Case Study : Bamboozles Adventure World - Donna Etherington

A former child minder is putting her skills to good use and has opened Bishop Auckland’s only children’s soft play area.

Donna Etherington, 28 opened children’s activity centre Bamboozles Adventure World, based at South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland. Since opening Donna has created seven jobs, three of whom were previously unemployed.

Donna, who lives in Bishop Auckland, was able to set up the children’s activity centre with support and funding from Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI).

Be Enterprising is supported by funding from government administered by Durham County Council and is supported by £4.12m additional investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It was created to inspire enterprise and bring about positive and measurable changes in the employment hotspots of County Durham.

Donna was awarded a grant to help her get the business on its feet, she said: “The money was spent on start-up materials and I also used some to get a new security system fitted.”

Be Enterprising provided valuable support to help Donna over the final few hurdles in setting up the business, they also referred her to other organisations who could deliver support.

“The support I have received from Be Enterprising has been second to none, not only was the grant useful, but the advice helped to guide me onto the right path.”

Donna’s Be Enterprising coach Joan Dowson said: “Donna has worked really hard to get her business up and running and we were more than happy to help her on her way to success.

“Donna took on a massive project, but with help and support she was able to make it work, and we wish her all the best for the future.”

Donna said: “The overall project from start to finish took three years. It took me two years to find a suitable building within the area and then fifteen months to fit it out.

“I have always wanted to own a soft play area, I got the idea while I was visiting family in Norfolk eight years ago – we visited a children’s play area with family and I thought ‘I’d love to have something like this’, but I didn’t have the guts to do it.

“It was only when I started seeing play areas cropping up in other areas that I thought, ‘if I don’t do this now, I’m never going to do it.’ So I did it, and here I am.”

Donna has a degree in childhood studies and was a child minder for nearly four years, so she has a wealth of experience with children which came in useful setting up the business, which caters for youngsters of all ages. The indoor soft play area boasts three separate sections: baby, toddler and 4-13 years. There is also a climbing wall, go-kart track and four themed party rooms.

For more information visit www.bamboozlesadventureworld.co.uk or call 01388 778254.