'Thriving' day nursery sold as owners retire

A day nursery in Liverpool has been sold and its owners have decided to retire. John and Ann Miller have owned and operated Sure Steps day nursery on Derby Lane in Old Swan since 2011 but they recently decided to sell as they wished to start their retirement and the property was owned by their pension fund.

Following a confidential sales process with Sofia Beck at Christie & Co, Sure Steps has been acquired by Merseyside-based Bumbles Nursery Group. This is the fourth setting in its growing portfolio, joining sites in Maghull, Orrell Park and Aintree.

Sure Steps is a long-established nursery which has an effective operating capacity for 58 children aged nought to five years. The nursery boasts regular repeat custom from both local and commuting parents due to its reputation and its childcare is provided from a four-storey property that sits in a prominent position on Derby Lane.

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John and Ann Miller, former owners of Sure Steps, said: “When we acquired the setting, we could see the potential. We have invested in the nursery over the years and it has consistently grown and transformed into a thriving setting with passionate and committed staff caring for generations of children. We are sure that Ian and the Bumbles Nursery Group team’s enthusiasm for childcare will continue our legacy."

Ian Makinson, Director at Bumbles Nursery Group, said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Sure Steps Nursery on Derby Lane, adding a fourth location to our family of nurseries in Merseyside. This expansion strengthens our commitment to providing excellent early years care and education in the Liverpool and Sefton areas, ensuring that more families have access to quality childcare within their communities.

"Our team looks forward to welcoming more children to Bumbles Nursery and continuing to offer a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment that inspires young learners. We would like to thank the families and staff at Sure Steps Nursery for their trust as we transition to this new phase. Our goal remains to build on our strengths while upholding the high standards of care that parents and carers have come to expect from Bumbles Nursery Group.”

Sofia Beck, director of childcare and education at Christie & Co, added: “This was a confidential opportunity which attracted Bumbles Nursery Group from the offset due to its location and outstanding reputation. The nursery is an excellent addition to the three other nurseries they currently own.

"We were delighted to assist Ann and John with the sale which sets them off on their journey toward retirement, and it's great to help Angela and their team secure this nursery which undoubtedly has further scope and potential for them to build on and explore.”