Scottish nursery group on expansion trail

The chain’s acquisition was supported by Clydesdale Bank, which contributed a £270,000 funding package.

Mayhar Mortazavi, founder of Wee Gems and local entrepreneur, said, ‘Croileagan Nursery was a perfect fit for our group, but we were running out of time to conclude the deal. Incredibly, Clydesdale Bank was able to arrange a suitable funding package in just one week, enabling us to secure the nursery’s purchase and the future of its staff.’

The rebranded Wee Gems Croileagan nursery opened at the start of August, after the previous owners retired.

Mr Mortazavi said, ‘After a full refurbishment, including a new climbing frame that the children love, Wee Gems Croileagan has now been fully integrated into the group.’

The new nursery is registered to provide 55 places and will create a further 10 new jobs, to add to the 81 staff now employed across the group.

The senior team includes a primary school teacher with extensive pre-school experience and a number of staff hold degrees.

The group’s nurseries all have outdoor areas designed to promote active learning.

Turnover at Wee Gems is expected to grow from £1.3m to £1.7m this year.

Wee Gems was founded in 2005 by Mr Mortazavi with the opening of a site in Broxburn, followed by a second facility in Livingston just two years later.

Altogether, the chain’s three settings now offer places for more than 250 children.

Derek Breingan, Clydesdale Bank’s head of healthcare, said, ‘We welcome the opportunity to help Wee Gems expand its provision of quality childcare services.

‘Since the group was founded in 2005, Wee Gems has become renowned for its high standard of facilities and its caring, well-qualified staff. Its investment in providing the best learning environment possible for young children is benefiting families and the business alike.’

Wee Gems is planning further expansion in Edinburgh in the future.