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"2025 is a big year for us. We officially launched Fox & Cubs at the start of the year, and we’re now focused on growing it"

Fanny Di Domenicantonio, Owner of French Nanny London and Founder of Fox & Cubs, discusses her transition from a career in programme management and mergers and acquisitions to leading two successful childcare brands in London. She reflects on the acquisition of French Nanny London, the shifting demands of the international childcare market in the capital, and the role of quality, trust, and cultural understanding in shaping the sector’s future.

Hi Fanny, could you tell us more about your professional background? What led you to set up your business in the UK as a French professional?

I moved to London over 15 years ago and began my career as a consultant in programme management, working on operational and transformation projects for financial institutions. I quickly specialised in mergers and acquisitions, and I loved the fast-paced, dynamic nature of those roles,  especially the international dimension.

In 2021, quite unexpectedly, I had the opportunity to acquire French Nanny London, a boutique agency originally launched in 2012. It felt like the perfect fit: my mother was a teacher, I’ve always had a deep interest in child development, I’m French living in London, and I had the M&A background to confidently take on and scale an existing business.

My experience in business strategy has been invaluable in structuring and growing the agency. It allowed me to bring a more data-driven, scalable, and client-focused approach  while staying true to the heart of what matters most: helping families thrive through exceptional childcare.

What challenges did you face when moving to the UK, and how did you overcome them?

To be honest, I didn’t face major challenges, I was fresh out of university and lucky to land a role straight away in 2011 through what was essentially a graduate scheme in consultancy. I felt confident and supported in those early years, and the structured environment gave me a great foundation to learn fast.

When I first moved, I built strong relationships with colleagues, many of whom became part of my professional support network in London. I think what made the biggest difference was being proactive and open , I threw myself into work, learned how things operated locally, and just kept going.

It was more about adapting and growing than overcoming. I didn’t have a big master plan, but I always had the mindset that I could figure things out along the way, and I still apply that approach today.

Your agency specialised in French-speaking nannies when you first bought it. How do you see demand evolving in London, and how do you adapt to the expectations of international families?

When I first took over the agency, we were focused exclusively on French-speaking nannies, serving French and bilingual families in London. Over time, we saw growing demand from international families looking for high-quality, culturally aware childcare, not necessarily in French, but with the same level of trust, professionalism, and personalised support.

That’s why we expanded our services through Fox & Cubs, which offers English-speaking and multilingual home staff to meet the needs of London’s increasingly diverse and global clientele. Today, we’re seeing rising demand for full-time, tailored placements, especially from busy families who want a long-term solution that integrates seamlessly with their lifestyle. Flexibility, quality, and cultural alignment are more important than ever.

What’s on the horizon for next year – for your company and for the childcare industry more broadly?

2025 is a big year for us. We officially launched Fox & Cubs at the start of the year, and we’re now focused on growing it  to meet the needs of a broader, international audience. While French Nanny London remains a strong, established brand in the French-speaking community, Fox & Cubs allows us to offer English-speaking and multilingual home staff to a wider range of families across London.

That means investing in automation, team training, and smarter, data-driven marketing  as well as deepening our partnerships with schools, clubs, and family-focused brands across the city.

More broadly, I see the childcare industry moving toward structure, quality, and trust. While self-service platforms have made childcare more accessible, they often lack the depth, vetting, and personalised support that discerning families expect. That’s where we come in, offering a true service that goes beyond listings to provide tailored, high-quality placements backed by real expertise, consistency, and care.

What advice would you give to a French entrepreneur looking to launch their business in the UK?

The UK market values clarity, professionalism, and a results-driven approach. But what makes it so rewarding is how open and collaborative people are here. Surrounding yourself with the right network makes all the difference, I’ve found that people in the UK are often willing to help, connect, and partner if your offer is clear and your energy is right.

And most importantly: go for it. You won’t have all the answers at the start, but if you stay consistent, open to learning, and focused on delivering real value, things fall into place. That’s how I went from being a solo founder to leading a growing team, and building two brands that now support hundreds of families across London.

Fox & Cubs is a London-based premium nanny and home staff agency that upholds strong values of trust, care, and family-centred support. They are here to support families with all of their home staff searches, including multilingual nannies, maternity nurses, housekeepers, governesses, and household managers. They aim to be a true partner in each search.

Their commitment to providing tailored nanny and home staff services is rooted in a personal touch. They take the time to understand each family’s unique needs, offering guidance and advice along the way to ensure the perfect match.