A husband-and-wife team from York have taken a major step forward in securing the future of their two much-loved local businesses – completing the purchase of the premises they each operate from, with support from Hethertons Solicitors.
Matt and Nicola Cooper, owners of York Car and Commercial and Liliput Day Nursery, have fulfilled a long-held dream of owning the buildings behind their thriving ventures.
It’s a step forward for them both that secures jobs, underpins continued growth, and gives them the freedom to shape their businesses’ futures exactly as they envision.
The couple were advised by Hethertons’ commercial property team, who guided them through the complex transactions and finance arrangements to ensure both deals completed smoothly.
For Matt, the purchase marks the culmination of decades of dedication to the motor trade. Having started out as a valeter before building his own successful vehicle sales business, York Car and Commercial now operates from a spacious showroom and service centre on the outskirts of York, employing four full-time staff and several subcontractors.
“This means the world to us,” said Matt. “Owning the site gives us stability and control after years of hard work and challenges. It’s not just a business milestone — it’s personal.
“When I think about where we started, from a small retail site and a big dream, to now owning the building we operate from, it’s incredibly rewarding.
“Hethertons made what could have been a daunting process feel straightforward and supported us every step of the way.”
Matt’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. After the loss of his close friend and business partner, Mark Shackleton, in 2021, he and Mark’s wife Sarah worked together to keep the business strong — a partnership that continues today. Purchasing the premises is, for Matt, both a practical and deeply meaningful way of honouring the business they built together.
For Nicola, who founded Liliput Day Nursery 16 years ago, the move brings a sense of joy and possibility. Having leased the premises since opening, taking ownership means she can now invest in improving the building and expanding what the nursery offers to local families.
“This really is a dream come true,” Nicola said. “We’ve poured our hearts into building Liliput — it’s been a huge part of our lives and our community.
“Owning the nursery gives us the freedom to make it even better for the children and families we care for. It’s a huge moment of pride and gratitude, and we couldn’t have done it without Hethertons’ expertise.”
Liliput Day Nursery has become a trusted name in York for quality childcare and early years education, employing a team of 12.
Many families have returned with their second, third, and even fourth children — a testament to the relationships Nicola and her team have built.
Tom Henry, Director of Commercial Property at Hethertons Solicitors, said: “It’s been a privilege to help Matt and Nicola make this next step.
“They’ve each built something truly special through hard work, resilience, and a real commitment to their community. Supporting local entrepreneurs like them to secure their futures is exactly what we’re here for at Hethertons.”
Together, Matt and Nicola say this milestone represents more than a business investment — it’s a symbol of what they’ve built together as a family.
“It’s not just about bricks and mortar,” they said. “It’s about everything we’ve worked for — our staff, our customers, our children, and our future.”
