BGF invests in Clever Clogs Day Nursery to fund North East expansion

BGF has completed a multi-million-pound investment in Clever Clogs Day Nursery to support its expansion across the North East of England. The investment will fund new site development and strategic acquisitions. The amount was not disclosed.

Clever Clogs was founded in 2006 when Andrea Townsley opened its first nursery in Durham. The group later bought an additional Durham site in 2011 and Little Ladybirds in Stockton-on-Tees in 2021. It has capacity for around 340 children, employs more than 100 staff, and two of its three sites are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

As part of the deal, BGF investor John Healey joins the board, and Ann Elliott, sourced through BGF's Talent Network, becomes chair. Townsley said the company chose BGF because it shares its long-term ambitions and commitment to maintaining standards. BGF has previously backed Tigers Childcare and Kids Planet Day Nurseries.