River Capital backs expansion of estate agency in a move that could create up to six new jobs in the north end of the city. Tony McDonough reports

River Capital has provided a six-figure loan to Marshallets Ltd, trading as Marshall Property, to support the opening of its third branch on Liverpool Road in Crosby.

With existing sites on Smithdown Road in Allerton and Rodney Street in Liverpool city centre, the agency provides residential sales and lettings, commercial property services, block management and property maintenance.

The new Crosby branch will serve customers across Blundellsands, Waterloo, Brighton-le-Sands, Maghull, Southport and Ormskirk, serving what they say is one of Liverpool City Region’s most active residential property markets.

Earlier this week, Liverpool law firm GAD Solicitors revealed that while the national housing market has cooled, Liverpool remains buoyant thanks to relative affordability, creating a window of opportunity for agents in the region.

The investment, made through the North West Business Growth Loan Fund, will fund the fit-out of the new premises, pre-opening marketing activity and working capital during the branch’s initial growth phase.

Led by director Sean Marshall, alongside co-director and founder Paul Marshall, the business currently employs 14 people and expects to create six additional jobs through this latest expansion.

Sean Marshall, director at Marshall Property, said: “Crosby is a natural next step for us. We already have clients and properties in the area, while its strong family housing stock, consistent rental demand and excellent transport links make the local market a great fit for our business.

“We considered several funding options, and River Capital offered exactly what we needed: a straightforward loan that we could plan and budget around. The new branch is now open, and we already feel that we’re becoming part of the Crosby community.”

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Jim Moore, investment manager at River Capital, said: “Marshall Property is a well-run, established business with extensive knowledge of the Liverpool property market. Sean and Paul understand the sector inside out and have selected Crosby carefully. The area has strong demand and a clear opportunity for the premium, service-led agency they have built.

“This growth loan is supporting a business with an established and proven model, and we’re pleased to help Marshall Property begin its next chapter.”

The deal is the latest investment from the North West Business Growth Loan Fund, which provides flexible debt finance to small and medium-sized businesses across the region.

River Capital manages the fund as part of its wider portfolio of growth finance solutions for North West businesses.