WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO INVEST IN THE CHILDCARE SECTOR BY BUYING 3 BEARS?
I’ve always loved spending time with children, and the sector gives a great opportunity to make a real and very worthwhile difference. It’s also a very attractive business as it has longevity, is recurring, has strong demographic, societal and public policy drivers, and offers good returns. All while making a difference and having fun!
WHY DID THE PURCHASE OF 3 BEARS RENFREW APPEAL TO YOU?
After choosing the childcare sector, I set criteria for nursery businesses in order to narrow down my search. These included their history and how long they’d been established, their quality, as evidenced by Care Inspectorate and Scottish Social Services Council ratings and parent feedback, a qualified, expert and loyal management and staff team, and a strong financial performance. 3 Bears Renfrew quickly emerged as the clear and compelling candidate on all fronts. From here, I was able to secure a business loan from Barclays to complete the purchase.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RETAIN THE ORIGINAL STAFF TEAM?
3 Bears is an excellent nursery business and its staff and managers are very largely responsible for that. Their expertise is in delivering very good care and support while driving continuous improvement. My expertise is in providing the vision, resources and support they need to do that to the highest possible standard. The future is bright for all of us at 3 Bears, but I couldn’t do it without them, and vice versa.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR FUTURE IN CHILDCARE?
I’m on a very steep learning curve and so I suppose the biggest single challenge will be getting up to speed as quickly as possible. But I am most looking forward to seeing the children, parents and staff continue to enjoy the 3 Bears experience, and to being able to deliver lasting improvements to those experiences. 3 Bears is my first nursery, but I expect it won’t be my last.