Since summer 2001, when we first compiled our league table of the 20 largest nursery chains in the UK and Ireland, each new issue of the unique Nursery Chains directory has revealed dramatic changes. Some groups have disappeared, swallowed up by other providers; there have been new entrants and rapid growth, with the overall number of places provided by the top 20 growing from around 33,000 places to just under 44,000 in summer 2003 - an increase of more than 10,000 places in just two years.
However, this issue's league table reveals a break with precedent. There are no new entries; every single chain listed also appeared in the table in November 2002, although some have switched places. The ranking within the top ten is broadly unchanged and Asquith Court, Leapfrog, Jigsaw and Busy Bees continue to top the list. Growth has not been dramatic, either; market leader Asquith Court, for example, grew from 5,998 to 6,066. Still, the overall number of places has risen, up by about 2,000 from just under 42,000 in November 2002.
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