FOR Jacqui Gernon, the baby boom goes on. Construction work on her third Happy Jays day nursery has begun.

Already, in only seven years, she has built up two successful Happy Jays at Clifton Moor and Boroughbridge, together generating a turnover approaching £750,000, seeing to the needs of nearly 200 pre-school children, aged from three months to five years, and employing 39 people.

Now work has begun to build a new Happy Jays at Hopper Hill Road on Scarborough Business Park, which should be open for business early next year.

The 5,000 sq ft development, being built by Malton-based Redworth Construction, will offer 70 more day care places and generate 28 local jobs.

It is hardly surprising that Jacqui's husband, Tony, who is a co-director of the venture, has nominated her for the Evening Press Business Personality of the Year.

And with all staff having achieved the coveted Investors In People standard, it is also no surprise that the business is pitching for the Progress Through People title.

What makes Jacqui's story so remarkable is that while she previously ran an electrical contracting company, she had no prior experience of the childcare sector.

Yet, powered by a love of children she risked house and livelihood, dedicating herself to the task of providing the best quality childcare in York and North Yorkshire.

That has meant working a regular 80-hour week, yet still taking time to speak with parents, participate in games and learning activities with the children, dealing with suppliers and - yes - doing more than her fair share of changing nappies.

The key to her success has been her staff. Both managers and deputy managers have been appointed through internal promotions, as part of a programme of continual improvement and development.

Updated: 12:13 Friday, August 13, 2004