Case Study: Magic Castle Soft Play

Client

Kayleigh Peebles - Owner and founder, Magic Castle Soft Play

Programme

Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme

Business Advisor

Andrea Whigham

Cumbria Accelerator helps create clarity across key areas of the business

Turning a strong vision into a structured business

Kayleigh is the owner and founder of Magic Castle Soft Play in Carlisle. With a clear vision for creating a welcoming, engaging soft play experience for families, she was passionate about building a business that both children and parents would love.

However, as a new business owner, Kayleigh found herself managing every aspect of the business alone, from branding and promotions to pricing, bookings, and long-term planning, while also balancing family life.

From overwhelm to clarity

Before accessing support, the volume of decisions and responsibilities felt overwhelming at times. Kayleigh was unsure whether she was making the right choices and lacked confidence in turning her ideas into a professional, well- structured business. Although she knew Magic Castle had strong potential, she needed guidance, reassurance, and a clearer framework to help the business run smoothly and grow sustainably.

Building confidence through structured support

Working closely with her advisor, Andrea Whigham, Kayleigh was supported to break complex challenges down into manageable, practical steps. Together, they focused on creating clarity across key areas of the business.

Support included refining brand identity, reviewing pricing and promotions, improving the customer journey, and strengthening marketing activity. Practical tools and templates were introduced to save time, reduce stress, and bring greater organisation to day-to-day operations.

Andrea’s supportive, approachable style helped Kayleigh feel reassured and confident, making advice easy to understand and apply, which was particularly valuable as a first-time business owner.

Stronger foundations and visible results

Since working together, Kayleigh has seen increased bookings, clearer communication with customers, and stronger local brand recognition. The business is now more organised and structured, allowing Magic Castle Soft Play to operate more efficiently and confidently.

Confidence to move forward

“The most valuable part was having someone believe in my business and help me believe in it too. The structured guidance, practical resources and ongoing support have made a huge difference and given me the confidence to move forward.”

A business owner ready for what’s next

With her initial challenges addressed, Kayleigh now feels proud, confident, and excited. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, she has a clear sense of direction, greater control over her business, and renewed motivation to continue developing Magic Castle Soft Play with confidence and clarity.

The structured guidance, practical resources and ongoing support have made a huge difference and given me the confidence to move forward.

Take your business further

Whether you’re shaping a new idea or developing an existing one, Cumbria Accelerator helps local businesses turn potential into progress. 

Contact us today via the contact form on our website for expert advice, one-to-one support and practical tools to help your business grow.