KAREN CLINCE

Karen Clince is CEO of Tigers Childcare, which operates 13 childcare facilities in Dublin and one in London. In November 2021, the company raised €10.5m from BGF to fund expansion.

A lthough the pandemic has been exceptionally challenging, it has had many benefits, too. I am more aware of what is important and count myself lucky. I have a safe and warm home, and I appreciate what and who I have around me. My business survived, with many lessons learned. I am also even more passionate and proud of what I do and in my teams, which motivates me to do more.

Childcare provision has changed significantly over the past two years. We had to learn to adapt our work to stay safe. The pod system and parents being prevented from entering our centres were a real departure from the norm. However, the pandemic has shown the government the strategic role that childcare plays in the economy and society.

Parents also value our contribution even more, and realise that childcare is a vocation that is provided by skilled, dedicated practitioners.

Our trading environment in 2022 will all depend on the details of new funding, which is due to begin next September. As costs rise, mainly due to wages and the need for more staff due to Covid, these must be addressed either through higher fees or government supports.

I was lucky enough to get away in July to Portugal, though – as we were in the middle of a new funding round – most of my time was spent on a computer. I hope to go abroad for some actual switch-off time in 2022.