Despite having already invested £85m in Liverpool, since opening its financial solutions operation in 2003. The Yorkshire Bank is setting up an innovative new fund (Liverpool Property Fund) aimed at providing finance for developers setting up property schemes in the Merseyside region. A reported £100m will be available for commercial development schemes with a minimum investment value of £250,000 and residential development schemes, focusing particularly on brownfield sites.

The bank chose Liverpool for new investment because it sees major opportunities for further growth, due to an increase in the citys population.

Liverpool managing partner Ian Spink says: "Perhaps the most compelling statistic is the fact that the citys population is growing again. Population growth is one of the biggest drivers on investment and economic activity and it certainly encouraged Yorkshire Bank during the planning phase for the fund."