Tillymints Nursery Secures £50,000 Funding Through Start Up Loans Programme

Liverpool-based Tillymints Nursery has successfully secured £50,000 through the Start Up Loans programme, facilitated by GC Business Finance (GCBF) on behalf of the British Business Bank.

Acquired by education consultant Kevin Lancaster in 2022, Tillymints Nursery is dedicated to providing personalised childcare tailored to each child's unique needs. Kevin, with nearly 30 years of experience in the education sector, began his career as a teacher and has since travelled the world offering training as an education consultant. His vision of establishing a nursery began around 20 years ago, but it wasn't until after the Covid-19 pandemic, when his own children were older, that he found the perfect opportunity to bring his dream to life. The Liverpool City Region Finance Hub recommended the Start Up Loans programme to Kevin to secure the necessary funding to purchase and operate the nursery.

Since receiving the loan, Tillymints Nursery has experienced significant growth, expanding its team by hiring three additional staff members. The funding has also enabled Kevin to enhance the nursery's facilities and improve the overall environment. Looking ahead, Kevin plans to further expand the nursery by adding a temporary building, which will increase capacity and create additional jobs in the local community.

Kevin said: “It is great to now see the growth Tillymints has achieved in just two years. We are already operating at full capacity and are looking to expand even further. GC Business Finance made the loan process quick and simple, meaning I could purchase the nursery and get things moving as fast as possible, helping me turn my vision into a reality. I look forward to continuing to support local families and growing the nursery even further.”

Alex Mearns, Head of Start-up Lending at GC Business Finance, said: “The business has already achieved amazing growth since securing the loan, expanding the team and looking to grow its facilities. Tillymints proves that it’s never too late to make a great idea a reality. It has a bright future ahead of it and I look forward to seeing the continued success Kevin and the team will have in the future.”