Businesswoman acquires second North West nursery

North West entrepreneur Danielle Hignett has acquired Park Avenue Nursery in Sale.

The deal, backed with funding from Allied Irish Bank (GB), is Danielle’s second nursery acquisition to date.

She bought Holly Tree Montessori Nursery in Edgeley, Stockport, in 2015. The site is currently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and employs 20 staff.

With Park Avenue now part of her portfolio, Danielle has rebranded the centre to Pear Tree Montessori Nursery and created five jobs to support the site’s growth plans. Capacity at the nursery has also increased for children up to five years old.

Under the Montessori approach, children are educated through self-directed activity, collaborative play and hands-on learning rather than through traditional methods.

At Pear Tree Montessori Nursery, care will be provided across five rooms, each catering for a separate age group, theme and purpose.

Danielle, owner of parent firm Hignett Holdings, said: “I am delighted to acquire Park Avenue Nursery and expand the facilities and continue the high standards of care that have been established.

“I am a qualified Montessori teacher myself and am excited to enhance the nursery’s existing facilities and learning by introducing our proven techniques and activities.”

She continued: “The acquisition of this nursery grows my business to two Montessori nurseries. The backing of Allied Irish Bank (GB) has proven to be instrumental in helping with this acquisition and giving me the confidence to grow my business.”

Allied Irish Bank (GB) relationship manager David Booth assisted Danielle throughout the acquisition process.

David commented: “It has been a huge privilege to be involved in the growth and acquisition of this nursery.

“Danielle Hignett is a well-established operator who has a great reputation for delivering high quality childcare and learning centred around the Montessori philosophy.”

He added: “The acquisition forms part of the Hignett Holdings commitment to expand its footprint across the area and I would like to wish Danielle and the team all the best for the future of the Pear Tree Montessori Nursery.”

A team from Manchester law firm Kuits provided commercial and legal advice on the deal. The team comprised banking and real estate finance partner David Marlor, commercial property partner Stephen Lopeman and corporate associate Helen Mather.

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