Expanding Lancashire nursery to create 12 jobs

A Lancashire-based nursery is set to create 12 new jobs after expanding with NatWest support.

A third branch of Nutkins Nursery, to be called Little Nutkins, is set to open on Church Road, Thornton, in January, offering a mix of full- and part-time employment opportunities.

The company, owned and managed by Charlotte Bonney, will cater for up to 40 youngsters between three months and five years of age.

Discussing her decision to purchase the company in 2007, Charlotte said she returned to her work as a teacher after maternity leave, but was dissatisfied and chose instead to buy a business.

She explained: “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.”

She continued: “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 [a] success.”

When the waiting list for Charlotte’s first branch, Nutkins, continued to grow, she opened the company’s second branch, Squirrel Nutkins, in 2013. When that too became oversubscribed, Charlotte decided to launch a third nursery.

Janet Morrish, a senior relationship manager with NatWest who specialises in healthcare sector businesses, commented: “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 grow and develop. I wish her every success for the future.“