The owners of a nursery in Burnley have bought Tree Tots Nursery in Kirkham, Lancashire, in a leasehold sale facilitated by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.

Tree Tots was established in 2007 by previous owner, Emma Whittaker, who built the nursery organically after converting the former industrial unit to nursery premises. The setting has an effective operating capacity for 90 children up to the age of five.

The business has been acquired by existing nursery operators Helen Harrison and Nigel Howarth of Towneley Park Nursery Ltd, who have a freehold setting in Burnley.

“We are delighted to take over the ownership of this business, and look forward to the exciting challenge of working alongside the invaluable existing staff team to develop and enhance the nursery further so it reaches its full potential,” said Harrison.

Sofia Beck, director – childcare & education at Christie & Co, said: “The ‘new lease’ sale structure is growing more popular with nursery operators looking to exit and is often an attractive option for purchasers. In this case, the purchasers agreed a short-term lease with the vendor, acquiring the goodwill initially with a plan to buy the freehold property later down the line which, on this occasion, suits both parties.”

She added: “It’s encouraging to see how active the nursery market has been in recent months, and great how local operators are fast growing their groups and showing a serious appetite for new opportunities.”