A Welsh language nursery in Cardiff is under new ownership in a deal backed with a six-figure lending facility from NatWest.
Si-lwli Nursery has been acquired by Graham and Charlotte Forrrester. The new owners secured a £250,000 loan from NatWest to part finance the acquisition.
Si-lwli, which was established in 2003, has a capacity for 51 children.
Mrs Forrester a qualified nursery practitioner, and her husband Graham have become directors of the nursery and have retained the existing team of 21 full and part-time staff.
Mr Forrester said: “When the opportunity arose to purchase Si-lwli, it was an easy decision for us, given our business and childcare experience, to take over ownership. Not only is Cardiff a growing city with increasing demand for childcare, but there are a limited number of Welsh medium nurseries like ours.
"With the Welsh Government’s vision for a million Welsh speakers by 2050, immersing children in the language at a young age is crucial.
“Thanks to the support from NatWest, we were able to purchase the nursery and use the time during lockdown to update the building, creating a more modern and child-friendly space for playing and learning. We have now reopened our doors and prospective parents and children can look around safely.”
Matthew Maunder, relationship manager at NatWest, said: “The funding we provided for Graham and Charlotte has allowed them to continue the presence of a Welsh medium nursery within Cardiff, as well as retain all of its existing employees. They made the most of lockdown
