In 2022 fund managers at River Capital backed a Bootle nursery to the tune of £100,000 and now the cash is repaid as the business thrives. Tony McDonough reports

Husband and wife team David and Alix Bedford have repaid a £100,000 loan to Liverpool fund manager River Capital thanks to the success of their Bootle nursery.

In 2022 the couple approached River Capital, appointed fund manager for MSIF, to seek backing to buy an existing nursery, 1st Steps Day Nursery, that had been established in Irlam Road for almost two decades.

It already held an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a loyal base of local families. However, David and Alix believed there was the potential for future growth. They took over and renamed it Treetops.

They secured a £100,000 Merseyside Loan and Equity Fund loan, along with other debt from NatWest. Having been drawn down in July 2022, the loan has now been repaid in full ahead iof its five-year term after the pair made good on their pledge to grow the business.

It is now one of the most sought-after childcare facilities in Sefton – fully occupied with a waiting list. Davd and Alix said: “We are so grateful to Sue (Chambers) and Steve (Hitchen) at River Capital for helping us to fulfil our dreams.

“They believed in us from day one and gave us the support and encouragement to help us buy the nursery and start to build our business.”

Prior to acquiring Treetops Alix had spent more than 20 years in childcare, most recently managing Orchard Day Nursery in Knowsley — a setting she guided to successive Outstanding Ofsted ratings and consistent near-full occupancy.

David brought complementary strengths in business development, finance and marketing, taking on the commercial side of the business to give Alix the space to focus on what she does best.

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Between them, they managed the transition carefully — retaining key staff, reassuring existing families, and building steadily from a position of trust.

Steve Hitchen at River Capital added: “From the moment we met David and Alix, it was clear they had everything it takes — the experience, the commitment, and the vision. What they’ve built since then is entirely their own achievement.”