Omagh Sisters Win Award For Their Sensory Learning Business
The McAleer sisters from Omagh who set up their business ‘Learning SPACE’ are celebrating after they received an award at the recent Belfast Chamber Business Awards.
Lorraine (34) and Mary McAleer (30), established Learning SPACE in 2008, giving up their careers in teaching and social work.
Learning SPACE, an educational toy and resource business in the heart of Belfast City Centre, was awarded the coveted Customer Service Excellence award for an Independent retailer at the recent Belfast Chamber Business Awards.
Mary was also a Business Person of the Year finalist at the awards ceremony.
The business focuses on providing children with additional and special needs and was inspired by their younger sister Emma who has Soto’s Syndrome.
The family run business has quickly became the ‘go-to supplier’ for parents, teachers, therapists for all their sensory and educational needs.
Demand for such a business has been high and the sisters will now open their flagship store in Newry this summer.
As well as expanding their Belfast business they aim to roll out ten stores across Ireland and Britain within the next five years.
Mary explained, “From day one, the customers have always been our main focus.
“We know what it’s like to have to search for appropriate resources for someone with additional needs and come up short; we didn’t want this to be the case for others. People with additional and special needs deserved better.”
Lorraine added, “We were absolutely delighted to just be nominated. “But to win the award has been such a boost to the entire team.
“When you have thankful parents responding positively to what you are doing on a daily basis you know you are on the right track.”
Source: ulsterherald.com
