THE owners of a children’s indoor play centre have expanded their popular business after taking over a similar company on the outskirts of Weymouth.
Keith Rupp and Jason Seale, owners of Sharky’s in the town centre, recently bought the Fun Factory on the Granby Industrial Estate after it was put up for sale.
The move represents another big step for the duo who had never owned their own business before they bought Sharky’s in 2007, which has gone from strength to strength under their ownership.
Now, following the acquisition, the two play centres employ a combined 30 people, and are the only two indoor play centres in Weymouth.
Jason Seale, manager and co-owner of Sharky’s Weymouth and now Fun Factory, said: “We have had a very busy summer and taking the leap from one play centre to running two was a big change for us after working in one centre for eight years.
“Now Keith and I can really explore the opportunities that are available to us by having two play facilities, one in the centre of town on the beautiful harbour side in Weymouth across four floors and the other on the outskirts of Weymouth which some people prefer due to ease of parking and the location being close to where they live.”
He added: “By having DJ Property as landlords of both commercial premises, it really helps as we can talk through development plans for the business with Mickey Jones and explore some of the commercial property options that are available to us and ideas on how to grow the indoor soft play business model.”
Mr Seale said that business at the two premises was encouraging with Christmas fast approaching and the continuous demand for children’s birthday parties.
The pair are now already making plans for the future expansion of the centres, investing in the online offering and the merchandise of Sharky’s and Fun Factory, as well as developing cafes at both centres.
Mickey Jones, chief executive of DJ Property which owns part of the Granby Industrial Estate, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Sharky’s Weymouth to the Granby where they have recently taken over the Fun Factory which has been open since 2010.
“It is exciting to see one of our customers operating the two leading children’s play centres in the Weymouth area.
“By having both, they are going to be able to offer some very innovative offers and improve their profitability through economies of scale.
“The future looks bright for Keith and Jason.”
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