The funding, provided has enabled owner Ozgur Soylu to transform a 180 square metre corner unit on Cavendish Walk into a vibrant community space offering speciality coffees, barber services and a platform for local artists.

Ozgur brings over 13 years of experience in the barbering industry, having co-founded the L1 Styles brand in 2012 and managed the expansion of six barbershops across Liverpool. He also founded Olive Branch Mediterranean Street Food in 2016 and has successfully project managed several retail fitouts across the region.

The Art Gallery NW will relocate Ozgur’s existing L1 Barbers business from its current Huyton Village location into the new larger premises, whilst adding a café offering premium hot drinks, bakery goods, light meals and licensed beverages.

The venue will also display work by local artists on its walls, with plans to host paid workshops and special events in place.

The new venue will create four jobs initially, with potential to expand as the business grows with the opening aligning with Knowsley Council’s ambitious 10 year development plan for Huyton, which includes a shop improvement programme and investment in public arts strategy.

River Capital Senior Investment Manager Sue Chamber said: “This investment represents everything we look for in supporting regional SMEs. Ozgur has a demonstrated track record in both the hospitality and barber sectors, and his vision for The Art Gallery NW brings something genuinely unique to Huyton Village. The hybrid model creates multiple revenue streams whilst serving as a genuine community hub and will create local jobs in the area.”

Ozgur Soylu, founder of The Art Gallery NW, said: “I’m thrilled to have River Capital’s support in bringing this concept to life. Huyton Village is experiencing real regeneration, and I wanted to create a space that reflects the area’s improving vibrancy. By combining my experience in barbering with my passion for hospitality and art, we’re offering something truly different to the local community.”

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

ENDS