Cosy Direct to run training centre from new £2m site

To mark the company’s ten-year anniversary, owner, Peter Ellse has invested in a 45,000-square foot specially-adapted building set in two acres of land in the heart of the countryside on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

With a £10m turnover and a 100-strong team, the move will enable the company to double its current capacity over the next five years; increase its exports to 100 counties and increase the product range and supply network, which is made up predominantly of small local companies.

Mr Ellse said that 'none of this would be possible without the support of the sector, which is why part of the plan involves giving something back’.

He added, ‘The vision is to provide a community space for the early years sector, where they can take part in training sessions; be inspired by our product ranges which are on display on our “nursery” and enjoy the peace of the countryside.

‘We are providing this platform because huge amounts of independent trainers have supported us and this is our way of saying thank you for the partnership and the friendship.’

Independent trainers Anna Ephgrave, Kym Scott, and the Greg Bottrill, the author of ‘Can I go and play now?’, have already signed up to deliver training sessions for groups of practitioners and teachers, starting in June.