Monkey Puzzle, the UK’s largest childcare franchise, has appointed Richard Blunden as Franchise Director

Berkhamsted, July 2019 – Monkey Puzzle has appointed Richard Blunden to drive the head office function as well as supporting growth and excellence in the franchise network as the nursery group continues its UK expansion.

Richard is an experienced figure in the UK franchising community having worked predominantly in the motor trade, representing some of the largest and most prestigious manufacturers in the franchising and business management arena. He has spent the last 7 years working for Volkswagen Group in both the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Richard said:

“I’m delighted to join Monkey Puzzle at such an exciting time. The strength of the network and the ambitious plans from head office to not only grow, but drive excellence and sustainable profitable growth, is the reason that I have joined. I’m looking forward to adding value to Monkey Puzzle and getting out to meet as many of the franchisees as soon as possible”

Rebecca Crosby, co-founder, and Director of Monkey Puzzle said:

“At a time when we are looking to expand our business, we thought it really important to bring on someone with a corporate background and extensive experience in rolling out the franchise model. Most importantly for us, in Richard, we’ve also found someone who shares our values of giving our current and future franchisees ongoing support and training, so that they can make the very best of their businesses.”

Also joining Monkey Puzzle is Joy Wood, as a new Operations Manager, who brings almost three decades of working in various childcare settings. Joy started out as a registered child minder before moving on to schools, focusing on Special Education Needs and/or Disability (SEND) and English as Another Language (EAL) children. Joy made her first move into management in 2002 and joined Monkey Puzzle’s Highbury branch six years ago, where she led the nursery to OFSTED Outstanding.

In addition to Joy, Monkey Puzzle also welcomes a new Operations Coordinator, Chloe Rackham, who has extensive nursery operation experience, most recently at Asquith in the property acquisition team. In this role she helped acquire and brand 11 childcare settings in six months.

Rebecca Crosby commented:

“The new additions to our team will help us reach even more parents and children while continuing to grow our commitment to ensuring every child in our nurseries thrives. We’re delighted to have so many new joiners of the highest calibre to build upon the Monkey Puzzle brand.”