Expansion plan is child’s play for nursery firm

13/06/2011

One of Scotland’s leading nursery operators has expanded following new funding from Clydesdale Bank.

A funding package of £250,000 from Clydesdale Bank’s Bearsden Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) has enabled Glasgow-based Collin Care Ltd to acquire Rivendale Nursery in Bridge of Weir.

The move is the latest stage in Collin Care’s expansion programme following the acquisition last year of Cardonald Nursery.

The company already operates the Kiddieshack and Cabbage Patch nurseries in Wishaw and the Treetops Too Nursery in Saltcoats. The latest round of funding is part of Clydesdale Bank’s Investing for Growth strategy, an initiative which helps successful businesses to grow.

Collin Care Ltd was formed in 2008 by brothers Crawford and Douglas Collin and their sister Jean Smart with the trio having more than 20 years of nursery care experience between them.

The company employs approximately 60 staff and provides care for around 200 children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years.

Crawford Collin, director of Collin Care, commented: “We’re delighted to have completed this latest acquisition, bringing our stable of nurseries to five.

“We have an excellent relationship with the team at Clydesdale Bank and their support has been invaluable as we have rolled out our expansion programme.

“We will continue to explore opportunities to expand into new areas and to look for other potential acquisitions which will further enhance the business.”

Collin Care will shortly begin a programme of building and maintenance improvements at Rivendale which is located at Houston Road in Bridge of Weir.

Lynsey Officer, business partner at Clydesdale Bank’s Bearsden FSC, said:

“Collin Care has built an excellent reputation for the high standards of childcare it offers. We have worked closely with Crawford and his team as the business has grown and we are delighted to be able to offer our continued support as their expansion programme progresses.”

Clydesdale Bank launched its new business support initiative – Investing for Growth – to help successful businesses grow and develop. The support package offers both new and existing business customers a dedicated planning service and a more flexible approach to lending.

Loan repayment holidays, interest-only repayments and extended loan and credit facilities are just some of the flexible support options available under the Investing for Growth initiative which also includes a dedicated financial planning service.