Start-up is child’s play for partners

Karen Murray (l) and Jan Wallis (r) with advisor Jan Melia.

TWO entrepreneurs have teamed up to support the all-round development of babies and children.

Karen Murray from Chadderton and Jan Wallis from Holmfirth, have set up Connections4Childhood to provide training, books and resources for parents, carers, young people and organisations on the subject of early child development.

The business promotes the important role of parents and carers and the value of low and no-cost play ideas as a stimulating alternative to costly toys.

Connections4Childhood also acts as a consultancy service for policy makers and organisations.

The partners, who each have more than 20 years’ experience working for a variety of childrens and family services, were inspired to start a business together while working for Kirklees Council in senior management positions.

They were given business start-up support by Oldham-based firm Blue Orchid, which assigned adviser Jan Melia to help them take advantage of training workshops and networking events.

The business has taken off very quickly and with the website now up and running, the pair are attracting interest in the classes and training programmes they offer to parents, schools and other organisations.