Day nursery group site acquired by first-time buyers
A long-established Little People Nurseries setting in Heckmondwike has been sold for an undisclosed sum.
Set up in 1992, this Little People Nurseries setting is a fully managed childcare business with a capacity for up to 78 children.
It has been owned by Vicky Hallas-Fawcett, of Little People Nurseries, since 2016 and was brought to market to allow her to downsize her operations and concentrate on the three other settings in the group.
Following a confidential sales process with Vicky Marsland at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through David Quigg at Christie Finance, it has been purchased by Jill Dyson and Carly Cowling, both of whom have backgrounds in primary education.
They had been looking to purchase or set up their own children’s day nursery following an increase in demand for childcare over the last few years.
Hallas-Fawcett said: “Since arriving at Goose Hill eight years ago as Little People, we have enjoyed seeing the nursery develop into the confident and welcoming nursery it is today.
“We are happy to have found new owners who share our drive and enthusiasm for the children’s experience in the nursery.”
Dyson and Cowling said: “Working in education allowed us to visit nursery settings. It was often easy to understand why children were not school-ready.
“We wanted to make a real difference within our local community, to give the children the best possible start to education.
“On viewing the property, we could see the potential to create our vision as it had vast outdoor space in which we can create an all-weather outdoor provision.
“We have already introduced resources to create a homely and cosy environment.”
Vicky Marsland, associate director – childcare & education at Christie & Co, said: “Amidst the changes we’re seeing in the childcare sector, largely the increase of funding hours subsidised by the Government, we’re experiencing an increase of new entrants to the sector and local operators looking to acquire day nurseries in a range of sizes, locations, and budgets.
“There is no doubt of an increased demand for quality childcare settings across Yorkshire and beyond.”
David Quigg, finance consultant at Christie Finance, added: “It was a pleasure to arrange the funding for two enthusiastic first-time buyers. Their passion and knowledge in childcare were impressive and inspired confidence in both the funder and me regarding their business venture.
“Special thanks to Asset Advantage who took the time to understand the requirements and really made the process as painless as possible for the customer.”
Legal advice was provided by Jack Stephenson at Harrison Drury Solicitors who acted for the purchasers, and Katie McAlister at Excello Law who acted for the sellers.
