‘Exciting opportunities’ for childcare businesses in North East
Manoj Vadhera, director of South Shields-based Nurserytime which has five nurseries across the region,ย said: “The childcare sector in the North East is full of potential, but it comes with its own unique challenges that are often overlooked.
“For instance, navigating strict regulations like staff-to-child ratios or competing with government-funded nurseries can be daunting.
(Image: Nurserytime)
“Successful practice in the field lies in not just identifying those obstacles but in finding practical ways to overcome them.”
He added: “Opportunities abound for those who tap into their local community, understanding customer needs and addressing them through measures like extended hours, affordable services, or tailored offerings that resonate with families in the area.”
In a sector tightly regulated for children’s safety and development, meeting these regulations poses ‘unique’ challenges and costs.
Mr Vadhera said: “Over the years, we’ve embraced these regulations as a foundation for building trust with parents.(Image: Nurserytime)
“And as far as managing the cost is concerned, weโve worked closely with Lloyds to secure funding that allowed us to make upfront investments in infrastructure.”
The struggle to find qualified, experienced staff remains a constant effort, given the sector’s shortage of nursery professionals.
Mr Vadhera said: “We made staff wellbeing a priority early on – the work is demanding, and we knew from the start that happy, motivated colleagues would lead to happy children and happy families as a result.
“We offer opportunities for professional development and make sure our team feels supported.”
The expansion of government-funded school nurseries has made it challenging for private nurseries to compete on price while maintaining quality.
Mr Vadhera said: “Parents want affordability, but they wonโt waver on their standards.
“Location and understanding your community are everything when it comes to childcare. We didnโt just pick a site because it was available, we did our homework
“We didnโt just pick a site because it was available, we did our homework.
“Utilising Lloydsโ market insights, we looked at local demand, what competitors were offering, and what gaps we could fill.”
He added, before starting up, the nursery group had a solid business plan that mapped out realistic milestones, including occupancy targets and cash flow.
Mr Vadhera said: “This groundwork helped us identify funding needs and made our conversations around finances much smoother.
“Running a childcare business in the North East is a big undertaking, but for those willing to innovate and invest, the next few years could be incredibly rewarding.”
The North East, with its affordable childcare and new housing developments, is an attractive place for families to settle, driving up demand for local childcare services, Mr Vadhera added.
For operators who can provide accessible, high-quality services, thereโs a chance to build a loyal customer base and a thriving business.
He stresses that operating a childcare business isn’t just about the numbers but about the people – the children, their families, and the team you build around you.
He ended with a message for aspiring childcare business operators: “With the right support, even the most ambitious business dreams can become a reality.
“So, if youโre looking to take the leap, reach out to those who can provide guidance and resources.
“A strong foundation, thoughtful planning, and a committed financial partner can help turn that leap into a confident stride forward.”