Pumped Up UK Franchise Looks to Inflate Growth

Inflata Nation opened four weeks ago in Trafford Park, Manchester, featuring a giant indoor bouncy play space, assault courses and ball pools. The concept has been created by husband and wife team Michelle and Matt Ball, who are following the opening with an early venture into franchising.

Director Michelle says: “When we first launched Inflata Nation, we obviously hoped it would prove popular, but we certainly didn’t plan for it. Thankfully, since we opened we’ve been super busy and, if we’re being honest, the level of interest has been surprising even to us.”

The Inflata Nation refurbishment, transforming a former ‘Jump Nation’ site, cost £500,000. Since then the park has played host to almost 100 customers per hour-long session. By mid November Michelle and Matt, based in Southport, had already hosted 25,000 participants.

Interest in franchises has come from “all over the globe, including places like Dubai, America and Australia.” Matt says. “We’ve probably had between 80 and 100 enquiries about franchise opportunities so, many of which haven’t got beyond initial conversations, but which is still encouraging.

Anyone looking to launch their own Inflata Nation branded park will need to need to have access to at least £200,000 of liquid assets, with total asset value of £500,000 plus. The franchise fee is £50,000, with the first half (£25,000) payable when the franchise agreement is first signed, and the second £25,000 payable once the site is completed. Once it’s up and running, Michelle and Matt will take 6 per cent of turnover generated.