Nine settings, tens of millions of pounds of revenue, thousands of families served, three business sales (including one multimillion pound group sale) and still operating in the Early Years Industry today.
Sian knows Early Years.
But unlike other coaches and business mentors, Sian focuses where others don’t – on the business side of childcare.
Recruiting teams that concentrate on getting that “OFSTED Outstanding” so that she can focus on growing a strong, sustainable business, Sians strengths lie in Finance & Marketing while overseeing the Operations.
Small nurseries, Large nurseries, Freeholds, Leaseholds, Council Tenders, Capital Funding Applications, Tenders, Planning Applications, Design & Builds – there’s very little that Sian hasn’t encountered in the Early Years!
Sian has also been through the exit process THREE times, selling two single sites to individual buyers and the remaining nurseries to a large group.
Jana
Director, Essex
Between 2005 and 2019 I grew a chain of day nurseries across the South East of England. After selling two sites individually (one in 2014 and another in 2016) the big payday came when I exited my business in a multimillion pound deal in 2019.
I tried retiring (pah!) but at just 38 years old it wasn’t really for me, and I spent the new few years consulting across many different sectors. And I loved it.
But in 2023, I had a fabulous opportunity to go back into the sector I love – Childcare.
Polka Dot Farm Nursery opened in November 2023. Using all the learns from before, what we have achieved in the first 18 months at Polka Dot Farm is beyond incredible.
We were full just 6 weeks after opening. By week 20, our projected turnover hit £2m for the first year.
From a standing start, we achieved a £1m EBITDA forecast by the third month in business.
I say it not to impress you, but to impress upon you – done well, Childcare can be a fantastic business.
We have had zero staffing issues – because we were innovative in our approach to recruitment.
We have been full since 6 weeks after we opened – because of a well crafted and well delivered marketing campaign.
We have been operationally excellent and achieved OFSTED Outstanding at our first inspection – because of the processes put into place.
There is so much pain in the childcare sector right now. I genuinely don’t think that it needs to be like that.
introducing
For individuals who are in the set up stage, or who have recently opened a setting.
You have the ideas and vision, but feel overwhelmed with the road ahead.
You know where you want to get to, and need some support to make it a reality.
You want to set your nursery up to thrive from pre-opening (or in the early stages) to make sure it is a success.
You want to identify areas where you might need support, so you don’t waste time or money in the set up stage.
introducing
For those individuals who have got through the first hurdles of getting their nursery open, and now want to set themselves up to succeed.
You understand a need to focus on the numbers, but its not your strong point.
You want to run your marketing to get a rhythmic flow of enquiries into the business, but don’t have the skill set to do that consistently.
You want to manage and lead your team to success, and sometimes struggle with how to do this effectively.
You want your nursery to run smoothly, even if you aren’t there all the time.
introducing
Ready to grow? Now it gets fun 🙂
This is for those individuals running multiple sites and addressing the unique challenges that this brings.
You’ve hit the classic stage where you have added nurseries but have seen your profit drop due to all the additional costs
You are managing multiple sites and now want to focus on the finance and marketing side of the business to ensure its success.
You’ve spotted an opportunity for growth and want help planning the integration into your current business.
You understand that running multiple sites will require a new skill set and you want to learn how to make sure you remain profitable and sustainable.
You are in “growth mode” and want to work alongside someone who has been there and can coach you through the hurdles.
introducing
Forward planning to your exit. Get your business in the best possible place for your exit, even if that isn’t on the cards just yet to make it even more attractive when you do decide to sell. Future planning at its best!
You want to get your business in the best possible place for exit, even if its not something that you are actively pursuing just yet.
You want to focus on the numbers that matter to buyers, and get your accounts in the best possible place to achieve the highest valuation.
You want to build and grow a healthy waiting list through strong marketing, so that your business is valuable and sustainable.
You are planning on stepping back from the helm shortly, or moving towards exit within the next 1-5 years.
Simply one of the best role models I look up to. Sian is a superb business owner and leader. A sharp lady who knows everything that there is to know about childcare businesses.
When you look for a mentor, you want to find the absolute best in the industry. I absolutely found that in you Sian - thank you.
Sian is as dynamic as she is friendly. And as professional as she is successful. She is my-go to person to get reliable, sensible advice guidance or encouragement.
Don’t hesitate to join. Sian is absolutely fantastic at what she does. I have been on Owner in Early Years since 2005 and at certain times have lost focus and direction. Being part of the Boardroom group really sparked my passion again. Sian’s advice helped me regain clarity and helped me drive my business forward. Can’t recommend highly enough.
"A dedicated and inspirational leader"
