Thrive is one of the UK’s largest children’s nursery groups.

Overview

Thrive operates 49 children’s nursery settings in North West England and Scotland under a range of recognised local brands. Thrive is committed to delivering high quality early years education to children aged from three months onwards and many settings have a particular emphasis on nature-led education with extensive outdoors areas.

The management team is led by CEO Cary Rankin, who has been with the group since 2015, and CFO Will Newton, supported by Chair Malcolm Hughes. They are supported by a strong senior management team who have significant experience in the education sector.

Thrive play

Investment strategy

Thrive’s nurseries are well-positioned to benefit from growing demand for quality early years education across the UK. The UK nursery sector remains highly fragmented with a significant number of privately-owned single sites. Apiary is providing additional capital and strategic support to support the acquisitive growth strategy.

Key details

Number of nurseries
49
Number of staff members
1,200
Headquarters
Manchester
Investment date
February 2019
Sector
Education
Status
Current
Visit Website

Our partnership with Apiary will allow us to continue to invest in our nurseries and deliver the very best levels of care and education. In addition, there is a clear opportunity to expand Thrive's footprint through selective acquisitions.

Cary Rankin
Thrive CEO