OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided a bespoke funding package to the UK’s leading premium nursery brand, Mamas & Papas, to support its continued growth.
About Mamas & Papas: Founded in 1981 by new parents at the time, David and Luisa Scacchetti, and headquartered in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Mamas & Papas is a designer, wholesaler, and retailer of nursery and baby products including travel systems, nursery furniture and children’s clothing. The business is now the largest nursery brand in the UK, operating a seamless omnichannel shopping experience, including over 60 dedicated stores and concessions, across the country, in addition to an international footprint that sees them operating in 23 countries through various wholesale channels. Having won multiple industry awards, Mamas & Papas has built a strong reputation for an uncompromising approach to customer service, quality, style, sustainability, and attention to detail.
Initially a family-owned business, Mamas & Papas was acquired in 2014 by existing OakNorth customer, Bluegem Capital Partners, which was founded in 2007 by Marco Capello and Emilio Di Spiezio Sardo. Bluegem is a private equity firm based in London, which invests in European consumer brands and businesses with baby care being a core subvertical.
Mamas & Papas, which reported sales growth of 14% to £144m in its 2023 financial year, is set to report another record financial year thanks to continued sales and profits growth.