The Nursery Paradox

Why your business may be worth more, and feel harder to run, than ever before

Our strategic white paper offers practical advice and explores the challenges, opportunities, and strategic choices facing nursery owners in 2026 and beyond.

Download the white paper

Download the white paper

Why now matters

Nursery valuations are climbing. Buyer interest remains strong. Yet for many owners, the day-to-day reality feels tougher than it has in years: squeezed margins, workforce shortages, shifting funding models and a regulatory landscape that never stands still.

In The Nursery Paradox, we unpack why these two truths exist side by side, and what they mean for the decisions you're facing right now. Whether you're investing for growth, preparing for a sale, or simply making sure your business is as resilient as it can be.

What you'll find inside

Why nursery valuations continue to rise despite margin pressure
The five forces reshaping the early years sector
Key funding, workforce and regulatory challenges, and how owners are responding
The strategic choices every nursery owner faces: grow, hold or exit
How the right preparation can significantly increase your business value
Practical actions for the next 90 days, 12 months and three years

Download the white paper

Download the white paper

Download the white paper

Informed by our work with nursery businesses at every stage, from first setting to multi-site group.

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LATEST INSIGHTS

Our impact stories

CMA early years market study: what investors should watch

What the CMA early years study means for nursery investors and operators.

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Building a more profitable nursery, not just a bigger one

Turnover is a vanity metric. Profit is the measure that matters

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What makes a nursery acquisition succeed or fail?

The deal is the easy part. What comes next decides everything.

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Three questions every nursery owner should ask before they expand

Feeling ready to expand and being ready are not the same thing

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The true cost of standing still in the day nursery sector

Learn more

What does growth actually look like in day nurseries in 2026?

Learn more

CMA early years market study: what investors should watch

What the CMA early years study means for nursery investors and operators.

Learn more

Building a more profitable nursery, not just a bigger one

Turnover is a vanity metric. Profit is the measure that matters

Learn more

What makes a nursery acquisition succeed or fail?

The deal is the easy part. What comes next decides everything.

Learn more

Three questions every nursery owner should ask before they expand

Feeling ready to expand and being ready are not the same thing

Learn more

The true cost of standing still in the day nursery sector

Learn more

What does growth actually look like in day nurseries in 2026?

Learn more