Kids Planet mulls global expansion

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The UK’s second largest nursery chain, Kids Planet, is mulling over an international

expansion strategy that has the potential to transform the group into a global childcare powerhouse.

Speaking at TheBusinessDesk.com’s annual Rainmakers Conference, Kids Planet CEO, Clare Roberts, said there are opportunities in the US, Europe, and the Middle East where the group can leverage its reputation for high-quality childcare and innovative operational model to break into new territories.

She said: “The international opportunity is enormous. The US market has been massively disrupted by COVID-19, creating unique expansion possibilities that we’re eager to explore.

“Regulation is key in childcare, and, at Kids Planet, we are in an excellent position to leverage the UK’s internationally respected childcare provision.

“Each state in the US is almost like a separate country, and every international market has its own complex regulatory environment. We’ve already proven we can navigate this by successfully expanding into Wales, demonstrating our ability to maintain our culture and values across different regulatory landscapes.”

Founded in 2008 during the financial crisis, Kids Planet emerged from Roberts’ personal challenge of finding flexible childcare while maintaining a demanding career.

What began as a two-nursery operation has transformed into a £200m enterprise employing 7,000 staff. Kids Planet currently has 235 nurseries, caring for 36,500 children across the UK.