A husband and wife team who transformed a Burnley nursery on the brink of closure into a thriving business have expanded further across Lancashire.
Helen and Nigel Harrison-Howarth took over at Towneley Park Nursery in Todmorden Road in 2016, which now has 25 dedicated staff and provides early years education and a holiday club for 120 children aged 0-11.
The couple have now expanded their childcare business across the county with the purchase of Tree Tots Nursery in Kirkham, supported by Rosebud, part of Lancashire County Council's business growth service.
They are aiming to double the nursery's current intake and support more families in a growing area, as government funding for childcare hours is set for further expand this year.
The sale of Tree Tots was driven by health reasons for the former owner and, while the services will continue as normal, there are big plans to upgrade the interior and modernise the facility.
Helen and Nigel will be introducing a new management structure to ensure efficient management of both nurseries, with a newly appointed nursery manager and an experienced area manager to oversee operations across both sites.
Helen said: "We want to build on Tree Tots' existing strengths. We're looking forward to transforming it into a vibrant, fully-occupied nursery that serves the local community.
Nigel added: "Our experience with Rosebud has been incredibly positive. Their team has been exceptionally supportive and dedicated throughout the process.
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"It's encouraging to work with a programme tied to our local authority, knowing the benefits flow directly back to the community."
County Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “Creating early years environments that nurture the future generations of Lancashire and set them up to thrive, forms a key part of Lancashire County Council’s strategic priorities.
"I am impressed with what Nigel and Helen have achieved at Towneley Park Nursery and delighted that our Business Growth Service is enabling them to further support families within our communities.”
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