Franchising bid for soft play owner

Aug 6 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

AN ambitious young businesswoman is looking to launch a franchise out of her soft play business as it continues to grow.

Nicky Gray, 22, set up Kiki’s Kabin two years ago but already believes it has the potential to become a nationwide franchise after growing its staff from four to 17.

The three-storey site in North Shields has become a favourite with parents and children in the area and has seen its turnover grow from £260,000 to £325,000 over the past year.

Based in a church, Kiki’s Kabin now welcomes more than 700 children through its doors each week.

It has a lively area for children up to 12 with tube slides, spin wheels, punch bags and an assault course.

Ms Gray said: “Everything has gone really well since I set up.

“Obviously I was nervous at first, especially about the tax returns!

“The site has become very popular among the locals, so much so that I am looking to make it work elsewhere as a franchised business.”

The young businesswoman has always had an entrepreneurial streak and decided to pursue the start-up after feeling held back by her age and gender while pursuing an early career in car sales.

Since setting up her business she has become a figurehead for young enterprise and works full-time as an enterprise champion for the UCANB project at business advisory firm Tedco in South Tyneside.

She is now hoping to follow up last year’s win as North East Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the final of the Women Entrepreneur of the Year competition, to be held next month in London.