Two mums from Barnoldswick and Nelson decided to set up a soft play hire company after the pair couldn’t find a suitable place to host a joint first birthday for their daughters.

Sian Emsley, 29, Barnoldswick, gave birth to her daughter Lottie at Burnley General Hospital in September last year and became friends with Alice Stuart, also 29, of Nelson, who gave birth to her daughter Isabella at Airedale General Hospital in August.

The mums met on a baby massage course on their maternity leave and decided to launch their company after struggling to find the perfect party venue for their daughters.

The pair embarked on their business venture by creating the soft play hire company Soft Tots, aimed at 0-3 years, which is suitable in a customer’s home or choice of venue.

Lancashire Telegraph: Macmillan Coffee Morning at Barrowford Primary SchoolMacmillan Coffee Morning at Barrowford Primary School (Image: Sian Emsley)

As well as balancing being full time mums, the pair are still focused on growing their business.

Sian said: “We do a lot of advertising and chit chat in the evenings, when the babies are asleep. 

"Our husbands take over with the babies on the weekend if we’ve got an event or a party. So, we’re able to balance doing both.”

The Soft Tots business owners deliver and set up the entertainment equipment which includes a step and slide, a rocker, and hoppers.

The business offers different packages to suit different needs with the minimum price starting at £80 and the maximum package costing £120 which can be purchased on a payment plan.

Since launching on September 9, the business has had four bookings so far and also held a Macmillan Coffee morning at Barrowford Primary School on October 1.

Speaking on future plans, Alice said: “We’d just like to keep it local and cater for the families around us.

“We just love to see the children entertained and happy, I think our business is exciting and offers something different.

“We’re a soft play hire company that is focused on giving parents a stress-free time. So, we do everything from delivering to setting up and we are definitely looking to expand within the local area in the future.”

You can find out more about Soft Tots on their Facebook page or email softtotsenquiries@gmail.com