“It’s made a real difference to people’s lives in the area,” she says. “The different working environments within childcare give women confidence, and a greater chance of finding work.”

Christina first approached the ACF in 2004 while with her previous employer for a £10,000 grant to research local employment and childcare provision. The following year, ACF awarded E-mploy a further £30,000 grant and a £20,000 loan to get up and running.

That loan technically expired in March 2007, but E-mploy is still reaping the benefit. “We haven’t yet drawn on the full loan amount,” explains Christina. “But now we’re looking to grow, we need that extra cash flow. The ACF has been really flexible and agreed to let us carry on using it.”

To date, ACF’s investment has helped E-mploy to meet a growing local need. Currently, more than 115 people are registered for work with the organisation, and 63 companies have used E-mploy’s trainees. For Christina, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

With the planned construction for the London 2012 Olympic Games just a stone’s throw from her offices, Christina wants to capitalise on any future job opportunities by offering a new careers programme, this time aimed predominantly at men.

“We’re looking to start a construction course,” says Christina. “Childcare work can often be part time, but this is more likely to provide full-time work. The Games are a great opportunity to create local employment.”