South City Studios

“This is a unique project, not your everyday investment opportunity and the team at FW Capital have shown great interest and confidence in South City Studios.”

Paul Bowe, Director, South City Studios

South City Studios were able to expand their facilities after using a six-figure loan from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. 

As South Manchester’s premier pre-production and rehearsal facility, the business used the investment to support plans to accelerate further growth following the acquisition of additional space at Welkin Mill, Stockport, close to their existing studios. The investment also created two additional jobs and helped the rebranding to South City Studios.

The owners of the business were looking to create additional rehearsal studios as well as a new 500 capacity pre-production room for artists to rehearse and record in a venue setting. This is the first pre-production room available in the North of England and provides private VIP facilities for the artists and their sound and lighting technicians to prepare for live gigs and tours. 

Established in 2017, South City Studios, formerly called The Stockport Studios, is located in Pear Mill, Stockport. Following strong financial performance over the last two years, the business was able to fund the development of additional studio spaces at their existing location, increasing overall capacity to 15 permanent rooms that can be hired on a monthly basis and a further four rooms available for flexible bookings.

The first NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.