Women In Enterprise: Janice Dunphy of Creepy Crawlies Adventure Park (From York Press)

Women In Enterprise: Janice Dunphy of Creepy Crawlies Adventure Park

1:59pm Tuesday 1st December 2009 in Winners By Ron Godfrey

Ex-teacher Janice Dunphy of Creepy Crawlies Adventure Park, Clifton Moor has now proved that she is hard to beat – a true icon among women.

She has successfully defended her title against powerful opposition, having won this category last year.

Janice started her acre of fun at Cliftongate Business Park in Wigginton Road in 2004, by researching the best of the best that UK play facilities had to offer.

Now it employs 41 people, has seen a growth in turnover, a surge in profit and an increase in footfall. And she not only plans to extend her playground, but has been investigating two other sites in Yorkshire in which to expand.

With growth in turnover at the height of the recession, Janice herself said the secret was to keep standards high, mixed with excellent customer service, offering fresh ideas, value for money “and a hefty dose of customer savings”.

Judges praised the playground’s imaginative features from an outdoor animal and activity area to an interactive lights area, plus healthy eating options in the restaurant.

The judges were particularly impressed by her ability to juggle so many different projects and think ahead.

Apart from new sites in Yorkshire, her future plans include Jolly Fit, a fitness DVD system for children and parents, a new training course and consultancy work.

Women In Enterprise

Winner: Janice Dunphy of Creepy Crawlies Adventure Park

Finalists: Sue Sidwall of Solarwall Ltd and Susan Binnersley of h2h Resources Ltd