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CHILDREN’S SERVICES IN NUMBERS £6.7 billion The day nursery sector’s contribution to the UK economy Savills 4.6% CAGR between 2021 and 2026 for children’s party industry Gitnux $72.4 billion The value of the global children’s activity market by 2027 Grand View Research 8.8% CAGR for children’s education between 2020 and 2025 Technavio There’s also growing ground for educational brands that operate beyond the confines of basic school curriculum. For instance, language learning schools such as Kidslingo (£3,000 minimum investment) and Lingotot (£8,200 total investment) are appealing to a new generation of parents who have ambitions to raise their children bi-lingually. No doubt, as this trend grows, we’re likely to see more languages on offer (you can find out more about the language learning franchise landscape on page 16) Meanwhile, those franchises with a STEM focus may also prove popular because they provide a much more in-depth exploration of science and technology than what can ever be offered in schools. Brands currently looking for franchisees include E2 Young Engineers (£31,000 minimum investment) and Junior Einsteins Science Club (£30,000 minimum investment). Party services Children’s parties really hit the headlines ten years ago when a survey first revealed that parents were averagely spending £191 on their child’s birthday celebrations, according to investment management service Nutmeg. Since then, a whole host of roles have emerged in the industry from venue renters, children’s entertainers, and catering companies to specialist party planners, party stylists, gourmet cake makers, and giant balloon manufacturers. It goes without saying a lot of these services are more likely to be popular in areas where families have higher disposable incomes. A big pull for franchisees is that the market is currently severely fragmented with a lot of small and micro businesses. Investing in an established brand could provide them with the same independence but with the advantage of additional support, as well as brand reputation. Some current franchise investment opportunities include Go-Kart Party (minimum investment £14,000), Gamewagon (minimum investment £15,995), and The Detective Project (minimum investment £9995). Practical Children’s services always elicit strong images of colourful play areas, lots of toys, and age- appropriate activities. However, beyond nurseries and fun afterschool clubs, there’s a market for those offering more practical services that help parents care for their offspring, even before birth. A prime example of this is specialist cleaning brands such as Pram Parlour, which aims to get expensive prams looking brand new after being sullied by leftover snack crumbs and all manner of liquids. For those interested in going down this path, investment is £30,000 in total. We’re particularly seeing a market for services that also centre around capturing childhood memories. A great example of this prenatal scans, which have been launching in highstreets to provide additional photos and videos of babies in the womb in 3D. (Numi Scan has a total investment of £55,000, while Hey Baby 4D similarly has a total investment of £35,000-£55,000.) Photography studios for family shoots are also another investment opportunity – and one that has recently been given another lease of life by a TikTok trend, which has prompted adults to visit studios to recreate their family photos from their childhood. One such investment opportunity is Venture Studios, which currently has a £70,000- £100,000 minimum investment. "There’s a market for those offering more practical services helping parents care for their offspring" WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 15