Transfer of childcare charity secures continuity for thousands of members

Vital charity services saved in rescue deal secured by FRP

Simon Carvill-Biggs and Andy John of FRP Advisory, confirmed that a transfer of the charitable activities has been secured for the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), after the charity entered administration in April.

Carvill-Biggs and John were appointed as Joint Administrators to PACEY on 11^th April, as a result of debt issues which left the charity in serious financial difficulty.

But a rescue deal has now been agreed with Coram Group, the longest serving children’s charity in the UK. It means that vital services to PACEY’s 14,000 members – a mixture of businesses and individuals that provide care to children – can continue and secures the jobs of all 34 of the charity’s employees.

This transfer safeguards jobs, secures continuity for members, and ensures that PACEY’s vital work will continue. It is incredibly good news for thousands of children across England and Wales.

Simon Carvill-Biggs Partner Restructuring Advisory

Following the transfer to the Coram Group, PACEY will operate as Coram PACEY. It will continue to provide all existing services, working with members, childcare and early years providers, stakeholders, and the wider childcare and early years sector.

In Wales, the organisation will be known as Coram PACEY Cymru, with services continuing to be delivered by the established team based in Wales.

Simon Carvill-Biggs, Partner at FRP and Joint Administrator, said: “This transfer safeguards jobs, secures continuity for members, and ensures that PACEY’s vital work will continue. It is incredibly good news for thousands of children across England and Wales.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the entire PACEY team, with special appreciation for Helen Donohoe, Dr. Amy Page, Victoria Epps-Wood, and Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges. Their diligence and dedication, during what has been a challenging period for PACEY, was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition. We wish Coram Group and the team every success as they lead the organisation into the future.”

FRP was also supported by Heather Dobson, Partner and Head of Restructuring and Insolvency at Moore Barlow.