Former Coventry Nightclub Undergoes Total Transformation To Become Nursery

A former Coventry nightclub has undergone a total transformation to become a nursery and is already proving popular with parents.

Beer bottles have been swapped for baby bottles as Small Fries Day Nursery is now up and running at the former Carey’s venue in the city.

The Hertford Place-based centre opened its doors back in August and is already going from strength to strength.

Tony Carey, owner of the nursery, said: “It has been a very positive start for the nursery and we are now seeing more and more enquiries every week.

“Many parents with babies or those with babies on the way have been looking at the facilities and that means that their children will be with us for many years – which is great for the future of Small Fries.”

The project to turn the former nightspot into a childcare facility was supported by the CWLEP Growth Hub.

The club closed its doors in December 2014, but there were a number of issues surrounding the planning application to change the use of the venue.

This led Tony to turn to the Growth Hub and tap into the experience and expertise available.

Working together, they managed to resolve all of the planning problems and then the green light for the nursery was given in January 2016.

Tony Carey added: “CWLEP Growth Hub were such a big help in making the nursery happen, it was only when I turned to the team for help that steps were made with all of the planning issues.

“The Growth Hub is an extremely valuable asset for small businesses and I have already recommended the team to someone else who I think they could help.

“Sometimes small businesses do not know how to deal with bigger organisations and the Growth Hub gives them the support that they need.”

Currently the centre is based on the ground floor of the building, but there are plans to expand in the near future.

Jeremy Moore, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said: “The team at the Growth Hub provided advice and help to Tony to deal with planning issues and get the proposals to transform Carey’s into a nursery.

“We are very pleased to see how things have progressed and that Small Fries has now been opened.

“But our help does not stop now, we will be offering Tony and the team support and making sure that our work is ongoing so that Small Fries can continue to grow.”

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Find Out More

Looking for work, or have vacancies to fill?

CW Employment Solutions offers a service for job seekers and employers, recruiters and education leavers, to connect, find jobs, post vacancies and access the wealth of support measures that have been implemented across the region.

Click Here to Find out More

News

Make a Difference: New Campaign Launched to Attract People to Council Careers

Growth and employment plans for C&W SMEs hit by the Budget

Coventry & Warwickshire to be at heart of UK transition to clean energy, networking event hears

Warwickshire property agency secures sale of land for 78 new homes

CBS Arena to host event for hundreds of people who may be alone or isolated this Christmas

Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,