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24/05/2012
Newry Business's Success Is Child's Play
Funky Monkeys Playcentres Ltd, run by Newry husband and wife Mark and Alison Simpson, is intending to expand its successful franchise model into the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, with support from Invest Northern Ireland.
The company currently has franchises operating in Lurgan, Downpatrick, Newtownabbey, Larne, Dungannon and Belfast. It is investing £255,000 to engage in marketing development activities, employ a Business Development Manager, and access franchise expertise from a marketing consultancy to assist in market segmentation for the new franchise model.
Mark and Alison will also be undertaking customer visits and attending relevant shows in the UK and Republic of Ireland to highlight their brand and franchise opportunities.
Invest NI has offered £44,000 of support.
Mark Bleakney, Manager of Invest NI’s Southern Regional Office, said: “Funky Monkey Playcentres is already operating successfully in Northern Ireland and now, having acquired the European trademark for the business as well as the licence for Ireland, has a great opportunity to significantly grow its franchise base.
“With Invest NI support it is aiming to market the brand across the UK and Ireland with the aim of selling 40 franchise licences over the next three years. As a result the company plans to create five new jobs.”
Mark and Alison Simpson have substantial experience of owning and developing a franchise having previously run a successful coffee franchise.
(CD)
The company currently has franchises operating in Lurgan, Downpatrick, Newtownabbey, Larne, Dungannon and Belfast. It is investing £255,000 to engage in marketing development activities, employ a Business Development Manager, and access franchise expertise from a marketing consultancy to assist in market segmentation for the new franchise model.
Mark and Alison will also be undertaking customer visits and attending relevant shows in the UK and Republic of Ireland to highlight their brand and franchise opportunities.
Invest NI has offered £44,000 of support.
Mark Bleakney, Manager of Invest NI’s Southern Regional Office, said: “Funky Monkey Playcentres is already operating successfully in Northern Ireland and now, having acquired the European trademark for the business as well as the licence for Ireland, has a great opportunity to significantly grow its franchise base.
“With Invest NI support it is aiming to market the brand across the UK and Ireland with the aim of selling 40 franchise licences over the next three years. As a result the company plans to create five new jobs.”
Mark and Alison Simpson have substantial experience of owning and developing a franchise having previously run a successful coffee franchise.
(CD)
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