Bumble Bees
Bridin and Stephen Bell
Husband and wife team, Bridin and Stephen Bell, established Bumble Bees indoor play centre in October 2005. “When we first set about developing our own business, we wanted to do something in the service sector that was new to Donegal. Although Donegal is a beautiful tourist destination with many amenities in the locality for children to participate in, many are very specialised and have age restrictions,” said Stephen.
“We identified the need to provide a facility where young kids could play in a safe and secure environment, while at the same time, parents could sit and relax in warm comfortable surroundings.” Bumble Bees now fits the bill perfectly.
Bridin, who has extensive experience as a nurse and mid-wife, and Stephen, who previously worked for Aer Lingus and in retail, first heard about First Step in the summer of 2005 when they were finding it difficult to finance their business. “The County Enterprise Board had been very co-operative in giving us financial assistance in the shape of a loan and a grant. However, with the capital we had and the loan available from the bank, we were still short,” said Bridin. “From our first contact with First Step, staff were very helpful, supportive and understanding.”
Bumble Bees is located in Donegal Town Business Park and now employs two full-time and seven part-time staff.
“The business is going well and we try to extend our product on a regular basis. We built a disco room after Christmas and have also added a pool table which attracts brothers and sisters of younger kids to come along and enjoy a day out with the family,” said Stephen.
Bumble Bees have now entered the bouncy castle hire business with the purchase of castles, slides and Sumo wrestling suits. “All-in-all the first twenty months have been very eventful. Our time isn’t our own anymore, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.”
