The leasehold sale of Tree Tots Nursery in Kirkham, Lancashire, has been agreed.

Tree Tots was established in 2007 by Emma Whittaker, who built the nursery organically after converting the former industrial unit to early years premises.

Today, it is a well-regarded, high-quality setting with an effective operating capacity for 90 children aged 0-5 years.

Along with versatile and vibrant indoor play areas, the nursery offers an imaginative outdoor activity and learning environment, providing a variety of learning activities for each age group.

Fully managed by an experienced and dedicated staff team, it occupies a well-presented single-storey property in the densely-populated town of Freckleton in Kirkham.

Following a confidential sales process with Sofia Beck at Christie & Co, the business has been purchased by existing nursery operators, Helen Harrison and Nigel Howarth of Towneley Park Nursery Ltd, which has a freehold setting in Burnley.

Harrison said: “We are delighted to take over the ownership of this business and look forward to the exciting challenge of working alongside the invaluable existing staff team to develop and enhance the nursery further so it reaches its full potential.”

Beck added: “The ‘new lease’ sale structure is growing more popular with nursery operators looking to exit and is often an attractive option for purchasers.

“In this case, the purchasers agreed a short-term lease with the vendor, acquiring the goodwill initially with a plan to buy the freehold property later down the line which, on this occasion, suits both parties.

“Tree Tots makes an excellent addition for Helen and Nigel, with their previous experience and developing business working to their advantage.

“It’s encouraging to see how active the nursery market has been in recent months and great how local operators are fast growing their groups and showing a serious appetite for new opportunities.”

Tree Tots Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.