A GLASGOW businesswoman has become the new owner of a Renfrew nursery business, thanks to a funding package from Barclays.
Mandie McCutcheon has secured a funding package of more than £500,000 from Barclays, allowing her to purchase the 3 Bears Nursery in Renfrew, which caters for almost 200 children aged 6 weeks to 9 years.
While new to the sector, McCutcheon brings extensive professional experience in PR, marketing and customer service to help manage her new venture.
Future plans include upgrading facilities and resources including internal and external refurbishment of the premises, improving transport with a new minibus and introducing new technology. The nursery, on the site of a former church, has been operating for 22 years. McCutcheon will retain the entire current team of employees.
McCutcheon said: “The team at Barclays has been a great support throughout the purchase process and I’ve been impressed with their personal approach and the efforts made to get to know the business, viewing it from a long-term and strategic perspective.
“I’m proud and excited to take the reins of 3 Bears and feel very confident and optimistic about the future. Keeping the same talented and hardworking team, who I get on very well with, will mean a great deal for both the parents and children who use the nursery.
“Working closely with Renfrewshire Council, we hope to secure the position as the education employer of choice in the area, both through improving the current team’s skills and experience and creating further employment opportunities.”
Stuart Brown of Barclays, said: “As new owner, Mandie has a clear vision for the future of the nursery and we’re pleased to have been able to assist with both the business purchase and day-to-day banking process.”
“The education sector is becoming a key focus for our Business Banking team in Scotland and our growing expertise, plus the track record of client success, allow us to offer effective solutions for businesses at all stages.”
The deal is the latest in a number of funding packages Barclays has delivered for the early years education sector.
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