A hybrid Liverpool city region venue that combines a café, a barbershop and an art space secures six-figure investment via River Capital. Tony McDonough reports

Huyton hybrid venue Art Gallery NW offers an unusual combination of a café, a barbershop and an art space.

And its business model has impressed Liverpool SME loan and equity provider River Capital which has made a six-figure investment in the venture from NPIF II – River Capital & GC Business Finance Smaller Loans.

This funding has enabled owner Ozgur Soylu to transform an almost 2,000 sq ft corner unit on Cavendish Walk into a vibrant community space offering specialty coffees, barber services and a platform for local artists.

Ozgur brings over 13 years of experience in the barbering industry, having co-founded the L1 Styles brand in 2012 and managed the expansion of six barbershops across Liverpool.

He also founded Olive Branch Mediterranean Street Food in 2016 and has successfully project managed several retail fitouts across the region.

Art Gallery NW will relocate Ozgur’s existing L1 Barbers business from its current Huyton Village location into the new larger premises, whilst adding a café offering hot drinks, bakery goods, light meals and licensed beverages.

It will also display work by local artists on its walls, with plans to host paid workshops and special events in place.

The new venue will create four jobs initially, with potential to expand as the business grows with the opening aligning with Knowsley Council’s 10-year development plan for Huyton.

Ozgur Soylu said: “I’m thrilled to have River Capital’s support in bringing this concept to life. Huyton Village is experiencing real regeneration, and I wanted to create a space that reflects the area’s improving vibrancy.

“By combining my experience in barbering with my passion for hospitality and art, we’re offering something truly different to the local community.”

READ MORE: How non-execs can turbo-charge a business

READ MORE: Punters stake £736m with Liverpool betting firm

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m.

River Capital senior investment manager Sue Chambers added: “This investment represents everything we look for in supporting regional SMEs.

“Ozgur has a demonstrated track record in both the hospitality and barber sectors, and his vision for The Art Gallery NW brings something genuinely unique to Huyton Village.”