State-of-the-art Cheshire day nursery sold to Bright Stars

Footsteps is a long-established day nursery with operating capacity for up to 90 children aged nought to five years, which offers provision from a state-of-the-art property which was purpose-built five years ago. The remarkable setting offers high-quality childcare and education across two floors, comprising various unique facilities which include an art studio, nursery gym, biometric entry system, and an impressive children’s outdoor learning experience.

The nursery is located in Wilmslow, an affluent town of Cheshire East, attracting children in the immediate vicinity and also Handforth, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Stockport, Cheadle and the surrounding areas.

Having established the nursery in 2010, Evelyn Davies has built and implemented a highly successful business model and encouraged the business to flourish consistently in every aspect. She recently decided to sell to seek retirement.

Following a confidential process with Sofia Beck at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Bright Stars which now owns 110 settings across the country.

Evelyn Davies, the previous owner, comments, “It has been a hugely difficult decision to sell Footsteps Wilmslow and one that has taken many months of consideration. It was made much easier after meeting Stephen at Bright Stars and we believe they are the perfect company to take the nursery and the staff on to the next wonderful stage of the journey and to even more exciting times. We are delighted to have found in Bright Stars a team who will maintain the essence of Footsteps Wilmslow and its uniqueness as a setting, enabling the nursery to continue to thrive and to provide the same quality of childcare that families have come to expect, for many more years to come.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff for their fantastic contributions to making Footsteps Wilmslow the amazing place that it is, and for bringing their own unique and wonderful talents to share with the children and families every day. It has also been a joy and a privilege to serve the families of Wilmslow for the last 15 years and we thank everyone who entrusted Footsteps to care, develop, and nurture their children over the years.”

Kirsty Ibbot, M&A Director at Bright Stars Nursery Group, comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Footsteps Nursery Wilmslow to the Bright Stars family. This acquisition allows us to expand our presence in the local community and provide even more families with the highest standard of early years education and childcare. We are excited about the opportunities this brings and look forward to building upon the excellent reputation of Footsteps Nursery.

“Parents and guardians can rest assured that their children's welfare and educational needs will continue to be a top priority. We will work closely with the staff and families of Footsteps Nursery Wilmslow to ensure a continuation of the excellent care and education that Footsteps Nursery has been known for.”

Sofia Beck, Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, comments, “I first met Evelyn around seven years ago and it’s always been very clear to me that her passion and dedication to providing high-quality childcare was of extreme importance to her. After keeping in touch over the years and following Evelyn’s impressive journey with growing and relocating the nursery, I’m extremely pleased to have assisted her with her exit and introduced a suitable new owner for her wonderful setting. It’s great to see Bright Stars continue the growth of their impressive portfolio in the North West, and I wish them continued success with their latest addition.”

Footsteps Nursery Wilmslow was sold for an undisclosed price.

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For further information on this press release, contact:
Phoebe Burrows, Corporate Communications Manager
P: 07540 063 598 or E: phoebe.burrows@christie.com

Contact the agent:
Sofia Beck, Director – Childcare & Education
P: 07736 616 687 or E: sofia.beck@christie.com

Visit Christie & Co’s Business Search page to find out more about current childcare and education listings.