River Capital’s dramatic intervention for small business
Liverpool SME finance provider River Capital treads the boards to offer five-figure investment to theatre school, creating 10 new jobs. Tony McDonough reports
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River Capital is making a five-figure investment into a Lancashire theatre school.
Liverpool-based River Capital is providing funding to NW1 Theatre School from NPIF II – River Capital & GC Business Finance Smaller Loans, which is managed by River Capital & GC Business Finance as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Founded in 2016 by Christopher Campbell, NW1 Theatre School has grown from an initial cohort of four students to more than 260 students across its four sites.
It provides training in theatre, song, dance, and production, with programmes grounded in the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) curriculum. Students also have the opportunity to train for television and film acting alongside radio presenting.
This latest funding will enable NW1 Theatre School to create 10 new jobs across its four locations in Lytham St Annes, Blackpool, Kirkham, and Preston, increase marketing activity, and facilitate refurbishments.
It will also allow for essential equipment purchases that will lead to an increase in its programmes, including the introduction of new dance classes, such as Acro and Jazz. The school hires fully qualified, degree-educated teachers.
Christopher Campbell said: “This investment marks a significant milestone in NW1 Theatre School’s journey.
“It will allow us to enhance our facilities and expand our program offerings, creating more opportunities for young people across Lancashire to develop their performing arts skills in an inclusive, supportive environment.”
Having established itself as a vital part of the region’s cultural landscape and having maintained a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion, the school has also demonstrated its community engagement through charitable initiatives.
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These include raising more than £5,000 for mental health charity YoungMinds and supporting the Fylde Food Bank.
Jonathan Nelson, investment manager at River Capital, added: “NW1 Theatre School has shown impressive growth and demonstrates strong potential for further expansion.
“The social impact of their work is significant, providing inclusive performing arts education across different communities in Lancashire.”