With women facing the highest levels of unemployment in 24 years there is a real need for the government to help women succeed in the workplace; support childcare and boost female entrepreneurship. Minister for Women and Equalities, Maria Miller announced a £2 million scheme to boost childcare businesses in the UK today.
For those thinking about entering the world of business; have a passion for working with children and posses the relevant qualifications to branch out on their own this is a great way to kick start their entrepreneurial aspirations.
With more and more households made up of full time working parents there has never been a greater need for affordable, reliable and safe childcare provision. The UK childcare costs are amongst the highest in Europe and this barrier is still stopping many women from going back into the work place.
However it is worth noting that the childcare sector provides a very lucrative opportunity for those with the skills, acumen and experience to set up a new nursery, cooperative or childminding business. Currently there are a total of 95,980 childcare providers in the UK registered with Ofsted and 57,149 of these are childminders. According to the Key Note Market Assessment (2011) the sector is worth over £5billion per year and will increase to £7.2bn by 2015.
“The childcare industry is already a major employer of women, and this scheme will mean more opportunities for female entrepreneurs to start-up and run their own businesses” says Minister for Women and Equalities, Maria Miller. “This is a cash boost designed to stimulate the sector in tough times.”
It is hoped that this scheme will launch 6,000 new childcare businesses and applicants can claim grants up to £500 which will help cover legal and insurance costs, training, equipment, and adaptations to premises. The childcare industry is a great responsibility so the government has developed a wide-ranging programme of start up support for those interested in working in the childcare industry, including access to a free business mentor.
For further information visit: http://www.childcarebusinessgrants.dcms.gov.uk