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Dragon Duncan swaps den for Kids Kingdom (From Southend Standard)
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Dragon Duncan swaps den for Kids Kingdom
4:00pm Friday 3rd July 2009
FOUR friends who risked it all to take on a well-loved Southend children’s attraction are set to get some fiery advice on how to make it a success.
Dragon’s Den business guru Duncan Bannantyne will help the husband and wife teams of Mike and Michelle Marrs and Kerry and Levi Pearce give Kids Kingdom a new lease of life.
The transformation of the Garon Park-based indoor playground will be featured on Bannatyne’s new programme Save Our Seaside, which will see struggling seaside businesses given expert advice and support as they fight for survival.
Mr Marrs, 33, said: “Duncan will probably be coming down next Friday and we are looking forward to picking his brains. He is a legend.
“We are so nervous and have just realised it’s only two weeks until we open, but we’ve already done lots and it’s all going really well.”
After spotting the potential of the business, in February the four friends approached the former owner to see if he would be interested in selling up.
When he said yes, the quartet, who have known each other for nine years, set about raising the cash and finally picked up the keys on Wednesday.
The popular attraction closed on Monday and will reopen on Monday July 20.
Mum-of-two Mrs Pearce, 37, of Cherrybrook, Thorpe Bay, said: “My mum and dad loaned us the money, and we’ve put in half each so it’s a real team effort.”
Mr Marrs, of Little Thorpe, Thorpe Bay, added: “We borrowed money from friends, family, and the bank, so we are really risking it all, which is why the programme got in touch.”
Now the group has big plans for the attraction, starting with a complete deep clean before a redecoration and improvement programme begins.
Mrs Pearce, said: “It will be a fun, clean place to play, because that’s what parents want and kids need.”
She added the four were also planning to revamp the cafe and outdoor area, which will include new play spaces and allow for barbecues and bouncy castles.
The newly revamped Kids Kingdom will reopen on Monday, July 20, and families and groups can book by calling 01702 462747 or visiting www.kids kingdom-southend.co.uk
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Your Say Your Southend
smith9876, Southend says...
8:36pm Fri 3 Jul 09
VictoriaLS wrote:i wouldn't! In had my kids at Adventure Island and it was their best birthday ever. They supply everything! Well worth the money!!!
Fab news - I haven't been there for over 2 years as it was totally run down and quite frankly dirty!!! So it's just what the place needs - good luck to the new owners - I shall look forward to hopefully hosting my son's 5th birthday there come January!!! :o)
jules1306, Hertfordshire says...
1:28pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Partners - Mike and Michelle Marrs and Kerry and Levi Pearce are relaunching Kids Kingdom
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VictoriaLS, Westcliff on Sea says...
6:16pm Fri 3 Jul 09
So it's just what the place needs - good luck to the new owners - I shall look forward to hopefully hosting my son's 5th birthday there come January!!! :o)