4/9/2019 | Childcare & Education

Surrey preschool to undergo transformation under experienced new owner

Little Lanes Preschool, located in Farncombe, close to the town of Godalming in Surrey, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, to an existing operator in the childcare sector.



Operating from a converted premises, the Ofsted rated ‘Good’ preschool is ideally situated in a residential area, providing an accessible location for families in the area and further afield, due to town’s proximity to the busy A3. The site also sits a short distance from Farncombe rail station, convenient for commuting parents on their way to work.

Previous owner, Kelly Lane decided to sell the business in order to pursue a different career outside of the sector and comments, “As an independent small business owner, selling my business seemed to be a daunting task! However, Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co ensured that each step of the transaction was explained and the communication was excellent throughout, from start to finish. I would highly recommend Christie & Co to others.”

Eamonn O’Connor, the new owner of Little Lanes Preschool, is an experienced operator with one ‘Outstanding’ site in Chiswick and a ‘Good’ rated site in Reading, having previously purchased one setting through Christie & Co. He is now undertaking a full refurbishment and remodelling of the property and is looking to increase its capacity and open full time for full day care services. 

Mr O’Connor comments, “I am delighted to have acquired the opportunity to develop the site of this nursery in Farncombe. We were persuaded to visit the setting by Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co and even though it didn't appear to meet our requirements, she thought it offered the potential to deliver what we were looking to achieve. We recognised the potential immediately and now have ambitious plans to build a new and more spacious setting on the site. 

“This is the second setting we have acquired through Christie & Co and we expect to complete on our third shortly. As ever, the sales process was managed effectively, due in no small measure to Sophie's efficiency, diligence and good humour.”

Sophie Willcox, Associate Director at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comments, “It was a pleasure working for Kelly and I wish her the best of luck with her new venture. The nursery generated a lot of interest due to its charming appearance, location and the lease terms that were on offer. We are delighted to have secured such a successful operator in Eamonn to take over the business and are sure that he will bring an excellent new childcare setting to Farncombe.”