Jocelyn Ashton, who set up Building Blocks Childcare in September 2001, is one of 20 finalists in the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards, which invites applications from innovative UK businesses under two years old.
Ms Ashton said, 'I am honoured, flattered and most proud of my team. It's a real team effort.'
The former primary school teacher and sales director formed the nursery to address the 'overwhelming' demand for childcare services in the area and says that its popularity - 118 children are on the waiting list - is due to it being created with a parent's perspective in mind.
'A lot of nursery nurses become managers and open a nursery from a child's perspective. I've looked at it from a parent's perspective and seen what's important to them. At 4pm I serve the children a proper dinner because the last thing a parent wants to do is cook when they get in. They can then spend quality time together.'
The nursery, which was personally funded and has received a positive Ofsted report, is based in a former church and has 113 children on its books.
According to Ms Ashton it is the only setting in the area to have web cameras in each room so that parents can watch their children play online.
Other services include a before- and after-school holiday programme for school-age children, longer opening hours, organic food and provision of all formulas and nappies.
Ms Ashton is currently studying for a PhD at the Institute of Education, looking at specific activities in the early years curriculum and whether they can enhance learning. She is also considering opening another four nurseries in and around the area.
John Rendall, head of business banking at HSBC Bank, said, 'To start a business takes courage. To turn it into a successful enterprise takes determination, and to reach the final 20 against such high-calibre entries is an exceptional achievement.'
The ten finalists will be announced in September. Each will win consultancy services and software worth 4,000 from Croner Consulting and software company Intuit.
* FunToSee, an Eastbourne-based company that produces jumbo wall stickers to brighten up rooms for babies and small children, has also made it though to the final 20 of the HSBC competition.
