Escape Play Ltd is not a big company, infact it is the brainchild of directors Julie Hough and Samantha Bower, who have spent the past seven years devising their plans and gaining funding for the project, which has created 33 new jobs.

Escape Family Entertainment Centre, on the new Giltbrook Industrial/Retail Park. Not only does Escape provide two-hour play sessions for children, it is also offering curriculum-based activities during the week for pre-school children to enhance their development and social skills and offers various Party Packages and Seasonal Promotions.

Aimed at children between the ages of eight months to 13 years, Escape also offers a healthier menu to assist with nutrition and Government health-related targets.

The environment is a key theme, with recycling policies within the centre and the promotion of green travel via the Phoenix Flyer and other modes of green transport, such as cycling and walking.

Julie Hough, Director of Escape Play Ltd, commented: “This is the realisation of a dream to provide a perfect setting for children to enjoy the health benefits of having fun. It’s been a long journey and we have had to find a site, source funding and develop business plans but it has been worth the hard work, Escape has now been trading for the past 18 months and Julie and Samantha would like to thank all their customers for their continued support.

The move is part of the company’s ambitious expansion strategy to launch a further four new Escape FEC in other areas of country, including possible areas such as Nottingham, Sheffield and Lincoln, over the next five years.

Samantha Bower, Director of Escape Play, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by positive feedback from our customers and are keen to expand the centre to ensure an increasing number of families are able to enjoy our facilities.

“We spotted a gap in the market for a play facility of this quality and size in Nottingham, and following its success we have been encouraged to roll out the concept to more towns and cities.

Julie Barron, Relationship Manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “Samantha and Julie have worked hard to develop a highly successful format through careful planning and a commitment to quality.

“Their dedication to the project has paid off and we’re committed to continuing to support two successful businesswomen who have a clear idea of how to take the company forward and ensure its long-term future.”

“Samantha and Julie have proved that opportunities to start up a profitable business in the current economic climate do exist, provided the venture is underpinned by thorough research and planning.”