Leyland childcare entrepreneur expands into Greater Manchester

Day nursery entrepreneur Victoria Adams has expanded her business with the acquisition of a popular childcare setting in Greater Manchester.

Victoria, who founded Teddy Towers in her former home in Clayton-le-Woods, Leyland in 2016, has bought Toddlers Pre-School Learning in Whitefield, Bury in a deal arranged by the Bury-based business transfer specialist Abacus Day Nursery Sales.

The nursery, which was marketed with a guide price of £149,995 to take over the business and the lease on the premises, is rated ‘Good’ by the regulator Ofsted.

Ms Adams worked as a commercial manager for a high street bank before entering the childcare sector five years ago.

Her Leyland business is registered to provide 30 childcare places and has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Toddlers Pre-School Learning was established in the grounds of Ribble Drive Primary School, Whitefield in 2007 by Alison Smith, who appointed Abacus Day Nursery Sales, a specialist division of Blacks Business Brokers, to find a new owner for the business to allow her to retire.

The business is registered to provide up to 43 full-time childcare places and, in its most recent financial year, achieved turnover of more than £327,000.

Its manager, deputy manager and nine staff have stayed on following the change in ownership.

Among the factors Ms Adams said attracted her to the Toddlers business were its open plan layout, which is similar to that of Teddy Towers, and its large outdoor area.
Its location in the grounds of a primary school was another selling point for her.

Following its acquisition the name of the business has been changed from Toddlers Pre-School Learning to Toddlers Children’s Nursery to emphasise the fact the business also cares for babies and younger toddlers.

Ms Adams also plans to develop the nursery’s outdoor area and, over time, to introduce a number of elements of Teddy Towers, which is a plastic-free setting, to the business.

Toddlers is Ms Adams’s first acquisition of a new business. While she has no immediate plans to add further to her business portfolio, her long term plan is to build up a group of up to five nurseries in and around Lancashire.

Chelsea Melnyk, sales negotiator at Abacus Day Nursery Sales, said: “I am really pleased to have been able to help Victoria with her first acquisition.

“Her existing business has a fantastic ethos and Toddlers is a great premises in a brilliant location with a fabulous team, so I am sure this new chapter for the nursery will be its best yet.”

Ms Adams received legal advice on the deal from Birchall Blackburn Solicitors. Funding for the transaction was provided by Unity Trust Bank.

Andy Ball, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, said, “Unity is proud to support businesses that provide access to quality early childhood care and development so that children are ready for primary education.

“We’re delighted to be able to assist Victoria as she expands her business and offers outdoor learning experiences to more children.”