Dundee-based SHK property and investments has entered the community and care sector with the acquisition of The Wendyhouse nurseries in a deal to be used as a springboard to accelerate the expansion of the brand from its Angus base throughout Scotland.

Purchased by proprietor Jill Culross five years ago, The Wendyhouse currently operates two nurseries, at Kirriemuir and Forfar. SHK has signed a sale and leaseback deal with The Wendyhouse designed to drive forward the development of a new purpose-built nursery in Forfar.

 
Tony Hussain, SHK managing director, said, “By providing The Wendyhouse with the capital it needs to expand at its desired pace, SHK has afforded its tenant the opportunity to develop her business, whilst accommodating her existing financial and administrative infrastructure.

”We anticipate further projects of this kind within the community and care sectors as SHK seeks to acquire nurseries, nursing homes and care accommodation to develop operations catering for the vulnerable members of ou r society.”

 
Jill Culross, proprietor of The Wendyhouse, said, “The deal that we have struck with SHK means that we can bring forward our plans to grow the operation throughout Scotland. Indeed, we currently have several sites earmarked for new nurseries and anticipate completing negotiations on these within the next few months.”

Open 8.00am - 5.30pm every weekday, The Wendyhouse facilities include: a safe, secure, stimulating environment; playrooms; messy play/dining area; friendly, professional staff; meals and snacks prepared by a cook in their own kitchens; a minibus for trips and outings; out of school care and a holiday club.

Registered with The Scottish Commission For The Regulation of Childcare and approved by The Scottish Executive for pre-school education, The Wendyhouse works in partnership with Angus Council to provide funded pre-school and ante pre-school education.

In addition to providing tenants with a comprehensive range of advice on everything from business plans, cash flow, management, sales, marketing and success optimisation to refurbishing premises, business rollout strategies, including franchising, SHK Property and Investments offers sale and leaseback arrangements, helps raise finance for various ventures and, where appropriate, invests directly in operations.