Nursery franchise creates new MD role

Richard Blunden, who joined Monkey Puzzle in early 2019 as franchise director, has been promoted to the newly-created position of group managing director.

In his new role, Mr Blunden will be working closely with owners Mark and Rebecca Crosby and the company’s business advisors on developing Monkey Puzzle’s strategies across both its network and the head office team.

He will set the strategic direction of the group and plan and implement long-term business strategies.

Prior to joining Monkey Puzzle, Mr Blunden spent the last seven years working for Volkswagen Group in both the UK and Republic of Ireland.

‘I have never had such passion and motivation than during my time here at Monkey Puzzle,’ he said. ‘I’m really excited to take on this new challenge, driving forward Mark and Rebecca’s vision of the business through dedicated, committed and happy staff and a professional and driven franchisee network.’

Ms Crosby added, ‘From day one, Richard proved to us that he could help evolve our business and drive it forward. Our evolution is not about just growth, it’s about driving operational excellence and quality support into our fantastic network of franchisees and ensuring that everyone is best equipped to deliver outstanding and innovative childcare to parents’ most precious possessions – their children.

‘We are delighted that Richard will be taking on this new role as we look to reach even more parents and children, while continuing to grow our commitment to ensuring every child in our nurseries thrives.’

Established in 2002, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries is the UK’s largest childcare franchise and third largest childcare provider.

The group currently owns 63 settings, and came 18^th in the Ofsted league table in the 2019 edition of Nursery Chains.