Maureen Frindi, a nurse who worked with children with mental health problems and learning difficulties for 18 years, bought Buzy Bee Day Nursery in Coventry, West Midlands, in July with the help of a £71,000 government-backed Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) loan.
The EFG loan provides up to £1 million to businesses that in normal circumstances would be able to secure lending from banks but cannot because of the current economic climate. The deal was brokered by Redwoods Dowling Kerr. Buzy Bee's previous owners ran the nursery for ten years. Ms Frindi said she would be involved in the daily running of the business.
The nursery is registered for 34 children from nine weeks to five years and she has kept the existing staff.
Previously Ms Frindi had worked as a nurse in social services and health, as a probation service officer working with children and as a deputy manager at a home for children with learning difficulties.
She said she had acquired the nursery because she wanted to be her own boss. 'I really enjoy working at the nursery and love seeing the children grow and understand the world,' she said.
- A team of brothers from Beckenham are also set to open a nursery in the autumn after a struggle to find good quality childcare in the area. Spencer and Matthew Lancaster will open Little Elms Daycare Nursery in Beckenham, Kent, in October.
They decided upon the venture after selling their large cleaning company, and when Matthew struggled to find suitable daycare for his daughter. They are currently refurbishing Elm House, a former doctor's surgery.
The nursery is registered for 55 children aged between three months and five years. Once building work is completed the brothers hope to be able to provide care for more than 80 children.
They will run the business while their nursery manager, Janet McRobbie, will be responsible for childcare and education.
