Q&A with Sophie Hailey, New Sites Manager at Busy Bees
We spoke with Sophie Hailey, New Sites Manager at Busy Bees
Name: Sophie Hailey
Role: New Sites Manager – UK & Ireland
Who are Busy Bees?
Busy Bees is the nation’s leading nursery group, operating c. 400 sites in the UK & Ireland and over 1,000 globally. The brand was founded in 1983 and now has sites across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, North America, and Asia.
How many locations do Busy Bees have?
We have circa 400 in the UK & Ireland and over 1,000 globally.
Target locations?
Please see our flyer attached below, which details our key targets. We review all locations on their merits.
How many new locations are you targeting?
Minimum 15 per year, however we have ambitious growth plans for the group, therefore the business is keen for as many new sites as possible.
Size requirements?
4,000 – 7,000 sq.ft of internal space
Additional requirements?
External play area and 15 on-site car parking spaces. The design and sizing can be tailored specific to the location. Strong street frontage and ideally close to residential areas, with good transport links and demographic catchment.
Planning consent?
We require use class E.
Freehold or Leasehold?
We explore both freehold and leasehold options.
Recent openings or new locations in the pipeline?
In 2025, we have opened new sites in Dublin, Maidstone, Crowborough, Marylebone, Bagshot and Leamington, with more new openings planned for the remainder of the year in London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Bedfordshire.
Our new sites are a mixture of various ex-use classes and both conversion & new build opportunities.
Do you pay intro fees?
Yes, highly competitive incentive fees are paid to introducing parties.
Additional Questions:
What are the main challenges you face when acquiring new property?
Securing a space which ticks the boxes in terms of suitable premises (size/outside space/parking/street frontage/design and construction viability), as well as suitable location with optimal demographics.
What is your favourite building?
Busy Bees Bagshot, Surrey (below)
Contact details?
Russell Morgan - Senior New Sites Manager
Mobile: 07811 850781
Email: russell.morgan@busybees.com
Sophie Hailey - New Sites Manager
Mobile: 07967 851196
Email: Sophie.Hailey@busybees.com
Vanessa Atkins - New Sites Administrator
Mobile: 07779 457476
Email: Vanessa.atkins@busybees.com
ROI
David Linehan - Estates & New Sites Manager (Ireland)
Mobile: 087 -4522980
Email: David.Linehan@busybees.ie
