Winner: Danielle Dixon, of Kinder Haven Nurseries

Nursery boss Danielle Dixon looked completely taken aback at being named Bradford’s best businesswoman.

And Danielle, who co-owns Kinder Haven Nurseries, a chain of local childcare providers, said the award category in itself was “brilliant for women”.

After being presented with her award, Danielle kept looking at the trophy in amazement.

She said: “I’m just ecstatic. I’m so excited. I can’t believe it, ‘Woman in Business’.

“It’s brilliant for women, especially women from Bradford.”

Danielle said winning the award meant a lot to her, not just as recognition for the excellent childcare her nurseries provided, but also for her business sense.

She said: “I was a low achiever at school, and now I own a successful business. It’s just amazing to be acknowledged, not just for delivering childcare but for delivering and leading a business.”

Kinder Haven Nurseries has been providing childcare across the district for ten years and now has four sites – three in Bradford and a fourth in Pudsey.

It employs 90 staff members and offers childcare places to around 300 children.

Danielle said over the past two or three years the childcare industry had suffered because of the downturn, so Kinder Haven Nurseries had adapted to the changing conditions by offering parents more flexible childcare options than ever before.

Her award nomination said: “She has a good understanding of how to run a business ensuring that both the clients and the staff are happy.

“She always gives excellent feedback when staff need it, making sure they learn consistently while they work.”

Highly commended: Liah Plowman, of Micron Hydraulics, and Sarah Khan Bashir, of Shire Solicitors

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