Nottingham manufacturer acquires soft play business

Nottingham-based soft play equipment manufacturer Active Learning has been acquired by Global Solutions for Clothing, a design and manufacture firm also located in Nottingham, for an undisclosed six figure sum.

Active Learning specialises in soft play equipment for the nursery and preschool education sector. It will become a part of the Global Solutions for Clothing portfolio from September, creating synergy with the latter’s Pretend to Bee children’s costume brand.

Global Solutions for Clothing has created children’s costumes for 25 years, notably supplying to The Walt Disney Corporation throughout its retail operations worldwide.

Harrison Palmer, managing director at Global Solutions for Clothing, said: “Active Learning share our core values and culture with our products closely aligned. We are really excited to diversify our product range via the acquisition as we seek to grow and strengthen our business working with the Active Learning team. It is also a huge bonus to us that we can return to manufacturing in the UK, something we haven’t been able to do since 2014.

“Our customers and indeed Active Learning customers can expect continued customer service excellence alongside range extensions and new product development for both Active Learning and Pretend to Bee as we create new collections within this innovative, fast-moving sector.”