Posted on April - 25 - 2010
Kids Allowed has backing for growth
Children’s nursery chain Kids Allowed has secured backing from a private individual who will fund its ambitious expansion plans in the region.
The chain has announced that work will commence this month on its fourth branch, which is in Macclesfield and is scheduled to open in January next year.
Kids Allowed, which was founded by former marketing professional Jennie Johnson in 2005, already has branches in Didsbury, Cheadle and Knutsford and employs 220 staff.
The chain had been seeking private equity backing to fund its expansion plans, but has now attracted a private individual, who does not want to be named, with a war chest for new openings.
Jennie said: “We decided not to take the private equity route in the end and two months ago we have secured a backer who will support us to grow the business.
“We are looking to grow to around ten or 12 new branches over the next four or five years.
“But we are able to fund Macclesfield out of our own cash reserves.”
The Macclesfield centre will generate 60 jobs.
Kids Allowed turned over more than £4m last year, up from £3m the previous year.
Jennie said: “We are rolling out a leasehold model, with all the centres purpose built to our own specifications.
“Each opening costs around £250,000.
“We are in negotiations for another three sites in the north west which we hope to be able to announce within the next few months. We don’t feel the need to go national.”
Kids Allowed provides nursery care for babies from three months old including before and after school provision, holiday clubs, children’s parties and daily parent and toddler activities.
Jennie, who is expecting her third child, said: “As a professional working mother with two young children, I became acutely aware of the lack of flexible quality childcare.”
Kids Allowed also offers a ‘parent concierge’ service where parents can get help with odd jobs like dry cleaning, ironing, post and babysitting.
The Macclesfield centre is located on part of the old Macclesfield District General Hospital site in Victoria Road.
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