Businessman launches funding drive for water taxis venture

A BUSINESSMAN is launching a crowdfunding campaign for a new venture to launch water taxis on the Bridgewater Canal, linking Manchester city centre with south Manchester.

Steve Cadwell has set up Manchester Water Taxis, or waxis, as they are known, but needs £75,000 to build and launch the boats.

Mr Cadwell said: “Manchester has always been a vibrant, cutting-edge city and with the ever increasing influx of tourists and young professionals wanting to work here, it’s time for an alternative form of travel.

“The Bridgewater Canal passes through the heart of Manchester and it makes perfect sense to use it to the benefit of the thousands of people who pass through the city every day. This is a chance for Mancunians to make history and help bring a brand new icon to the city.

“We also have a lot of interest from overseas, particularly from tourists visiting the Manchester United Football ground. We hope that waxis will offer a great way for people to travel to home games on match days, adding to their Manchester experience.”

Investors have 60 days  in which to contribute to the crowdfunding campaign.

The water taxis link the city centre with Old Trafford, The Trafford Centre, the new Hotel Football and Castlefield-based bar Dukes 92.

With free WiFIi, the boats will carry up to 12 people and will make regular trips throughout the day. Tickets would cost aroud £5.

Crowdfunding features in our new 16-page Access to Finance. Click here to download it.