Customer Focus – The Nurture Barn

Our September customer focus is on ‘The Nurture Barn’ in Essex. The owner/inventor Mel Sims was an existing customer and had previously ordered from us on behalf of children’s charities she was affiliated with. She had nurtured an idea for an upmarket play centre which incorporated indoor and outdoor play with quality wooden toys for pre-schoolers, in the main, and also a café area for parents & carers, selling healthy nutritious food. Having struck a deal with a local farmer to convert a derelict barn the concept of ‘The Nurture Barn’ sprung to life. Mel approached us to discuss the types of toys, furniture and outdoor play equipment she wanted for the barn and also to get advice on how to split up the areas to focus on different themes. We relished the challenge to create the wow factor she was looking for as well as providing the high quality she demanded and between us we agreed on a concept Mel was happy with. We kept in close contact during the weeks of the build and were thrilled to see the progress Mel made as she posted regular updates on Facebook.
Having developed a friendship over the term of the build, we were always pleased to hear about the progress Mel was making – learning which design she had chosen for the wallpaper and celebrating her joy when the kitchen was successfully installed – a major event! As the build neared completion goods were delivered, assembled where required and lovingly put in place to give the best impact. The Nurture Barn opened in August 2014 and now only a year on it has been voted “Runner up” on Essex Mums website as ‘Best Day Out – Indoors’. We are very proud to have had the opportunity to be involved and appreciate the feedback we get regarding our equipment.
Since opening, Mel has developed the barn further by adding a wealth of activities such as room hire for children’s parties, and also for baby/mum focussed learning which includes baby massage, toddler music classes, messy play activities and even pony rides in the garden.
Mel continues to return to us for more supplies as the venue expands and develops. For more information on The Nurture Barn, see here. If you are anywhere near it would be well worth a visit.

Originally written 18 September 2015