FOR working parents, one of the biggest and most important decisions they will have to make for their children is selecting the best childcare.
Local businesswoman and entrepreneur Pauline Fazackerley recognised that making the right choice of nursery is extremely important for parents to suit the needs of a diverse working family lifestyle.
Starting a business in any circumstances is not easy but for some, getting to the start line and managing keeping a business going is an enormous undertaking.
Previously working for the local council, and with an extensive portfolio of voluntary work experience behind her with a strong focus on child and youth care, Pauline made the decision to establish her own childcare businesses.
Her enthusiasm to succeed has seen her stomping her way in to the finals of the prestigious Grampian Business Awards 2014 in the Spirit of Enterprise category.
The award gives special recognition to an individual, group or organisation that has had to overcome significant personal, economical, physical or business challenges to establish their business.
The awards, which are organised by Enterprise North East Trust and sponsored by RBS Ahead for Business, recognise the hard work of businesses and entrepreneurs in the area, and Pauline has been shortlisted in recognition for the obstacles she has had to overcome to establish her three childcare companies.
Pauline said: “My business journey has not been an easy one. I have experienced many learning curves and the challenges have at times pushed me emotionally and physically further than I ever thought possible.”
Stompers Childcare Centre, a local Aberdeen nursery and Techno-Play, a children’s play centre, were launched in July 2013, offering parents a safe, fun and accessible place for their children to learn and develop vital communication and team building skills, all whilst having fun.
After using her original business plan as a template, managing director, Pauline, focused on the vision of a play centre and a new nursery that would provide excellent, high quality services for families with young children.
Family life is an important element to Pauline’s business and she has the expertise and knowledge to ensure parents feel comfortable leaving their children in her care.
Pauline highlighted the supply and demand for affordable, high-quality, reliable childcare that is needed for families when she worked within some of the poorest communities in Aberdeen.
She said: “Family is the fun-damental root of my business and although I care for other people’s children, my own family is just as important. It’s great to spend time with your family, especially with your children.
“The opportunity for youngsters to develop their socialising skills whilst having fun is something a play centre can provide. It is important for children to have fun and be allowed to burn off steam just as it is for their parents to sit back and relax.
Pauline supports her management team and staff to further their studies, and has supported numerous members of staff through certified training courses and offers work based training.
She said: “As an entrepreneur I am more enthusiastic today than I was when I began. I share my business experience and knowledge with my management team in the hope that we can begin to change views of the professionalism associated with childcare and the childcare sector.
“I do feel that I inspire people and encourage people to make use of their experiences by offering work based training.
“I have undoubtedly changed as a person. Having been involved in many challenges over the last few months coupled with my own personal life has helped me understand not only the positive aspects but to learn from negative situations.”
Stompers Nursery and Techno-Play will go head to head against two other finalists, digital company, Tide Studio, and event management company, Prime Events.
The winner will be announced at the black tie awards gala ceremony, which takes place at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on Thursday 26 June 2014.
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