A nurse of 18 years has become an entrepreneur after investing £275,000 to buy her own nursery.

Maureen Frindi spent the money on the Buzy Bee Day Nursery, in Coventry, with the help of a £71,000 government-backed Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) loan.

Maureen, aged 46, qualified as a registered nurse in 1981 and spent 18 years in the profession where she looked after patients with mental health problems and learning difficulties.

She then went to work for the probation service before taking on various roles including working in a prison and being the deputy manager at a home for eight-to 13-year-olds with learning difficulties.

Now she will oversee the nursery, which employs nine staff and can take 34 children from three months to five years, after agreeing a deal brokered by Redwoods Dowling Kerr.

She said: “I have worked in the care sector for many years and have a very good name in the social care industry where I have experience of looking after children and adults.

“After so many years being an employee, I decided it was time to become my own boss. I originally thought about buying a care home, but in the end opted for Buzy Bee which was an excellent decision.

“Working with children is extremely rewarding – they are our future and it is a privilege to be involved in their learning and development.

“It has been a big change but it was a fantastic opportunity and I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge.”

Andrew Steen, Managing Director of Redwoods Dowling Kerr, said the deal would not have been possible without funding from the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme.

He says: “Redwoods Dowling Kerr has an in-depth understanding of the EFG scheme and it is encouraging that this vital form of funding is now getting through to businesses, which in turn will help boost UK enterprise.”