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Josh Smallwood, Director
As a Director of Banana Moon Franchise, Josh plays a key role in driving the business forward, ensuring our franchisees receive expert support.
With over seven years of hands-on experience in the family business, he acts as a trusted sounding board, while providing valuable insights and direction, helping franchisees navigate their journey with Banana Moon.
“The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the growth of franchises from start to finish. There’s something special about watching a site go from an empty building to a fully functioning nursery, and knowing that parents will walk in and be amazed. Seeing the pride and satisfaction from the franchise owners is something we all love.”
Josh’s path into the family business wasn’t a conventional one. Initially studying law with ambitions of becoming a solicitor, he hadn’t planned to join Banana Moon. However, witnessing his uncle Mark and grandfather Mike build the company, due to needing to find excellent care for Mark’s children – Josh’s cousins – sparked appreciation for the business’s ethos. As Josh delved deeper, he recognised the franchise’s exciting potential and the impact he could make.
Today, as part of a three-generation leadership team, he finds it rewarding (although slightly surreal!) to work alongside his family, and says it encourages open and transparent conversations while sharing a common vision for Banana Moon’s future.
What sets us apart, according to Josh, is our unwavering commitment to supporting franchisees at every stage. Josh knows our network can rely on us at any point, whether it’s for expert advice or practical support. What’s more, our dedication to continuous improvement – never standing still but always evolving – is what makes Banana Moon a leader in the childcare franchise sector.
“My business mantra? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Making mistakes is natural – it’s about learning, growing and using those experiences to develop yourself. Thriving from mistakes is key to improvement.”
For those considering investing in our franchise, Josh’s advice is simple: follow the model, put in the hard work and the rewards will follow. He’s seen first-hand how dedication to the proven franchise system leads to success.
As we continue to grow, Josh is particularly excited about the brand’s positioning as a leader in the sector and mission to become The Most Loved nursery franchise. With a clear strategy for further growth and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he looks forward to seeing Banana Moon’s mission fully realised. “It’s thrilling to see the company’s potential unfold”.
Three words to describe Josh:
approachable, creative and driven
And if you’re looking for an interesting fact about Josh? He once had the unique experience of opening the door for the Queen. During his university days, he worked at the Royal Box at Royal Ascot as part of his security training for the 2012 London Olympics – an unforgettable moment in an impressive journey.
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