Real estate firm secures six-figure NPIF II backing to boost growth
Liverpool-based Berkeley Shaw Real Estate has secured a significant working capital loan from NPIF II-FW Capital Debt Finance, which, following two recent acquisitions, will be used to support future growth ambitions.
NPIF II-FW Capital Debt Finance is managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The loan is understood to be in the region of six-figures.
Preston-based PR Lettings and Maghull estate agency, Ian Crane, recently joined the Berkeley Shaw stable, and managing director John Baybut said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome so many new colleagues and clients into our business.
“We have the technology, people and funds to build a leading regional sales and management business, and we remain firmly on the lookout for the right clients and right acquisitions.”
Baybut says property owners value service and market knowledge, but now also tech and instant, round-the-clock communication. He says he is looking for ‘established firms’ serving the mid to higher ends of the market throughout the North West.
Berkeley Shaw already manages more than £1bn of assets for clients, including some of Liverpool’s best known apartment developments, and the Chartered Surveyor believes there is an appetite from developers and pension funds for local real estate agencies with established and proven supply chains.
The business, which has offices in Liverpool, Crosby, Formby, Maghull, Southport and Preston, employs approximately 40 staff and recently hit the national headlines after being tasked with selling the Freshfield home of former Liverpool FC manager, Jurgen Klopp..
Berkeley Shaw’s property management arm is responsible for prime residential buildings such as Waterloo Warehouse, Beetham Tower and Wapping Quays.
Commercial sites under its care include Stephenson Way industrial estate in Formby and numerous warehouses in and around Liverpool docks.
Baybut said: “We want to grow the commercial side of our business and the NPIF II support from FW Capital will help with that ambition, too.”
Caroline Turley, Investment Executive at FW Capital, said: “We have been very pleased to support Berkeley Shaw with the working capital needed during this period of growth.
“Our key criteria are assessing the leadership capability within the business and also making sure they have a track record of success. It’s clear John and his team have this in abundance, and we look forward to working together over the coming years.”
Sue Barnard, senior manager at the British Business Bank, said: “NPIF II was created to drive sustainable growth for businesses across the North. This support for Berkeley Shaw showcases how the fund can support an expanding business in a high growth sector, making a significant contribution to a more thriving regional economy.”
Rebecca Richards, Partner at Xeinadin Liverpool, advised on the two recent acquisitions.
