The former owner of a group of nurseries is returning to the early years sector with the acquisition of a Shropshire setting.

Hannah Vyse, who previously owned a small group of settings as a joint venture, has purchased Whitchurch Pre-School, established in 2002. Vyse sold her original nursery group to focus on her family, and now wants to ease back into the sector with a small acquisition, aiming to grow a group.

Whitchurch Pre-School, which provides childcare to up to 65 children, was owned by Julie Allmark from 2010 onwards, and was brought to market to allow her to retire.  The deal was facilitated by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.

“I was really interested in this setting due to its great location and superb potential,” said Vyse. “I’d like to develop further on from the hard work which Julie and the team had put into the setting and to create a further community around the nursery and what it has to offer to the families of Whitchurch and the surrounding areas.”

“As I was previously the manager before taking ownership of the nursery, I developed it from the ground up, but as the owner, I was able to develop our service and the building further to benefit the many families using our service,” said Allmark. “Deciding to sell was a very difficult decision. I felt the need to re-evaluate my work/life balance and a change of pace after being a part of the nursery for over two decades in one capacity or another.”

The sale was facilitated by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co. Jassi Sunner, associate director – childcare and education at Christie & Co, said: “Although this was a smaller day nursery business and set in a rural location, we still attracted a range of interest. With over 15 enquiries and a range of offers, my client accepted the offer from Hannah as she was very experienced and felt the business would be best placed in her capable hands.”