The Secret Garden is in financial difficulty and is likely to have to close in the next few weeks if we are not able to raise sufficient money to meet our outgoings.
If we are to continue to stay open, we urgently need to raise money. A donation from you would make a real difference to us.
Many people imagine we are making a lot of money however, this is far from the truth. We have yet to make a profit or break even despite two years of trading. Currently we employ 5 members of staff, all of whom work very hard on the living wage. Isabelle and Kathleen the company directors have not taken any money from the business either by way of salary or other benefit. We have put in personal money and hours of personal time for no payment.
Our overheads are high–we have to pay a significant rent, business rates, heat and light, insurances, food costs and various other essential outgoings such as fire equipment rental and lift servicing to ensure the health and safety of our customers. We have negotiated as much as we can with all of our providers to reduce our outgoings but we are still in need.
Business is good-revenue has increased and is continuing to increase and we believe that we would be able to increase this further with some investment to allow us to continue as we are and improve what we offer.
We would like to improve the Baby sensory room by adding better equipment and music and open the room to children with additional needs. We would like to buy some soft play equipment to challenge our little crawlers a bit more. We would like to extend our opening to allow families to eat with us in the early evening and to provide more activities and events such as regular new mum meet ups and a baby centre with professionals offering advice and support. We would like to paint and make basic general improvements.
We believe we offer a unique space fro babies and parents in Hitchin and the surrounding area and more than anything we want to stay open.
please help