Coatbridge nurseries set to expand and increase staff numbers

8th June 2015

Two top-rated nurseries in Coatbridge are set to further enhance their facilities and expand after receiving support from Clydesdale Bank.

Daisy Daycare and Little Daisies were established by Heather Cook and Helena Simpson in 2012 and 2013 respectively, after the pair identified a need for more high quality child care provision in the area. The businesswomen recently switched their banking to Clydesdale Bank to receive the support and funding required to continue growing their successful business.

Both nurseries have received the highest possible accreditation from the Care Inspectorate and Environmental Health Department.

The funding package from Clydesdale Bank will initially be used to develop outdoor gardens at both sites, which will provide the children with a fun and safe environment to play and learn in. The business also intends opening a third site in the near future and to increase its workforce by between 10 to 20%.

Currently, it employs 35 staff across both sites, with Daisy Daycare having enrolled 65 children and Little Daisies looking after 59. Both nurseries care for recently born babies up to children of five-years-old.

Heather, Managing Director, and Helena, Operation Director, have more than 40 years’ experience of the childcare sector between them, with Heather being a primary school teacher for 22 years before opening Daisy Daycare. Helena leads on the operations side of things and has 20 years’ business management experience.

Helena said: “Since opening Daisy Daycare just over three years ago, we have seen our business grow steadily as word has spread about the quality of care our team delivers. We set-out to establish a reputation for providing a nurturing and caring environment, so it’s fantastic that is now being widely recognised.

“Child day care is a competitive market and we’re proud to be acknowledged by the Care Inspectorate as a leading provider. To continue growing, we need to be alert to opportunities and able to act quickly upon them.

“The service we’ve received from Clydesdale Bank since switching has allowed us to do just that. Not only has the move been seamless but the Bank’s local team has delivered everything they promised, while showing a genuine interest in helping our business.”

The deal was delivered by Allan Dempsie, Business Development Manager within Clydesdale Bank’s specialist service for start-ups and small businesses, Business Direct.

Allan said: “Clydesdale Bank’s Business Direct service is dedicated to helping small businesses achieve their ambitions.

“It’s always a pleasure to support a successful company, particularly when it’s one which provides such an important service for its local community. We look forward to working with Heather and Helena as they continue to grow their business.”