Gurgle is a UK-based pregnancy and parenting publisher owned by Mothercare. Gurgle.com is a fun, friendly environment where people can find information on conception, pregnancy, birth, baby and toddlerhood. At the core of the site is social networking, which allows Gurgle.com users to connect with each other and share advice and experiences. Gurgle.com hosts regular online webchats with parenting experts and celebrities. Recent webchats have included: Peter Andre, Dr Miriam Stoppard, Tess Daly, midwife Vicki Scott, and Myleene Klass. Gurgle.com has published three pregnancy and parenting books with Harper Collins, and in February 2011 Gurgle partnered with restaurant guide publisher Hardens, and baby food company Plum to produce Eating out with Babies and Toddlers, which features over 1,000 of the UK's best baby and toddler-friendly restaurants, cafes, and pubs. In May 2011, gurgle.com launched a parenting magazine called Gurgle. Gurgle magazine is bimonthly, and features advice on parenting and tips for family life, fashion must-haves and celebrities. In June 2010 gurgle.com launched its first annual blog awards, 'The Gurgles'. Parenting blogs are nominated by gurgle users, before being shortlisted by an expert judging panel. The winners are voted for by the general public. In October 2011, gurgle.com launched a group buying deals service, tailored to mums in the UK, powered by Savvymummys.co.uk.
The Early Learning Centre was founded in 1974 originally as a mail-order business offering toys and books with educational content. The first ELC retail store opened in Reading later the same year. In 1985, ELC was acquired by John Menzies plc who continued to expand the estate and ELC became a well-known high street brand. In September 2001, ELC was the subject of a management buyout, during which ELC streamlined its operations, exited non-profitable product categories and stores and grew its sourcing operation in Asia.