TWENTY five new jobs are being created with the opening of a new high-end day-care nursery in Newtownards.
A sum of £750,000 is being invested by a local family business with the support of Ulster Bank in the new facility for around 80 children on the Belfast Road. ikids, as the new nursery is called, incorporates modern facilities such as an IT suite, a study and homework room, and underfloor heating.
Nick McErlean of ikids said: “From the conception of this project, the Ulster Bank business team has been totally supportive in all aspects.
This has resulted in a day nursery finished to a level that meets the needs of modern-day children and a much-needed service for busy parents.
“ikids is aimed at busy parents who need a high-quality, full-service, day-care nursery for their children.
“For instance, we have employed two classroom assistants from a private school to help with homework.
We’re also offering a home drop-off service, and a laundry service that parents can avail of.”
“We have recruited 12 people to date, as we get ready to open, and will be recruiting at least another 12 as our intake of children grows,” he added.
Endorsing the new venture, Tracey Morrow, head of Belfast & North Down Business Centre at Ulster Bank, said: “The owners have a good track-record in the service industry.
“They are well-placed to transfer the knowledge and experience they have gained to the new nursery, which they have developed into a fantastic facility. Ulster Bank is very pleased to support them.”