Advice on knowing, working and getting a Childrens Softplay Franchise

[Breianne]

Hi,

My Husband and I after some thought, talks (i.e. with our bank, business funding etc) have decided to look at working for a Children's Softplay Franchise. Our bank business advisor advised us to gain experience in this type of business as the bank financing would look far more favourably on us starting our own Softplay centre.

We have a link to Junlge Mania and Funky Monkeys, emailing them and waiting to hear from them. It seems there is very limited Children's Softplay Franchises here in South Wales and we havent decided to re-locate.

If anyone can contribute any information on available franchises, located in South Wales, or on surrounding outskirts, (i.e. Worcester, Hereford, Ross-on-wye, Bristol etc), advice, franchises for sale (or to work for a franchise), links
funding, sponsorships, Franchises that would take us on, or looking to set up a new franchise or change an existing one etc that would help us greatly! We would fully appreciate it also!

We are industrious, motivated, very aware of what franchise entails, eager and dedicated in learning and fast!, have total keeness, enthusiasm and drive, interact with children and adults well, we are family orientated, along with new fresh and innovative ideas to bring and be part of this type of Franchise and one which we want to be the first of its kind in not just Wales but the UK.

 

[Breianne]

Hi,

We understand that being experienced is by far a top advantage but its not without the last two years that we have saved hard to realise our aim into having and running a Softplay centre (but also with a difference!). This has not been a whim, or plucked out of the air (so to speak!) but methodical thought and care.

I have run a business but not in this sector admittedly, and never would try or want to make out that I or my Wife has. We have five children (now grown up) and vast experience of not just been Mum and Dad, but also Grandparents (young ones i.e.) Uncle, Aunt, Brother, Sister, In-laws etc and we are a very extensive local and widespread family.

What we dont know, we are willing to learn, train etc. Our children and friends and our friends and their children have attended Soft Play Centres over the years, enjoying them along with our children. My Wife and I set our minds and our hearts on having our own Soft Play Centre (with a difference - having seen what seems to work for children and also what they like (i.e. innovative ideas and NEW!!!).

With the economy and recession hitting the UK (plus worldwide), fun, recreation, learning etc as we believe, there is far more scope to bring not just new play centres but create more family based centres that cater for the older child to teens on (including the disabled and sick incorporating that difference!!!)


Yes.....we have experience as Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles (great or otherwise), have played alongside softplay, spoken in depth to owners or those who run such centres etc.

We may not have owned one or have experience of running one but we are totally dedicated into wanting to either own one or run one and learn. Experience may not be in our corner (to own or run a Soft Play Centre) but that is something we will encounter and willing to learn from and feel it would be not just challenging but rewarding!

Sorry for the long winded reply but we felt that we didnt want to come across as just fancying and giving it a go!....

 

[Breianne]

Why do you have to go down the franchise route, if your that determined then why not open your own. Have you looked in local leisure centres, swimming pools to see if they have a big enough space that they would be willing to rent out for that purpose. I only say that as someone opened one up in a council run leisure centre near me and have not looked back since. It is only a small space(approximately 15x20 metres) but it is always full with kids.

Hi there,

Well..thank you very much for your reply.....

We have looked at buying our own business but

1. The banks (we have tried 3) are reluctant to loan (to top up our savings for the whole of the money we need to open our own Softplay Centre. They prefer those who are experienced in this sector or for us to take on an established business or franchise before they talk further money expenditures.
2. We are looking at, at least 1000sq metres for what we want, want to do etc.

We have made enquiry to the WDA and other fund, sponsorship places and outlets and waiting to hear from any or all of them.

We are looking to do a franchise (for a well known franchise) to gain experience and because our savings dont cover what we want it to.

We are pleased that you have commented and put in a suggestion and once again thank you. We look forward to anyone or everyone that has ideas, experience, knows of franchises, funds, those who may be looking to do the same but like us wouldnt mind going into partnership with. Indeed anything constructive.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SOFT-PLAY-CEN..._B_I_Business_for_Sale_CV&hash=item3cb5af5368

Let your present house,and rent in Somerset?

 

[silvieuk]

I've been running a succesful play centre for 18 months... and the banks will still not support me.... !

If you think going to a franchise route will help with the banks, I think you will be mistaken.... its still the same business plan, type, etc.... just with some numbers to back it up... I can supply you them... but will cost you a few cups of tea.. ;-)

The bank is just leading you on... been there, done it. Even if you try to buy an existing business, the banks don't want to know, unless you have 75% or so to put in... aka cash

To gain experience in the sector... exactly what i was told 2 years ago.. basically either means A) go and manage a play centre for a year or 2, or B) go away from my bank.

Did you read my last post in your other subject? isn't newport & cardiff already full with other play centres? and isn't the 2 Ezzeplay centres up for sale?

"this and that = If you rented though and had an agreement in place all you would need is the equipment. I regularly go to gambados and they are extortionate. There is definitely money in this sector, I should know I normally spend about £50 each visit and it is packed. Actually I might consider it myself lol"

go back to those play centre in the middle july.... i bet you will be the only one in the during a week day, may be a few mums if your lucky.... but still have rent, rates, to pay, etc.... we have to make money in the rainy winter.... save it... and then loose most of it in the sunny summer....

and the best bit is; you never had a day off.... you get complaints about all kinds of things....i.e. to much veg in ur veg soup..... to long a Q to get in when it rains.... to cold in the building in the winter... to hot in the summer... why does a fresh coffee cost £1.50 ?

But I wouldn't be with out it... earns a wage most months.... might even end up paying of the debts at the end if 5 yrs....

 

[Breianne]

Hi there,

Its very kind of you to kindly reply so thank you, Brian and I appreciate it fully.

We wondered if you wouldnt mind talking with us - we are available on 01633 763858 and 07749 171816. Or we can phone you on a landline if you wouldnt mind (please let us know a convenient date and time)

Many thanks once again

Breianne and Brian