Member Article

South Tyneside nursery chain expands creating 25 jobs

A South Tyneside nursery chain is expanding into a new South Shields site, creating 25 jobs.

The Early Partnership, which employs over 60 staff and cares for over 440 children, has secured six-figure funding from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking for the move.

Founder Eamonn Gribben has grown the business with branches across the area and will now open up shop in the Old Council Library in South Shields.

Eamonn said: “My personal struggles with education made me realise the importance of early years schooling and the effect it has on children’s lives. When the site for the first nursery became available I saw the opportunity to give something back to the community and share the knowledge I have gained throughout my education and career.

“The nurseries are situated in areas which previously had limited affordable childcare facilities, and are conveniently located near workplaces and local colleges for parents returning to work or continuing with their education.”

The new nursery, housed in an eco-friendly building will provide extensive indoor and outdoor play areas and a cafeteria for parents to stay whilst children settle into their new environment.

The finance deal was secured under the government-back Funding for Lending Scheme, allowing the nursery to receive a 1% discount on interest payments for the life of the business loan.

Eamonn added: “The new nursery in South Shields will provide much needed childcare places for parents in the local area, and now the funding is secured we are looking forward to starting the development. All our staff are passionate about providing the children with the best care possible, which was recently reflected in the nursery’s latest Ofsted results.

“The support that Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking have provided over the past fourteen years has been exceptional. Our relationship manager Joanne Clough completely understands our business and what we are trying to achieve, providing us with the expert support and guidance needed to make the business a success.”

Joanne Clough, healthcare relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Eamonn has used his personal experiences to develop an extremely successful business which benefits a lot of parents and children in the South Tyneside area.

“Small businesses like The Early Partnership play a vital role in driving the local economy, and as part of our commitment to supporting SMEs we have pledge to lend over £6.3 billion to businesses through the Funding for Lending Scheme.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .