with the right attitude and a strong work ethic, as we are confident that our in-depth and structured training will prepare you for business success.

The set-up cost of a Funky Monkeys franchise is approximately £200,000. The banks will finance about 50 per cent, subject to status. Therefore, successful franchise owner applicants would need to have access to funds of £100,000 or more.

A bunch of benefits

Funky Monkeys is all about good practice, sound reputation and satisfied customers who keep coming back. Focusing on these core values, our franchise programme comprises of a very substantial package, which includes:

• Strong branding – trademark protected
• Advice and assistance on site selection and lease negotiation
• All-inclusive setting-up inventory
• Project management of premises preparation and equipment installation
• Proven operating procedures
• Comprehensive
• Operations Manual
• Thorough management training
• Strong public awareness from distinctive, multi-media local marketing
• Guidance on staff training and recruitment
• Advantageous stock purchasing arrangements
• Auditable sales revenue administration
• Distinctive website
• Excellent continuing back-up

"This is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in starting their own business, especially in this tough economic climate, as it has the security of using a business model that is a proven success and is already a recognisable and trusted brand."
Alistair McVeigh, franchise owner, Dungannon

Where next?

We are looking to expand Funky Monkeys into many locations throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the next two years. Some of these areas include:

• Cork
• Derry
• Dublin
• Enniskillen
• Galway
• Kerry
• Limerick
• Newry
• Tipperary
• Waterford
• Wexford

What makes us stand out from the pack?

Funky Monkeys is not just visually attractive – while outward appearances are essentially vibrant and exciting, behind the scenes good management systems and practical operating procedures aim for optimum trading performance and excellent return on investment.

Customer research is exceptionally positive. Parents say that Funky Monkeys is exactly what they have been waiting for, with all the right ingredients, including:

• Themed play structure specifically designed for up to eight year olds
• Toddler zone – for our younger kids to explore at their own pace
• Delicious eats and tasty treats
• Parent-friendly venue
• Wide range of children's parties, with special activity options
• Pre-school activity mornings

The Funky Monkeys franchise provides franchise owners with a genuine opportunity to be in control of their own future with security and pride of ownership. You can organise your work schedule and manage your time in a comfortable manner. You will be able to earn a good salary and build serious equity in your own Funky Monkeys location, while experiencing the enjoyment and satisfaction of being your own boss and being in control of your future, as well as meeting with other successful Funky Monkey franchise owners. An essential ingredient is that you need to have the passion to own and operate the Funky Monkeys business and recognise that you are going to become an important part of your local community.

Who is behind Funky Monkeys?

Husband and wife team Mark and Alison Simpson, whose previous experience in the accountancy world – and as franchise owners of a well known coffee bar franchise in Ireland – recognised that there was a substantial gap in the children's soft play market in Ireland. It was then that they embarked on their Funky Monkeys journey to develop it as one of the best and most successful children's indoor soft play cafés throughout Ireland.

Please make contact with either Mark or Alison Simpson personally. Following some initial dialogue on the telephone, you will be asked to provide some preliminary details in strictest confidence. We will then discuss your coming to see us for a confidential meeting during which we will show you Funky Monkeys in action!