Rainbows Private Nursery based at Somerton Lane, Newport, has undergone a major refurbishment to improve facilities for the 110 children currently registered with the nursery.

The £25,000 investment supported by Barclays has created an all-weather external play area, improved parking and the installation of external CCTV.

Rainbows nursery currently employs 10 staff and is currently looking to appoint a new nursery manager as the business continues to grow with turnover expected to exceed £250,000 this year.

Established in 2004 by Kay Taylor a qualified nursery nurse, who celebrates 20 years in the industry next year, the business caters for children aged three months to 11 years and has established a loyal customer base over the last decade with occupancy rates above 90 per cent.

Kay Taylor, owner of Rainbows Nursery, said: “The new investment will significantly improve our service offering to our clients. So often in Wales we are victims of the Welsh weather which prevents us taking the children outside. Now we have an all-weather covered area with ball pits, ride on cars, climbing frames and additional space for the children to play outside whatever the weather. During the downturn we felt some pain as some of our clients lost their jobs or had to cut corners using family rather than a private nursery to manage childcare.

"We even placed a price freeze on our fees for four years in order to acknowledge the tough external environment facing our clients and to demonstrate our desire to retain their custom. However business is now again near full occupancy as the jobs markets seems to be picking up again and the demand for our services is strong.”

Moira Wearing, Barclays business manager, said: “As champions of local business, it is essential that we support local growing businesses such as Rainbows Nursery. Kay is a great example of an entrepreneur using their experience and skills to develop a successful business. By really understanding the business and issues they have faced, Barclays has been able to support Rainbows Nursery throughout its development. When we went to visit it was a terrible day with pouring rain but the kids were all outside under the new all-weather area playing and smiling so clearly the investment was worth every penny.

“Running a business is tough with no rest bite and being tied to the business 24 hours a day but the rewards far outweigh the downsides even after working long hours. The joy of seeing my efforts or simply a big smile from one of our children makes it all worthwhile.”