A businessman is hoping to combat homelessness in the city with the launch of a new trust.
Nick Thornhill's company, Bedspace, was set up in 1999 initially to support asylum seekers, but now works with vulnerable 16 to 18 year olds from across the north. Earlier this year, the business revealed it planned to take on a further 100 staff by 2024, although it has already filled 80 vacancies.
Nick said: "That figure will go to 200, if not even more. And with that comes property, our current portfolio stands at about 700 units." Bedspace currently has about 300 sites in Liverpool, with Nick said that figure could grow by "at least 50 to 60 per year", covering the likes of central Liverpool, Everton, Anfield, Toxteth and the Wirral.
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However, with growth comes all manner of issues. Nick continued: "We've been hugely impacted by the cost of living crisis. We can't invoice anymore to the local authority, but overnight £450 a month properties are turning into £600 properties."
The business is now looking at new models to overcome challenges and continue growth, including trainer flats.
Nick said: "That's a group of six, seven or eight flats in one block, with one doorway into the flat. Our staff member would reside on the ground floor to see how they live in a micro-flat to see if they're ready to be independent.
"We've got seven of those in Liverpool and we think that's the best model. We want to make sure these young people have the best opportunities."
Bedspace has also launched its first children's home and revealed the second site will be in Merseyside.
Nick has also recently set up The Bedspace Trust to support young adults from 18 years of age onwards.
"What inevitably happens with most authorities, at 18 years old funding ceases. The Bedspace Trust is going to try and access funding to offer an 18 plus service so we can carry on working with these young people for a further two or three years. It will help combat homelessness."
The trust would act as leaseholder. At the moment, Bedspace is providing the service for free to the tune of £350,000.
"Just a couple of hours of support could keep them managing their property," Nick said. "We don't own any properties. There are lots of landlords just thinking about return.
"Generally we lease on flexible contracts, although that's about to change. We'll be agreeing five year leases and we'll be responsible for repairs to keep those prices down."
Nick said he "doesn't know" of a bigger provider of this type of care in the UK and has lobbied for the sector to be regulated.
"You can give yourself comfort that young people are getting the support they need and are getting safe accommodation, and as long as they're working with us they can get moved on and help stop that cycle of homelessness."
Nick also shed some light on how he hopes homelessness could be combated in the future and the work Bedspace is currently doing in the city.
He said: "You can't just give someone who's been on the streets a house and say 'live in it' because they're that broken. We support 60 homeless families in Liverpool and that service keeps growing. I wouldn't be surprised if the figure was 80 by the end of the year.
"I want to see more affordable housing being built and not just ticking boxes. Modular housing could be great, and also look quite cool."
Bedspace is headquartered in Manchester, but has its largest office on Wavertree Technology Park. It has also bases in Preston and Leeds.
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