£50,000 of Start Up Loans helps launch specialist sensory centre for SEN children in Greater Manchester
A family-run sensory play centre designed specifically for children with special educational needs (SEN) has opened in Horwich, Bolton, after securing £50,000 through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).
SENsis was founded by Ashley Williams, a mum of two boys with additional needs, alongside her mother and business partner, Diane Williams. After struggling to find inclusive spaces designed around the needs of SEN families, the pair decided to create their own.
Ashley and Diane each secured a £25,000 Start Up Loan, enabling them to transform a commercial property into a purpose-built sensory centre that officially opened its doors in June 2026.
The funding supported the fit-out of the building, including bespoke sensory and play equipment manufactured in the UK, specialist safety features and the creation of a calm, accessible environment where children can play, learn and regulate in a space designed specifically with SEN families in mind.
The project became a true family effort, with Ashley’s parents and brother helping to renovate the building before the business launched.
The centre has been developed using Ashley’s own experiences as a parent, with secure access systems, fully visible play areas and pre-booked sessions designed to reduce waiting times and create a relaxed experience for families.
Since opening, SENsis has welcomed families from across Greater Manchester and is already exploring opportunities to work with local schools, charities and community organisations, alongside plans to expand into additional locations in the future.
Ashley Williams, founder of SENsis, said: “As parents of children with additional needs, we often found that spaces were adapted for SEN children rather than being designed around them from the beginning. We wanted to create somewhere where children could play safely and parents could genuinely relax.
“My husband and I had talked about the idea for years, but it wasn’t until 2025 that we decided to make it happen. It became clear we wanted more flexibility as a family while creating something that could make a real difference to other people facing the same challenges.
“The Start Up Loans funding allowed us to turn that vision into reality. The process was much less daunting than I expected, and Shannon and the team at BEF were incredibly supportive throughout, guiding us every step of the way.”
Tim Burt, head of Start Up Loans at Business Enterprise Fund, said: “Ashley and Diane combined a strong business plan with first-hand experience of the challenges many SEN families face. They identified a genuine gap in the market and created a business that delivers both commercial potential and significant social impact.
“It’s fantastic to see the Start Up Loans programme helping founders like Ashley bring innovative ideas to life while creating valuable facilities for their local community.”