Rugrats and Halfpints Get The Recognition They Deserve
Unique Children’s Soft Play Centre short-listed as finalist in ‘Best New Business’ category for the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2009
As a new mother Caroline Bevan (Director of ‘Rugrats and Halfpints Ltd’, the UK’s first sensory and soft play centre for babies and young children) was disappointed to discover how little existed in the way of activity-based centres for infants, toddlers and, importantly, their parents. But - necessity being the mother of invention - this enterprising Mum decided to do something about it.
A chance visit to a local centre for autistic children provided the additional inspiration she needed “I saw my baby’s fascination with the bubbles and fibre optic lights and recognised that these sensory play activities were ideal for all babies and young children - even before they’re mobile they really respond and develop through stimulation. I realised that this was how to fill the gap in the market I’d identified.” says Caroline.
In December 2007, following months of hard work preparing business plans, securing finance and finding and fitting out premises in Banbury, ‘Rugrats and Halfpints’ opened the door to a new and exciting world for babies, toddlers and children. Sensory play equipment and soft play structures stimulate and entertain babies and toddlers, whilst older children explore the more challenging structures, imaginative play areas and arts and crafts facilities. Meanwhile, delighted parents and carers have a place that meets their needs too, somewhere to enjoy coffee and a bite to eat, relax and make new friends - even the seating arrangements have been designed to actively encourage interaction between the grown ups. (And for multi-tasking parents, free Wifi enables them to catch up online whilst their little ones are happily absorbed).
The success of the sensory play concept and the business itself is clear from sales figures and the feedback of thrilled customers (it’s so popular that Friday opening has been extended to 7pm) but also the numerous awards it has won – including the accolade of Banbury Guardian ‘Entrepreneur of the Year 2008’ for Caroline herself. And now she and her dedicated team are very excited to discover that ‘Rugrats and Halfpints’ has been short-listed as a finalist for the ‘New Business Award’ in the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2009, sponsored by Business Link.
Such recognition really matters, as Caroline explains: “It was a battle to set up the business whilst raising two very young children - especially when industry bodies suggested that it was too big a gamble. But I just knew that the concept would work and that it was really needed. The wonderful support from customers – both of myself and the business – has enabled us to create a place that’s fun, safe and stimulating, but above all, welcoming. And that’s what my vision for the business was from the very beginning.”
Winners of the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2009 will be announced at an Awards Dinner at Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel on 19th June 2009.
Since opening in December 2007 ‘Rugrats and Halfpints Limited has won the following awards:
- Aspire “Best New Centre 2008 – 1st Place” from industry body – The Play Providers Association.
- Aspire “Best Centre under 12,000 square feet – 2nd Place” – Play Providers Association.
- Banbury Guardian Business Awards “Entrepreneur of the Year – 1st Place (Awarded to Company Director and Creator Caroline Bevan).
- Banbury Guardian Business Awards “Best Small Business in Banbury – 2nd Place”