**If you run a local business and you’d like to reach more people, please contact editor@torquayonline.com.**
Every month we like to celebrate a local business man or woman who has been doing great things in the area.
This month’s business woman of the month is none other than Anne Rees. Anne runs Little Squirrels Torquay CIC (Facebook page), who, in Anne’s own words…
“Little Squirrels Torquay is set up as a Community Interest Company meaning that we are all about working with the local community and responding to the needs of the local community. Both with the nature based parents and child groups which we run and with the Ofsted registered nature nursery and forest school which we are hoping to open January 2021.
Our groups cater for many different age groups pre-crawling Baby Squirrels groups explore different senses each week, Woodland explorers and Outdoor explorers are for walking little ones up to 5 years old and Home education groups out in nature for kids 5+. In addition to this, Birthday parties for all ages with a theme of your choice from just £10 per child are a great way to take the stress out of the day and enjoy it all together. We are spread out across Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot and cater for new areas by demand. So if you want a gentle, play based outdoor session or a Steiner inspired, creative indoor session in your area, don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
I recently asked Anne a few questions about running her business. Here’s what she had to say…
How did you get into starting the business?
I was chatting to a friend who also had a 1 year old saying there was no nature based groups for that age. I then pondered and thought “I could do that” checked in with her if she had meant to take action on it herself and as she didn’t feel she wanted to do it I took action and started with a weekly group outdoors at Cockington.
How long has the business been running for?
We’re in our third year, but our first year since becoming a community interest company.
What is the most rewarding part of running your own business?
Being able to decide when to work and where, having my son with me, seeing friendships being formed and getting positive feedback from parents.
What has been the most difficult part of it?
Having irregular bookings so some weeks groups with just 1 or 2 families and other weeks fully booked with 10 families.
Any plans to expand in the future?
I’m working towards opening an Ofsted registered steiner inspired kindergarten and Forest school for children age 2-7 in January 2021
Any advice to young people in the area looking to start a business?
Keep working within your financial budget, any money you raise, put it back into the business to help build it up slowly.
What’s your favourite thing about Torquay?
The nature, dips in the sea and hideaways between the trees.
Thank you so much Anne for taking the time to answer our questions, and congratulations for all you’ve achieved so far!
Please take the time to visit our sponsors...
Riviera Pages is an excellent way to showcase your business to the local community whilst also saving on huge advertising costs.
With advertising in the booklet you'll not only save money and reach 8,000 homes you'll also have your business showcased on our unique Business Directory right here on our website ensuring you reach thousands more customers monthly.
If that wasn't enough. We're also printing an extra two thousand copies to be distributed into places of interest. These location include: Coffee Shops, Bars, High Street Retailers and Council Buildings.
To find out more, please email rivierapages@sdleafletdistribution.co.uk
