Jobs created amid Fylde coast nursery expansion

Little Nutkins Nursery is open on Church Road, Thornton, by Charlotte Bonney.

She launched her first nursery Nutkins eight years ago after returning to work following maternity leave .

The new nursery will cater for 40 youngsters aged three months to five years and will operate 51 weeks a year.

The new jobs created are a mix of full and part-time positions.

Charlotte bought her first business in March 2007 after being dissatisfied with what she found locally in terms of childcare provision.

She said: “I couldn’t find what I was looking for so the idea to run a nursery of my own developed.

“I searched for properties and businesses on the internet that were on sale in the area, and I saw Nutkins Nursery was available.

“The next day I walked into my local NatWest, sat down with a bank manager and said I wanted to buy the business.

“I had no business plan but I think because of my professional experience in education and my passion and determination, they agreed to help with a loan.

“Because of their faith in me, it gave me a greater focus to make the business success.”

Nutkins caters for 50 youngsters, however Charlotte found the nursery had a significant waiting list so she opened a second nursery, Squirrel Nutkins in 2013 which was quickly oversubscribed.

This has led to her latest venture – the forthcoming opening of Little Nutkins.

Charlotte added: “We noticed a further need for quality child care in the area and this opportunity came up.

“It is all about learning through play, a fun but educational early years experience which ties in with the curriculum and get the children ready for school.

“We have to be flexible for the parents we are there for the parents and the children.”

When the time came to secure funding for the new nursery, Charlotte turned to NatWest senior relationship manager Janet Morrish who specialises in supporting businesses in the healthcare sector.

Charlotte said: “Janet has been amazing. She is very efficient and very supportive of our business goals.

“We have a great relationship with Janet and NatWest.”

Janet said: “I was delighted to support Charlotte and the opening of her new nursery.

“Charlotte is passionate about her businesses, and her determination has been key to helping them grown and develop. I wish her every success for the future.”

There are 16 staff at Nutkins and 12 staff at Squirrel Nutkins.