Member Article

Hard work and soft play lead to start-up success

A young businesswoman from North Shields turned a church into an award winning children’s soft play area, and has gone on to win the North East Shell LiveWire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2007. 21-year-old Nicky Gray will be the youngest entrant at this year’s national Shell LiveWire final, which is to take place at Gibson Hall, London on 12–13 June. Eight months ago Nicky started up Kiki’s Kabin, a three floor children’s soft play area and café set within the Memorial church in North Shields. She attended the regional awards in Manchester and beat over 900 businesses to reach the UK final.

Nicky said: “I previously won the North Tyneside finals back in February which was a great achievement in just a short space of time, but to win the regional final was something very special to me. I always knew that I wanted to be my own boss, but I just did not know what to do. I took my nephew to a play area over a year ago, and instantly thought this would be a great idea for a business.”

Kiki’s Kabin is a thriving area for children aged 0-12 years and boasts tube slides, spin wheels, punch bags and an assault course which can be used by up to 100 children. They also serve home cooked foods from their café. Nicky already employs 14 members of staff including two chefs, two managers, team leaders, soft play assistants and party organisers.

Nicky said: “At the London finals I will have a 30 minute interview in front of the judges, and will also have a 10 minute presentation. Shell LiveWire are looking for a role model for future young entrepreneurs, so I hope I can inspire future entrepreneurs to follow their dreams.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .