Faces Childcare in Chelmsford, Essex, has been sold to Storal, which now owns 54 settings across the UK.

Established 13 years ago, Little Faces Childcare is a ‘Good’-rated day nursery setting registered to care for up to 62 children.

It operates from two converted and extended cottage-style buildings in a tranquil setting on the outskirts of the affluent Essex town of Chelmsford.

Following a confidential sales process with David Eaves at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Storal.

Sarah Mackenzie, chief executive at Storal, said: “Little Faces has been part of the local community for over 23 years and has built a strong reputation.

“What resonated with us is how closely the nursery’s values align with our own: a genuine commitment to putting children at the heart of everything and creating a nurturing, supportive environment.”

Eaves adds: “Having first met Jane in 2021, it was clear that Little Faces was a fantastic business, but that it wasn’t quite realising its full potential at that time.

“Jane has put in a tremendous amount of work over the intervening period to make the necessary changes, allowing the business to flourish and create an attractive proposition for a buyer such as Storal at a time when the market is incredibly buoyant.

“This is a great example of an owner getting the right advice and planning their exit well in advance in order to achieve the best value; and I wish Jane all the very best for the future.”

Little Faces Childcare was sold for an undisclosed price.