Former primary teacher Jason Roberts-Jones said:

The Rogerstone nursery has been running for nearly ten years and our childcare numbers fluctuate near, or at, capacity. I have been wanting to open a second site for a few years, but the available premises haven’t been quite right. When I saw the former pub in Blackwood was on the market, I had a feeling it would be perfect.”

Not wanting to lose the opportunity Jason quickly worked to put the finance in place and contacted Business Development Manager at BCRS Business Loans, Graeme Lewis. Working together, Graeme took time to understand the business and secured finance of £100k from the Investment Fund for Wales, which went towards purchasing the property, whilst £70k for refurbishment was forthcoming from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF).

The site has now undergone vast renovations, with upstairs now catering for under twos, whilst downstairs is focussed on providing for children age three to five. The nursery, which has indoor and outdoor provision, focuses on sensory, role play and interactivity. Greenfields Blackwood will now benefit from shared management between the two sites, whilst up to 25 staff will be employed in a range of full and part time positions.

Jason continued:

“Seeing the nursery come together has been fantastic and we are delighted to throw open our doors. The support from BCRS Business Loans has been fantastic and without it we wouldn’t have been able get to this point.

 “We are looking forward to offering families in and around Blackwood a nursery that suits their childcare needs locally and can’t wait to enrol more young children and help them learn and grow through play and friendship.”

The Business Development Manager at BCRS Business Loans, said:

“Jason and the Greenfields team have built a nursery offering that is centred on young children, and their families, and we have enjoyed working with them to secure the finance needed to help the business grow.

“BCRS are a story-based lender, and our mission is to make a positive social and economic impact. Jason has worked hard to find a site that fills a gap in the market, and we are delighted that Greenfields Blackwood has opened its doors to fulfil a nursery provision locally.”

Bethan Bannister, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Funds at the British Business Bank, said:

 “The Investment Fund for Wales exists to support companies with growth ambitions like Greenfields, who require finance to realise their goals.

 “The opening of Greenfields Blackwood is an important milestone and we wish Jason every success as he continues to scale and grow the Greenfields brand.”