Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries franchise appoints group managing director

The UK’s largest childcare franchise has promoted Richard Blunden to the brand-new role

Richard Blunden, who joined Monkey Puzzle early this year as franchise director, was responsible for overseeing the development of the network.

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In his new role as group managing director, Blunden will be working closely with owners Mark and Rebecca Crosby, and the company’s business advisors, to develop and embed Monkey Puzzle’s vision, mission, values and strategies across both its network and the head office team. He will be setting the strategic direction of the brand, planning and implementing long-term business strategies to achieve its continued objective of being market-leading innovators and visionaries within the childcare sector.

Blunden is an experienced figure in the UK franchising community and has represented some of the largest and most prestigious brands in the franchising and business management arena. He 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,” said Blunden. “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!”

Rebecca said: “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.”