A family-run childcare nursery in North Liverpool has transformed a former pub into a thriving local firm thanks to expert local support powering its bold expansion.
Bonnie Bear Nursery, founded by Hayley and Charlie Murtagh (pictured), is a family-run hub that creates a nurturing space where little ones thrive and offers a modern, home-from-home environment for children between 12 weeks and five years.
And thanks to Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service, Bonnie Bear got the boost it needed to grow at a crucial time. From expert advice on grant applications to shaping a clear business plan, the team helped secure vital funding, strengthen strategy and build confidence – turning a family vision into a thriving, sustainable childcare hub.
What began as a deeply personal idea quickly became a thriving business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hayley and Charlie took a leap of faith when they saw the former Plough pub, on Rice Lane, for sale. “We walked into the building and I just said, ‘I can see this as a nursery’,” says Hayley.
By March 2021, after months of hard work, renovation and a steep learning curve, Bonnie Bear opened its doors.
Hayley explained the personal story behind the name: “In early 2020, I was six months pregnant and we lost our little girl, who we called Bonnie. We’d always talked about starting a nursery together and following the loss, Bonnie Bear became something new and exciting to focus on.”
In April 2025, Bonnie Bear expanded into a brand-new building on its grounds, launching a Breakfast, After-School and Holiday Club. It’s a warm and nurturing space where children continue their journey from babyhood to school-ready independence.
As Bonnie Bear’s reputation grew, so did demand for places. But, when the opportunity arose through new grant funding, Hayley wasn’t sure where to start and took up an offer from Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
“I’d never ever done a grant application before,” Hayley admits. “We always wanted to do breakfast and after school clubs – they were in our original business plan – but I didn’t know how to take that next step.”
With expansion plans on hold and the need for sustainable growth clear, Hayley was introduced to advisor Mark Butchard through the Business Support Service.
Mark worked closely with Hayley to navigate the grant process, refine her business plan, and develop a clear vision for the nursery’s future.
“Mark knew what he was talking about,” Hayley says. “He made us really think about what our ethos was, what our vision is and what tools are needed to achieve that.”
Together, they created a strong business case and financial forecast, securing funding awarded by LCC’s Early Years team to support expansion and improve sustainability. Mark’s support and advice helped them stay focused and adapt. “He’s a sounding board – I know he’s always there for us,” Hayley explains.
Beyond the funding itself, the partnership helped Hayley and her team understand forecasting, business planning and strategic growth. It also gave her confidence as a business owner. “When we started out, I was paying the manager’s wage out of my own wage – I just thought, how are we going to make this work? But it’s grown so organically.”
Alongside the specialist one-to-one advice, the business support team has kept Hayley updated on other opportunities to support growth, including a place at Merseyrail Local Business Week, which included a place to exhibit at Aintree station.
The results of the collaboration are transformational. With one successful funding round – an extension to the original nursery and £70,000 funding for a new building on the site – which the Murtaghs have matched themselves – Bonnie Bear has:
- Increased capacity significantly, with space to support up to 126 children a day including a new baby room
- Created 18 new places for two-year-olds and 12 places for three-year-olds
- Opened new Breakfast, After-School and Holiday clubs
- Strengthened its ethos, vision and business plan for long-term sustainability
The nursery’s warm, homely environment continues to set it apart. With underfloor heating, outdoor play areas and plans for a future forest school, Bonnie Bear offers a truly nurturing experience.
“When people walk in, they say it’s got that ‘wow feeling” Hayley smiles. “It’s really warm and welcoming – we’re so proud of it.”
The nursery now boasts high staff retention, a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating and is working towards the prestigious Millie’s Mark accreditation, recognising excellence in paediatric first aid training.
Looking ahead, Hayley’s ambitions show no sign of slowing. “We’d love to get more buildings, make them into nurseries, and hand them over to people who want to run them,” she says. “Charlie’s brilliant at renovating – he creates beautiful spaces from my ideas and I have the experience of setting up a nursery business from scratch, so it could work well.”
She also dreams of launching a training academy, helping her own apprentices build on their careers in early years education. “We currently only allow two apprentices at a time, but I’d love to have an in-house training academy one day,” she says. “I often look at my team’s activities and what they provide for the children, they’re absolutely amazing. I’m so proud of the setting.”
With continued support from Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service, Bonnie Bear is proof that with passion, perseverance and the right guidance, a small idea can grow into something special.
Ready to grow your business? Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service offers expert advice, funding guidance and practical tools to help you succeed. Find out more and start your journey today at: www.liverpool.gov.uk/businesssupportservice.
This support is part of Liverpool City Council’s UKSPF Business Support Service, a project funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, click here.