Member Article

Pharmacist swaps pills for building blocks

Manchester mum Jill Mackey (35) has packed in her successful career as a pharmacist to launch a new day nursery that she promises will help relieve the pressure and guilt felt by many working parents.

Mackey spent eleven years as a pharmacist, six working for The Co-operative Pharmacy Group. When she returned to work after having her first child four years ago, she was disillusioned with the choice of nurseries available in the commuter belt south of the city.

She started searching for the ideal building to house her vision of the perfect day nursery and 12 months ago found her dream building – two Victorian houses with 7,000 sq ft floor area just five minutes outside the city centre on Talbot Road, Old Trafford.

“I loved the building and could see its potential immediately even though it had been converted into a police administration building along the way!

As soon as planning permission was granted, it was all systems go and the past six months has seen the building completely gutted, refurbished and transformed.

“It’s cost a fortune! As well as new flooring throughout, we’ve replaced no less than 78 windows! We’ve also designed and built a dedicated sensory room and installed state-of-the-art biometric and external CCTV security systems.”

Bloom Day Nursery opens its doors for business in March and already has a waiting list of parents keen to secure a place for their children.

Mackey packed in her job as a pharmacist two months ago and will work full-time at Bloom.

“Many people thought I was mad giving up a secure and well paid job but it became a driving passion. Fortunately, my husband and family were incredibly supportive.

“It really has gone from a dream into a reality.”

She plans to grow the business “sensibly” and is confident of having at least 35 full time staff by 2016 to care for the 90 babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers that Bloom is able to look after.

“It’s been an absolute whirlwind but I’ve loved every minute of it. I know I could never go back to checking prescriptions in my white coat again!”

For extra information or to book a visit, contact Jill Mackey on 0161 873 7432.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Johnson .