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Busy Bees celebrates 40 years in business

The UK’s largest early years provider, Busy Bees, has celebrated its 40th birthday with the launch of a new setting in Lichfield – the city where the nursery group opened its first site back in 1983.
From left: Busy Bees European CEO Chris McCandless and co-founder Marg Randles, Mayor of Lichfield Councillor Jamie Checkland, and Kelly Allington, centre director at Busy Bees Lichfield, cut the ribbon to declare the centre open PHOTO: Busy Bees
From left: Busy Bees European CEO Chris McCandless and co-founder Marg Randles, Mayor of Lichfield Councillor Jamie Checkland, and Kelly Allington, centre director at Busy Bees Lichfield, cut the ribbon to declare the centre open PHOTO: Busy Bees

Busy Bees invited local dignitaries, as well as families and friends who attended the first nursery to a launch event at the new setting.

The nursery group’s co-founder and chief academic officer, Marg Randles cut the ribbon to officially open the new setting with her daughter Emma Bell and grandson Jude, who will attend the nursery.

To mark the 40 years milestone, nearly 70,00 children, families and staff from Busy Bees nurseries around the world delivered a sing and sign chorus of Happy Birthday.

Busy Bees, which now operates nurseries across 10 countries – UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand - has also released a short film looking back at its heritage.

Randles (pictured above with her daughter and grandson) said, ‘This has been a proud and emotional day celebrating 40 years and a new nursery serving our Lichfield families, giving children the best start in life.

‘Thank you to our amazing teams, without whom Busy Bees would not be the global success it is today. And thank you to the supportive parents and, most of all, to the children who motivate and inspire us every day.’