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This month we talk to Laura about her business, and overcoming the challenges of operating during a global health crisis.

What’s your name and your role in the company?

My name is Laura, and I run Baby Sensory classes in my local area of St Albans and Harpenden.

Tell us about your business.

The classes that I run usually have in excess of 200 parents and babies attending every week. The coronavirus lockdown saw us move online via Zoom, where the classes are continuing to be a success. I have retained approximately 60% of my business, as well as attracting new customers through word of mouth.

Amazing reviews from parents are coming in all the time, sending their thanks for keeping some normality for them whilst at home, and from parents of new babies who are having to navigate parenthood for the first time alone.

We provide developmental support as well as fun activities and ideas for at home play. The emphasis during class is that we are not a TV show, but an interactive session where the parents focus on the babies with guidance and support from us.

Due to lockdown, I introduced a special session where we invited grandparents into the class so they could watch their grandchildren enjoying the activities. It went down so well. We had lots of tears but also many of the grandparents really interacted, and even made themselves props so they could join in with the class! Feedback was so good that we will be making this a regular thing for as long as we have to be online.

Last of all, each week I am offering 5 free places to key workers who have babies under the age of 13 months. This is being advertised on our Facebook page; I ask people to nominate friends and family on a Thursday, and then on the Friday I select people at random to join the following week’s class.

I am not actually making any money to pay myself a salary right now, but I am getting enough to keep things ticking over and pay the small bills I have each month. Unfortunately, as a Sole Director of a limited company I’m not entitled to much help from the government as a result of coronavirus. For now, I’m focusing on giving back to the local community whilst I wait for my Bounce Back Loan to be approved by the bank.

What drove you to start the business?

I started the business in August 2013 when my son was 6 months old. Having taken my daughter to these classes when she was a baby, it was the highlight of our week and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give back this same experience to other babies and parents.

Why did you choose The Accountancy Partnership?

I joined TAP due to issues with my past accountant, leaving me quite a few problems to resolve. TAP were able to help me immediately solve some problems, along with being cost effective for what I was after.

Would you recommend The Accountancy Partnership?

I have been impressed with the service I have received so far, and with the constant help and support throughout this current climate. I recommend them highly.

Find out more about Laura and the baby sensory classes she operates in St Albans and Harpenden by visiting their website.

About The Author

Elizabeth Hughes

A content writer specialising in business, finance, software, and beyond. I'm a wordsmith with a penchant for puns and making complex subjects accessible. Learn more about Elizabeth.

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