Enterprising Communities - Case Study V

CHEEKY CHIMPS - Emma Davis & Nicola Hind

When Emma Davis walked into the Menta office at the end of August little did she know that three months later she would be opening her very own business.

Emma and her friend Nicola Hind had been discussing for some time how they would like to do something for themselves that they could work around their family lives especially after the new editions to their families.  With both also having older children their focus was very much on a children’s indoor soft play area that offered something that little bit different. 

With no experience or knowledge of what was involved in running their own business the help, support and advice given my Menta was invaluable especially as they had also learnt that a previous indoor play area had closed down some months ago and felt this was an opportunity too good to miss. With the bit between their teeth they started contacting the landlord, solicitors and accountants to gather as many facts and figures needed to start putting a business plan together.

After more advice and a business planning course from Menta they approached the bank and were offered the funding they needed.  After some lengthy meetings with the landlord and solicitor they finally agreed on the lease agreements and acquired the building, including fixtures and fittings, and received the keys on 11 November 2010. 

Their dream was to open early December with a visit from Santa, which at the time was an almost impossible task looking at the amount of re-decorating and re-fitting the indoor play area required.  

It was formally opened by Richard Howitt MEP.