Tops Day Nurseries becomes an employee-owned business

Under the move, all employees will have a say and stake, in the form of shares, in the company.

The nursery group hopes operating as an employee-owned trust will ‘cultivate a sense of ownership and accountability’ among its staff.

Tops is one of a few nursery groups in the country that now operates as an EOT. Childbase has been employee owned since 2017.

Cheryl Hadland, founder and chairwoman of Tops Day Nurseries and Aspire Training Team, said, ‘I am delighted and proud to have finally enabled Tops and Aspire to become an employee-owned business.

‘I explored several partial exit strategies including accepting one of the many ESG oriented venture capitalists into the business, but decided that the most sustainable progression would be an EOT,  protecting the ethos of the company, its sustainability and crucially enabling colleagues to be more engaged in their nurseries, a vital ingredient of a successful organisation these days. 

‘Tops and Aspire have been like my babies, I’ve put everything I am into them, but they have grown up now, and I see my job now as supporting them to fly into their next phase.’

To support the transition to an EOT, a Colleague Council with representatives from the company to open up dialogue and collaboration between everyone, has been formed.

Hayley Fisher, learning and development manager and a representative of the newly formed Colleague Council, commented, ‘I am really pleased with the transition to an Employee-Owned Trust as it allows us as colleagues and partners to be more invested in the company.

‘Being a Colleague Council representative, gives me the opportunity to share my own thoughts and give voice to others throughout the business. I believe this has so many benefits for the company and for its colleagues and partners, ultimately providing a happier working environment and a successful business.’